Airports In San Antonio: A Comprehensive Overview

San Antonio, Texas, is home to a number of airports, including San Antonio International Airport, Kelly Field, Stinson Municipal Airport, and Randolph Air Force Base. There are 26 key aviation facilities in the region, according to one source, while another source suggests there are 30 airports in San Antonio, both public and private.

San Antonio International Airport

San Antonio, Texas, is home to 30 airports, both public and private. One of these is San Antonio International Airport, which is located in Uptown Central San Antonio, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Downtown. The airport has three runways and covers 2,305 acres (933 ha). It is 809 feet (247 m) above sea level and is the 44th busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic. San Antonio International Airport was founded in 1941 when the City of San Antonio purchased 1,200 acres (490 ha) of undeveloped land for a project to be called "San Antonio Municipal Airport". Today, the airport averages 260 daily departures and arrivals at its 27 gates, serving 14 airlines flying non-stop to 45 destinations in the US and Mexico.

Kelly Field

There are 26 key aviation facilities in San Antonio, Texas, including Kelly Field. Kelly Field (IATA: SKF, ICAO: KSKF, FAA LID: SKF) is a Joint-Use facility located in San Antonio, Texas. It was originally named after George E. M. Kelly, the first member of the U.S. military killed in the crash of an airplane he was piloting. In 2001, the former Kelly Air Force Base runway and land west of the runway became Kelly Field and control of this reduced-size installation was transferred to the adjacent Lackland Air Force Base, part of Joint Base San Antonio. Kelly Field supports flight operations of two tenant commands, the Air Force Reserve Command's 433rd Airlift Wing, operating the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, and the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing, operating the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. The remaining 1,873 acres (758 hectares) of land, including hangars and industrial facilities previously known as the San Antonio Air Logistics Center, is operated by the Greater Kelly Development Authority (a political subdivision of the State of Texas, now renamed the Port Authority of San Antonio) as the Port San Antonio business park. Port San Antonio is a fast-growing aerospace industry centre and a strategic partner to customers at its industrial airport, Kelly Field, which also serves as a flexible logistics platform. Kelly Field has the region's longest runway (11,500 ft) with 24/7 access capable of project and heavy-lift cargo.

Stinson Municipal Airport

San Antonio, Texas, is home to 26 airports, including Stinson Municipal Airport. The latter is seven miles south of downtown San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas. It is the second oldest general aviation airport in continuous operation in the United States, having been established in October 1915 when the Stinson family initially leased the land from the City of San Antonio. The Stinsons had been operating out of Fort Sam Houston but had to relocate when the 1st Aero Squadron took over the fort's air facilities to monitor the border.

The airport is located along the San Antonio Missions parkway in the state’s only UNESCO World Heritage site district. It features a Hike & Bike Trail that connects to Mission Reach. The trail is not a loop, so visitors should plan for the return trip. The trail offers water, restrooms, trail access, viewpoints and more.

Randolph Air Force Base

San Antonio, Texas, is home to 26 airports, including San Antonio International Airport, Kelly Field, Stinson Municipal Airport, and Randolph Air Force Base.

The base covers a vast area, spanning across 3,400 acres of land. It is known for its distinctive architecture, featuring a blend of Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco styles. The base's iconic water tower, with its prominent "Randolph Field" lettering, has become a symbol of the facility.

The base has a strong focus on education and training, offering a range of courses and programmes for military personnel. It is renowned for its pilot training programmes, utilising advanced flight simulators and providing hands-on experience in various aircraft. In addition to flight training, Randolph Air Force Base also conducts specialised courses in fields such as intelligence, cyber operations, and space operations, ensuring that military personnel are equipped with diverse skill sets.

Freedom Springs Ranch Airport

San Antonio, Texas, is home to 26-30 airports, including Freedom Springs Ranch Airport. This airport is located 4 miles east of Pipe Creek, Texas, and covers 6 acres of land. Its elevation is 1384 feet MSL. The airport's coordinates are N29°42.90' / W98°51.55'.

The airport is owned and operated by a private company, and it is not open to the public. However, it does have a website that provides information for pilots and aircraft owners, including airport communications and ownership information.

The airport is well-equipped to handle a range of aircraft, from small private planes to larger business jets. It has a paved runway, aircraft parking aprons, and a terminal building with basic amenities. There is also a drainage ditch along the east side of the runway to handle rainwater runoff.

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