Amarillo Airport: Efficient Travel With Multiple Gates

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, located in Potter County, Texas, is a bustling hub for travellers exploring the Texas Panhandle region. The airport boasts an impressive runway length, efficient operations, and a range of passenger-focused services, making it a convenient gateway to Amarillo and beyond. With a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, the airport has undergone numerous transformations and expansions over the years. Today, it is served by major airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, offering direct flights to key destinations. But how many gates does this airport have?

The airport's history

The history of Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport can be traced back to the early days of aviation in the 20th century. Here is a detailed account of the airport's history:

The Early Years

The first recorded landing of aircraft in Amarillo occurred on April 27, 1918, when two Army Signal Corps planes, commanded by Lt. R. Gray, landed in a pasture. This event marked the beginning of aviation in the region. A year later, in 1919, pilot-mechanics Fred W. Hinds and Jack Hiller flew W.K. Whipple to the same pasture, where he met with Porter Whaley, head of the Amarillo Board of City Development. This meeting led to the establishment of the Panhandle Air Service and Transportation Co., the region's first aviation company.

Bivins Field and Amarillo's First Aerodrome

The Panhandle Aerial Service and Transportation Co. set up operations at Amarillo's first aerodrome, Bivins Field, which began operations on January 1, 1920. Located in the Bivins Addition of southwest Amarillo, Bivins Field had two runways that now form North and South Julian Boulevard. The operation later moved north of Amarillo, west of the current Ross Rogers Municipal Golf Course.

The Opening of the Municipal Airport

On May 29, 1929, the City of Amarillo opened a municipal airport, known as "Old Muny" or "Old Municipal Airport," located four miles west of the current Amarillo International Airport. Western Air Express inaugurated air service at this airport on June 1, 1929, with Charles Lindbergh and his wife in attendance.

The Relocation of Bivins-English Field

In the same year, Bivins-English Field, originally established in 1928, was relocated seven miles east of Amarillo on Highway 60 and renamed English Field. This relocation was facilitated by the Amarillo Airport Corporation, formed by Harold English and Thornton Oxnard. Western Air Express, which later merged to become TWA, moved its operations to English Field in 1930, followed by Southern Air Transport. By 1935, Braniff Airways was also operating from English Field. Unfortunately, a fire in the winter of 1937 destroyed the hangar, administration building, and cafe. Despite this setback, operations continued, and English Field was rebuilt between 1939 and 1943, with paved runways and taxiways added when the city took over in 1941.

World War II and Military Use

During World War II, the airport was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces and used as a training base. Amarillo Field, later renamed Amarillo Army Air Field, served as a technical school for mechanics and technicians of the Flying Fortress. The base offered primary and specific courses, ensuring that students became experts in aircraft mechanics and repair. In 1944, B-29 flight engineer training was introduced, reflecting the evolving needs of military aviation.

Post-War Developments

After the war, in 1945, the airport was returned to civilian control. The post-war years saw the expansion of commercial aviation, with various airlines offering routes to and from Amarillo. In 1951, a new terminal building was constructed to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

Renaming and Modernization

In 1971, the airport was renamed in honor of astronaut Rick Husband, an Amarillo native who tragically lost his life in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003. The airport continued to modernize and improve its facilities, including a major renovation project in 1989.

Recent Years

In 2011, the airport opened a new air traffic control tower, replacing the previous tower that had been in use since 1952. The airport also continued to invest in its infrastructure, announcing a $45 million expansion project in 2019, which included plans for a new concourse and additional parking. Today, the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport serves over 500,000 passengers annually, offering flights to several major cities in the United States.

Airlines and destinations

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) is located 6 miles east of downtown Amarillo, Texas, and is served by three major airlines: American, Southwest, and United. These airlines offer direct flights to major hubs across the US, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Denver, and Houston.

American Airlines, one of the oldest carriers operating at Amarillo Airport, returned to the airport in 1981, offering non-stop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth using a variety of aircraft, including the Boeing 727-100, Boeing 727-200, Fokker 100, and McDonnell Douglas MD-80. Today, American Airlines continues to serve AMA, providing direct flights to major hubs.

Southwest Airlines began serving Amarillo in 1978 with non-stop Boeing 737-200 flights to Dallas Love Field. Over the years, Southwest expanded its routes to include Albuquerque and Phoenix, and in 1996, it added non-stop flights to Las Vegas.

