Idaho's Air Travel: A Comprehensive Airport Count

Idaho is a state in the US with 25 airports, only 6 of which handle commercial flights. The Boise Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Idaho, located 5km south of Boise, the state's capital. It is also known as Gowen Field and serves only domestic flights. Other major airports in Idaho include the Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, the Idaho Falls Regional Airport, the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport, the Magic Valley Regional Airport in Twin Falls, and the Pocatello Regional Airport.

Idaho's busiest and largest airport

Idaho has only six airports that handle commercial flights, with regular year-round daily flights. Boise Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the state, located about 5 km south of Boise, the state's capital. The airport, also known as the Gowen Field, serves only domestic flights and is operated by the city of Boise Department of Aviation. Boise Airport enplaned 2,248,435 passengers in 2022, an increase of 24% compared to 2021. The airport has one terminal with two concourses and nine airlines. The terminal has three stories, including four baggage carousels, rental car counters, ticketing counters, and fast-food outlets. The two concourses have a total of 24 gates with 13 jet bridges.

The airport functions as a commercial, general aviation, and USAF military facility. The 124th Fighter Wing (124 FW) of the Idaho Air National Guard uses the Gowen Field Air National Guard Base portion of the airport and operates the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. Boise Airport is also used by the National Interagency Fire Center and the United States Forest Service (USFS) for logistical support and as a base for aerial firefighting air tankers during wildfire season.

The airport covers 5,000 acres and has two runways and one helipad. In the year ending May 31, 2023, the airport recorded 139,983 aircraft operations, with an average of 383 per day. There were 273 aircraft based at Boise Airport as of 2023. The airport is currently undergoing expansion, with plans for a new concourse, parking garages, and other improvements.

Major airports in Idaho

Idaho has only six airports with regular year-round daily flights. The major airports in the state include:

Boise Airport (Gowen Field)

The Boise Airport is the busiest and largest airport in Idaho, with around 4.1 million passengers. The airport is located around 5 km south of Boise, Idaho's capital city, and serves only domestic flights. Regional SkyWest Airlines and major Southwest Airlines handle the most routes. The airport is also fairly close to Nampa and Morley Nelson Nature Reserve.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (Fanning Field)

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport is located 3 km from Idaho Falls. Airlines that service this airport include Allegiant Air, Delta Connection, and United.

Friedman Memorial Airport (Hailey Airport)

Friedman Memorial Airport, also known as Hailey Airport, is located 2 km from Hailey. Airlines that service this airport include Alaska Airlines, Delta Connection, and United.

Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport

Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport is located 3 km from Lewiston. Delta Connection is the airline that services this airport.

Magic Valley Regional Airport (Joslin Field)

Magic Valley Regional Airport, also known as Joslin Field, is located 7 km from Twin Falls. Delta Connection is the airline that services this airport.

Pocatello Regional Airport

Pocatello Regional Airport is located 13 km from Pocatello. Delta Connection is the airline that services this airport.

Local airports in Idaho

Idaho has a total of 25 airports, including both major and local airports. The local airports in Idaho are smaller airports that serve specific regions or communities within the state. These airports typically handle a lower volume of traffic compared to the major airports. Here is some information about some of the local airports in Idaho:

Burley Municipal Airport

This airport is located in Burley, Idaho, and serves the local community. It is a small airport that likely handles general aviation and private flights.

Coeur d'Alene Airport

Coeur d'Alene Airport, also known as Pappy Boyington Field, is situated in the city of Coeur d'Alene. It is a general aviation airport, accommodating small aircraft and private flights.

Soda Springs Airport

Soda Springs Airport is a small airport located in Soda Springs, Idaho. It likely serves the local community and general aviation needs.

Rexburg-Madison County Airport

This airport is situated in Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho. It is a municipal airport that caters to the local aviation demands of the region.

Jerome County Airport

Jerome County Airport is a local airport located in Jerome County, Idaho. It is a small facility that accommodates general aviation and private flights.

American Falls Airport

American Falls Airport is a local airport positioned in American Falls, Idaho. It is one of the many small airports scattered across the state that serves the local aviation community.

These are just a few examples of the local airports found in Idaho. These airports play a crucial role in providing air transportation options to residents and visitors in various regions of the state. They offer convenience and accessibility to areas that may not be served by the major airports.

Idaho's commercial service airports

Idaho has only a handful of airports handling commercial flights. There are six airports in Idaho with regular year-round daily flights. These airports are served by major airlines such as United Express, Allegiant Air, and Delta Connection, as well as some regional and low-cost carriers.

The Boise Airport, also known as Gowen Field, is the busiest and largest airport in Idaho. It is located about 5 kilometres south of Boise, the state capital. The airport serves only domestic flights, with regional SkyWest Airlines and major Southwest Airlines operating the most routes. The nearby cities of Nampa and Morley Nelson Nature Reserve are served in addition to Boise.

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport, also known as Fanning Field, is located 3 kilometres from Idaho Falls. Airlines serving this airport include Allegiant Air, Delta Connection, and United.

The Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey is 2 kilometres from the city and is served by Alaska Airlines, Delta Connection, and United.

The Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport is 3 kilometres from Lewiston and is served by Delta Connection.

The Magic Valley Regional Airport, also known as Joslin Field, is located 7 kilometres from Twin Falls and is served by Delta Connection.

The Pocatello Regional Airport is 13 kilometres from Pocatello and is served by Delta Connection.

Idaho's busiest travel season

Idaho has a few airports handling commercial flights, with six airports offering regular year-round daily flights. Boise Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the state, located about 5km south of Boise, Idaho's capital. The airport serves only domestic flights, with Seattle and Denver topping the list of destinations.

The busiest travel season in Idaho is during the summer months, from June to August, which is also the peak season for tourism. The average temperature during this time sits in the mid to high 80s, with low humidity. The dry weather and warm temperatures make it a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and water sports. Idaho's twenty-seven state parks and various lakes, such as Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake, attract many visitors during the summer.

However, the summer months can also be extremely smoky due to wildfires, which may deter some travellers. For those seeking to avoid the smoke and high temperatures, spring and fall can be ideal seasons to visit Idaho. Spring, from March to May, offers moderately cold temperatures and the opportunity to see the blooming flowers and snowy mountain peaks in the distance. Fall, from mid-September to November, is known for its crisp weather, colourful foliage, and cooler temperatures, making it a great time for backpacking trips and camping.

Winter in Idaho, from December through February, is also a peak tourism season due to the snowy outdoor activities on offer. The state has eighteen ski resorts, and the ski and snowboard season typically runs from late November to May. Holiday celebrations, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve, also attract visitors to the state during this time.

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