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Jackson, Mississippi is served by the Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, which is located approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Downtown Jackson. The airport is named after Medgar Evers, the assassinated Mississippi Field Secretary for the NAACP during the Civil Rights Movement. It is the only commercial airport in Jackson, and it offers nonstop flights to popular destinations like Atlanta, Houston, and Orlando.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport |
| Address | 100 International Drive, Jackson, MS 39208, United States |
| Distance from Downtown Jackson | 6 miles (9.7 km) |
| County | Rankin County |
| Aviation | Commercial, private, and military |
| Administration | Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) |
| Terminals | L-shaped terminal with two concourses: east and west |
| Runways | 2, each 8,500 ft x 150 ft (2,591 m x 46 m) |
| Jetways | 5 |
| Renovation | Multi-million-dollar renovation |
| Amenities | Free WiFi, area for small pets, art displays, souvenirs, restaurants, bars, cafes, observation deck, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport
The airport covers 3,381 acres (1,368 ha) of land at an elevation of 346 feet (105 m). It has two asphalt runways, 16L/34R and 16R/34L, each 8,500 ft × 150 ft (2,591 m × 46 m). The airport has an L-shaped terminal, with two concourses: the west concourse (gates 15–19) and the east concourse (gates 1–4).
The history of the airport dates back to the 1950s when plans were made to construct a new airport to replace Hawkins Field, which had served as Jackson's airport since 1928. Construction of the new airport began in 1959 and was completed in 1963. The airport was originally named Allen C. Thompson Field, after the mayor of Jackson at the time. However, it was later renamed Jackson Municipal Airport and then Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport to honour the civil rights leader's legacy.
Today, the airport offers a range of amenities and services for travellers, including free WiFi, pet areas, local art displays, and restaurants. It also features the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame museum. The airport has received recognition for its customer service, ranking 8th in a worldwide consumer survey conducted by Airports Council International in 2011.
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Airport history and funding
The Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, located approximately six miles from Downtown Jackson, is the only commercial airport serving Jackson, Mississippi. The airport is named after Medgar Wiley Evers, a civil rights leader and the assassinated Mississippi Field Secretary for the NAACP.
History
The airport has a long history, dating back to the early days of aviation. In 1928, Hawkins Field was the primary airport serving Jackson. However, with the introduction of jet service in 1963, the city began constructing a new commercial and military service airport in Rankin County, Mississippi. The new airport, known as the Jackson Municipal Airport, opened in 1963 and was named after Mayor Allen C. Thompson, who played a crucial role in acquiring the land for the airfield. The airport was one of the first to feature parallel runways instead of crosswind intersecting runways used by smaller airports.
In 1989, the United States Customs Service designated the Jackson Municipal Airport as an International Port of Entry, and its name was officially changed to Jackson International Airport. To honour the slain civil rights advocate Medgar Wiley Evers, the airport's name was changed once more to Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.
Funding
The construction of the Jackson Municipal Airport in the 1960s cost around $6 million (equivalent to $65 million in 2024). The project was funded by the city of Jackson, with Mayor Allen C. Thompson acknowledging the taxpayers' contribution during the opening ceremony. The airport has also received federal funding, such as an $8 million grant from the Works Progress Administration in 1936 for the construction of a terminal building and aircraft parking improvements. In recent years, the airport has continued to receive federal grants, such as an $8 million grant in 2024 to upgrade equipment.
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Airport facilities and amenities
The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) serves the city of Jackson, Mississippi, and is located at 100 International Drive, Jackson, MS 39208.
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport offers a range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers and visitors. The airport has a single terminal building with two levels. The upper level serves as the departures area, while the lower level is for arrivals.
On the upper level, passengers will find a variety of shopping and dining options. There are several retail stores offering a range of products, including gifts, souvenirs, books, and travel essentials. For dining, there are a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars, providing a variety of cuisines and options, from quick bites to full-service dining. The airport also has a food court with popular fast-food chains.
