Laughlin's Airport: Does It Exist?

Laughlin Bullhead International Airport (IFP) is a public airport located in Bullhead City, Arizona, across the Colorado River from Laughlin, Nevada. The airport is a short distance from Laughlin and is considered a gateway to the city. Laughlin Bullhead International Airport offers scheduled charter flights and is a base for Air Methods/Tri-State CareFlight, a helicopter and fixed-wing air ambulance company. The airport features various facilities, including car rental services, and is known for its impressive air shows and events.

Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport's location

Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport (IATA: IFP, ICAO: KIFP, FAA LID: IFP) is a public airport located in the United States. The airport is strategically situated in Bullhead City, Arizona, just across the Colorado River from Laughlin, Nevada. With a convenient location near vibrant cities, Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport serves as more than just a travel hub; it is a gateway to exciting adventures in the region.

The airport is positioned 1.15 miles north of the central business district of Bullhead City, in Mohave County, Arizona. It is owned and operated by the Mohave County Airport Authority. The Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport is easily accessible, located off the north end of Bullhead Parkway in Bullhead City. It is just a short distance from the Laughlin Bridge, with all the casinos in Laughlin being within a radius of 1.5 to 3 miles.

Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in the mid-20th century. Over the years, it has transformed from a simple runway to a bustling aviation hub. The airport was initially established on Bureau of Land Management property, approximately two miles south of the Davis Dam power plant construction site. The airport's growth coincided with the development of the Bullhead City, Lake Mohave, and Mohave Valley areas.

Today, Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport is a full-service regional airport, offering a blend of convenience and excitement for travellers. The airport provides seamless connections to destinations worldwide and plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth in the community. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team, the airport ensures that every journey begins and ends with comfort and ease.

The airport's address is 2550 Laughlin View Dr, Bullhead City, AZ 86429, and it can be reached by phone at (928) 754-2134.

Laughlin Bullhead Airshow

Yes, there is an airport in Laughlin. The Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport (IFP) is a public-use airport located 1.15 miles north of the central business district of Bullhead City, Arizona, and across the Colorado River from Laughlin, Nevada.

Now, here is some detailed information about the Laughlin Bullhead Airshow:

The Laughlin Bullhead Airshow is an event that features gravity-defying aerial stunts, military displays, and food vendors. It is an adrenaline-pumping experience for those seeking a heart-pounding adventure. The airshow takes place at the Laughlin Bullhead International Airport, which is located at 2550 Laughlin View Drive, Bullhead City, AZ. The airport serves as a gateway to the vibrant cities of Laughlin, Nevada, and Bullhead City, Arizona, offering seamless travel and endless possibilities for visitors.

The Laughlin Bullhead Airshow is not just about the thrilling aerial performances but also offers a unique blend of excitement and convenience. With its state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated team, the airport ensures that attendees of the airshow have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The spacious terminal provides a relaxing environment, and the efficient baggage claim services enhance the overall convenience for visitors.

The airshow also presents an opportunity to explore the surrounding areas of Laughlin and Bullhead City. With casino-hotels, vibrant cities, and natural attractions nearby, visitors can extend their stay beyond the airshow and create unforgettable experiences. The airport's comprehensive tourism guides and resources make it easy for attendees to discover the best of both worlds.

The Laughlin Bullhead Airshow is made possible through the support of sponsors and volunteers. Findlay Motors, the presenting sponsor, plays a significant role in bringing the event to life. The airshow also has a dedicated email address, info@laughlinbullheadairshow.com, for inquiries and further information.

Airport history

Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport (IATA: IFP, ICAO: KIFP, FAA LID: IFP) is a public airport located in Bullhead City, Arizona, just across the Colorado River from Laughlin, Nevada. The airport was established in the mid-20th century and has grown from a simple runway to a bustling hub, offering a unique blend of convenience and excitement for travellers.

In the 1940s, the airport was a simple runway on Bureau of Land Management property, about two miles south of the Davis Dam power plant construction site. The employees of the Davis Dam project used this runway. The dam was completed in 1953, and residential development began in the surrounding areas. In 1968, Mohave County leased the Bullhead City Airport from the BLM, and in 1971, a portion of the airport was subleased to Bullhead Airport Inc., which provided fixed-base operation services.