United Express, operating on behalf of United Airlines, commenced services to Amarillo in 1986, providing non-stop flights to Denver. In 2011, United Express resumed services to Denver and also introduced non-stop flights to Houston.

In addition to these major airlines, other carriers have served Amarillo Airport over the years, including Delta Air Lines, Aspen Airways, Pioneer Air Lines, Continental Airlines, Central Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. These airlines have contributed to the rich history of the airport, with some offering direct flights to various destinations before discontinuing their services.

Today, AMA continues to be a vital gateway to the Texas Panhandle region, connecting passengers to a wide range of domestic and international destinations through its major airline partners.

Facilities and aircraft

The Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport is a full-service public commercial airport located six miles east of downtown Amarillo, Texas. The airport covers 3,547 acres and has two concrete runways: Runway 4/22, which is 13,502 ft by 200 ft, and Runway 13/31, which is 7,901 ft by 150 ft. These runways provide ample support for various aircraft, including private, military, and commercial planes.

In addition to its runways, the airport boasts a range of facilities to cater to different types of aviation. For private aircraft, the airport offers a first-class Fixed Base Operator (FBO) that serves the private and corporate aircraft community 24 hours a day. This makes Amarillo Airport an attractive option for flight training, corporate aircraft, and leisure aircraft. The airport is also well-equipped to handle military aircraft, with the primary instrument runway being one of the longest commercial runways in the United States and frequently used for military training.

For commercial aviation, the airport has a single terminal building with 12 gates across two concourses. The terminal is designed with efficiency in mind, featuring wide walkways and clear signage to guide passengers to key areas such as baggage claim, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. The upper level is dedicated to departures and check-in, while the lower level handles arrivals and baggage claim. The terminal also offers various amenities, including restaurants, retail stores, lounges, charging stations, and a children's play area.

Additionally, the airport provides a range of ground transportation options, including car rental facilities, taxi services, ride-sharing options, airport shuttles, and public transportation. The airport's commitment to accessibility is evident, offering wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces for passengers with special needs. With its comprehensive facilities and passenger-centric services, the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport is a well-equipped gateway to the Texas Panhandle region.

Transportation options

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport offers a range of transportation options for travellers arriving at or departing from the airport. Here are some of the options available:

Car Rentals

Several car rental companies operate at the airport, including major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and National. These facilities are conveniently located near the baggage claim area and offer a range of vehicles to meet the needs of all travellers. It is recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability.

Taxis

Taxi services are available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas outside the terminal. Fares are meter-based and may vary depending on the destination. It is advisable to confirm the fare with the driver before commencing the trip. The average fare to downtown Amarillo is approximately $20-$25.

Ride-Sharing Services

For those who prefer a shared ride, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available. The pick-up areas for these services are located outside the terminal. Be sure to check for any restrictions regarding luggage and passenger capacity. Ride-sharing services often provide a more affordable option compared to traditional taxis.

Airport Shuttles

Airport shuttles offer a convenient and cost-effective way to travel to and from the airport. These shuttles typically operate on a fixed schedule, with pick-up areas located outside the terminal. Fares may vary depending on the shuttle provider and your destination. It is recommended to book your shuttle in advance to ensure availability.

Public Transportation

Public transportation options include city buses and taxis. The city bus stop is conveniently located outside the terminal, and fares are based on the distance travelled. Bus routes 1 and 3 provide service to various parts of Amarillo, and tickets can be purchased directly on the bus. Taxis are also readily available, with fares determined by the meter.

Private Aircraft

The airport also caters to private aircraft activity, including flight training, corporate aircraft, and leisure aircraft. The airport's first-class Fixed Base Operator (FBO) serves the private/corporate aircraft community 24 hours a day.

Dining and shopping options

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport has a variety of dining and shopping options to choose from. For a quick bite, there's Cinnabon, Dunkin' Donuts, and Starbucks. If you're after something more substantial, you can sit down for a meal at 806 Cafe, which offers sandwiches, salads, and burgers, or try Route 66 Bar-B-Que for a taste of Texas, or Qdoba Mexican Grill for something south of the border.

There are several shops to browse, including the Paradies Shops, which offer electronics, books, and souvenirs, and the Texas Marketplace, which features locally made products. If you need to stock up on travel essentials, head to the CNBC News store for snacks, magazines, and travel-sized toiletries.

The airport also provides ample opportunities to relax and recharge before your flight. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and there are charging stations located in various areas. For those who need to work or want to relax in a lounge, there are business centres available.

Frequently asked questions