Waco Airport: A Surprisingly Busy Hub For Travellers

Waco Regional Airport (ACT) has a rich history that dates back to 1929 when the first commercial flight operated by Texas Air Transport landed at Rich Field, an old army base. In 1941, the city of Waco purchased land to build a new municipal airport, which later became a training ground for the United States Army Air Forces. Today, Waco Regional Airport offers convenient transportation options, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and an affordable public bus service. The airport has one terminal, making navigation easy for travellers, and it provides short and long-term parking options. Waco Regional Airport is currently served by American Airlines, offering short flights to nearby destinations.

Waco Regional Airport history

Waco Regional Airport has a long history, initially serving as an old army base named Rich Field, located near the current-day Heart O’Texas Fairgrounds. On March 30, 1929, the first commercial flight, operated by Texas Air Transport (TAT), landed at Rich Field. Throughout the interwar period, Waco was part of only two TAT routes: Fort Worth-Dallas-Waco-San Antonio and Fort Worth-Waco-Houston-Galveston.

In 1941, the city of Waco purchased 528 acres in China Spring with the intention of constructing a new commercial municipal airport. During World War II, the airfield was used for training cadets to pilot various bombers, including the B-17, B-24, B-25, and B-26. The base was home to diverse squadrons, reflecting the changing nature of the Army. After the war, in 1945, the airfield was converted back into the Waco Municipal Airport, with Braniff Airlines and Pioneer Airlines commencing operations in 1947.

In the 1950s, Continental Airlines joined the roster, temporarily boosting the airport's profile by introducing flights on the large Douglas DC-3 aircraft. However, in 1963, the Civil Aeronautics Board ruled that only one airline could operate in Waco, leading to a monopoly by Trans-Texas Airway for the next eleven years. This decision forced Braniff and Continental to cease their services to Waco.

In the 1960s, the airport expanded beyond its original structure of a main building and control tower, becoming a multi-use facility. By 1966, the airport had a small runway pattern that still exists today. The airport continued to evolve, and by 2022, it covered 1,369 acres, featuring two asphalt runways and accommodating various aircraft operations, including general aviation, military flights, air taxis, and airlines.

Airlines that operate from Waco Airport

Waco Regional Airport, formerly known as Waco Municipal Airport, is currently served by American Airlines (AA) and its subsidiary American Eagle. AA offers short flights to Dallas and Denver from Waco.

The airport has a long history of airline operations, dating back to the 1920s. In 1945, Braniff Airlines began operations at the airport, and Pioneer Airlines followed in 1947. Continental Airlines also offered service to Houston from Waco in 2003, but ceased operations in 2012 when it was purchased by United.

Waco Regional Airport has seen its fair share of notable events. In 1987, a plane carrying then-presidential candidate Al Gore was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport due to mechanical failure. Additionally, the airport has been a hub for various military squadrons, including the all-black 357th aviation squadron and the all-white 871st twin-engine training squadron during World War II.

Today, Waco Regional Airport continues to serve the region with commercial and private flights, offering convenient connections to nearby cities like Dallas and Denver. The airport is open daily from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is located at 7909 Karl May Dr, Waco, TX 76708.

Waco Airport's role in flight training

Waco Regional Airport, located at 7909 Karl May Dr Waco, TX 76708, has played a significant role in flight training over the years. The airport has a rich history, initially serving as an old army base, Rich Field, where the first commercial flight operated by Fort Worth-based Texas Air Transport (TAT) took off in 1929. During the interwar period, Waco was part of two routes operated by TAT, connecting the city to major Texas centres.

The airport's role in flight training became prominent with the establishment of Blackland as a military airfield during World War II. Cadets at Blackland received intensive flight instruction in Beechcraft AT-10s and Cessna AT-17s, along with ground classes in radio and meteorology. The diversity of squadrons at Blackland reflected the changing nature of the Army, including the presence of all-black and all-white squadrons.

After the war, in 1945, Blackland was converted back into the Waco Municipal Airport, continuing its legacy of flight training. Commercial flight operations resumed, with Braniff Airlines and Pioneer Airlines offering services. Waco Regional Airport now serves as a modern airport, providing short flights to Dallas through American Airlines (the parent company of American Eagle).

In addition to the historical significance, Waco is also home to several flight schools. Baylor University, located near the airport, offers a four-year liberal arts Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Science for students aspiring for a career in aviation. Other notable flight schools in the area include AeroGuard, Aurora Aviation, Central Texas Flight Training, and Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, each offering various programs and specializations.

Waco Regional Airport's past and present contributions to flight training have played a vital role in shaping the aviation landscape in Texas and beyond. The airport's history, combined with the presence of renowned flight schools, underscores its importance in fostering the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals.

Transportation options to and from the airport

Waco Regional Airport, Waco, Texas, is a small airport with a modern terminal building. It is currently served only by American Airlines, which operates short flights to Dallas.

The Waco, TX area is served by an airport shuttle service called the Waco Streak. This service runs between Waco and both the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) and the Love Field Airport (DAL).

There are also several companies offering group transportation shuttle services, including Brazos Tours, Waco Tours, and Waco Trolley Tours.

Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber are also available, although there may be limited drivers during early morning hours.

For those who prefer to drive, rental cars are available from the Hertz counter.

Waco Airport's busiest year

Waco Regional Airport, a small airport in Waco, Texas, has had a varied history, with its busiest year in terms of passenger numbers being 2003.

The airport first came into existence in 1941 when the city of Waco purchased 528 acres of land in China Spring to construct a new commercial airport. However, with the United States entering World War II, the Army Air Service leased the airport and turned it into a multi-engine flight training centre called the Blackland Army Air Field. Here, cadets received intensive flight instruction and ground classes for radio and meteorology. The airfield was home to various squadrons, including the all-black 357th aviation squadron and the all-white 871st twin-engine training squadron.

After the war, in 1945, the airfield was converted back into the Waco Municipal Airport, with Braniff Airlines and Pioneer Airlines commencing operations in 1947. In the 1960s, the airport became a multi-use facility, and a photo from 1966 shows busy ticket counters with employees of Continental and Braniff serving passengers.

The airport briefly entered the national spotlight in 1987 when a plane carrying presidential candidate Al Gore had to make an emergency landing. The turn of the millennium saw an increase in passenger numbers, with Continental Airlines offering service to Houston in 2003, resulting in a peak passenger count of over 150,000 that year. However, when United purchased Continental and ceased operations at the airport in 2012, passenger numbers dropped significantly to 63,000.

Currently, American Airlines (parent company of American Eagle) is the only airline operating out of Waco Regional Airport, offering short flights to Dallas.

Frequently asked questions