Over the years, the airport underwent improvements and expansions, including runway relocation, drainage, marking, lighting, and fencing. In the early 1990s, a new facility was constructed, featuring a longer runway capable of accommodating large jet traffic. The airport was renamed Laughlin/Bullhead City International Airport, and its code was changed to "IFP" for "International Fun Place".

The airport has a rich history of commercial and charter flight services. During the 1980s and 1990s, several commuter airlines served the airport, offering flights to nearby destinations such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Southern California. In the 2000s, Sun Country Airlines and Ryan International Airlines operated jet services to and from the airport, with Sun Country even making it a small hub for the southwestern U.S. region.

Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport continues to be a significant aviation and tourism cornerstone in the region, providing seamless travel experiences and contributing to the economic growth of the community.

Airlines that serve the airport

Laughlin Bullhead International Airport (IFP) is located in Bullhead City, Arizona, just across the Colorado River from Laughlin, Nevada. The airport has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in the mid-20th century. Over the years, it has transformed from a simple runway to a bustling aviation hub, offering seamless travel to destinations worldwide.

Several airlines have served the Laughlin Bullhead International Airport throughout its history. During the 1980s, the airport was extensively used by commuter airlines, including StatesWest Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Sun West Airlines, Air L.A., Golden Pacific Airlines, Scenic Airlines, and Havasu Airlines. These airlines operated flights to destinations such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Southern California.

By the early 1990s, some of these commuter airlines began code-sharing with major airlines. America West Express, operated by Mesa Airlines, and United Express, also offered services through their partnership with Mesa Airlines. USAir Express, operated by StatesWest Airlines, was another prominent carrier during this period.

In 1993, airlines such as Air Laughlin, Vanguard Airlines, and Viscount Air Services began operating charter flights with larger aircraft, including Boeing 737 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 jets. Morris Air also commenced scheduled nonstop services to and from the airport, connecting destinations like Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.

Reno Air initiated jet service to the airport in 1994, operating flights from San Jose International Airport. However, this service was short-lived and ended in 1997. Throughout the 1990s, other commuter airlines that served the airport included Arizona Airways, Pacific Coast Airlines, and Eagle Canyon Airlines, connecting to destinations like Tucson, Albuquerque, San Diego, and Las Vegas.

In the 2000s, Sun Country Airlines made Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport a small hub for the southwestern U.S. region, offering jet services to and from Minneapolis/St. Paul. Ryan International Airlines also returned to operating chartered jet services between Bullhead City and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

In 2017, American Eagle provided a single daily flight to and from Phoenix through a code-sharing agreement with American Airlines. However, this service lasted only a year due to unprofitability.

Currently, the airport does not have any scheduled passenger services. However, regular casino charter flights are still operated by Sun Country Airlines and Allegiant Air. These airlines continue to utilise the airport for their charter operations.

Airport facilities

Laughlin Bullhead International Airport (IFP) is a full-service regional airport located in Bullhead City, Arizona, just a few miles from the casinos across the Colorado River in Laughlin, Nevada. The airport is owned by Mohave County and operated by the Mohave County Airport Authority. It is located 1.15 miles north of Bullhead City's central business district and is considered a cornerstone of aviation and tourism in the region.

The airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers and aircraft operators. For passengers, the airport provides a comfortable and spacious terminal, efficient baggage claim services, and passenger assistance. The terminal includes ticket sales, security screening, and car rental services from companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis. The airport also offers convenient access to tourism guides and resources for exploring Laughlin and Bullhead City.

For aircraft operators, the airport provides Fixed Base Operations (FBO) services through the Mohave County FBO. These services include fueling, hangar space, and aircraft maintenance for private and corporate aviation clients. The airport has a runway capable of accommodating large jet traffic and supports various aircraft operations, including general aviation, business aircraft, military, and commercial flights.

Laughlin Bullhead International Airport also prioritizes safety and security. It offers a 24/7 Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Service and state-of-the-art security measures. The airport's rescue and firefighting building houses a rescue/firefighting vehicle and maintenance vehicles, ensuring a swift response to any emergencies.

Additionally, the airport has an air traffic control tower that operates from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Mountain Standard Time. During non-towered hours, the Los Angeles air route traffic control facility manages landing traffic operating under instrument flight rules (IFR).

Frequently asked questions