For added convenience, the airport provides a business center, offering a range of services for business travelers, including copy, print, and fax facilities, as well as meeting rooms that can be rented by the hour or day. Free wireless internet access is available throughout the terminal, making it easy for travelers to stay connected. Additionally, the airport has a number of work stations equipped with power outlets and USB charging ports, allowing passengers to catch up on work or recharge their devices while waiting for their flights.
The airport also has a number of other amenities to make the travel experience more comfortable and convenient. There are ATMs located throughout the terminal, as well as a full-service bank branch. For families traveling with young children, there is a designated play area, and nursing rooms are also available. The airport also has a pet relief area for travelers with service animals or pets.
For passengers with reduced mobility or special needs, the airport provides a range of services, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. The airport also has a team of customer service representatives who are available to provide assistance and answer any queries passengers may have.
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Airlines and destinations
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (IATA: JAN, ICAO: KJAN, FAA LID: JAN) is a city-owned civil-military airport located in Jackson, Mississippi, approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Downtown Jackson. It is the only commercial airport serving Jackson, Mississippi, and is situated in Rankin County between the suburbs of Flowood and Pearl. The airport is named after Medgar Evers, the assassinated Mississippi Field Secretary for the NAACP during the Civil Rights Movement.
American Airlines operates direct flights from Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport to Washington–National, D.C. (DCA). The airport also offers nonstop flights to popular destinations like Atlanta, Houston, and Orlando. In April 2022, a new direct flight to Nashville was added, making it more convenient for travellers to reach Music City.
In the past, several airlines operated different routes to and from the airport. In the 1960s, Southern Airways Martin 404s connected Jackson with Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenwood, Columbus, Laurel, and New Orleans. In the 1970s, Southern flew to Memphis, Atlanta, Greenville, Mississippi, and Mobile. After merging with North Central Airlines in 1979 to form Republic Airlines, they only flew to Memphis and discontinued service by 1984. During the same decade, Texas International Airlines operated direct Convair 600s to Houston–Intercontinental, Alexandria, Louisiana, and Baton Rouge. Frontier Airlines flew Boeing 737s direct to Little Rock, offering connections to Denver and other destinations on their network. Royale Airlines also served the airport, flying Gulfstream turboprops to Natchez and New Orleans.
Between 1984 and 1986, Eastern Airlines offered nonstop 727s to Atlanta and New Orleans, while United Airlines flew 737s to Memphis. Northwest Airlines later took over the Memphis route with Saab 340s and also started direct turboprop service to Laurel/Hattiesburg. In the 1980s, United Airlines operated from gate 6, but when the airport was renovated in the early 1990s, this gate became an observation deck.
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Transport to and from the airport
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (IATA: JAN, ICAO: KJAN, FAA LID: JAN) is located approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Downtown Jackson, Mississippi, across the Pearl River. The airport is accessible by car, taxi, or rideshare services, and offers a range of transportation options for travellers.
For those driving to or from the airport, the airport provides parking options, including garage parking for $5 for the first hour and $19 per day. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before their departure time to allow for parking and security checks.
Several taxi and car services operate in Jackson and serve the airport. These include Citi Cab, Deluxe Cab, Express Transport, Jackson Taxi, Phoenix Limousine and Luxury Transport, Veterans Cab, and Yellow Cab. Contact information for these companies is available on the Jackson-Evers International Airport website, jmaa.com.
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Jackson and can be used to get to and from the airport. These services can be convenient and cost-effective alternatives to traditional taxis.
In addition to these options, the airport may also be accessible via public transportation, such as buses or shuttles. However, specific information on these options is not readily available. It is recommended to check with the local transportation authorities or the airport directly for more details on public transportation options serving the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Jackson, Mississippi is called Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.
The airport is located at 100 International Drive, Jackson, MS 39208.
Uber and Lyft are available to and from the airport. Taxi services include Citi Cab, Deluxe Cab, Express Transport, Jackson Taxi, Phoenix Limousine and Luxury Transport, Veterans Cab, and Yellow Cab.
The airport offers free WiFi, an area for small pets, displays of art by local artists, and souvenirs and other merchandise. There are also restaurants, bars, and grab-and-go convenience store-style options.
The airport opened in 1963, replacing Hawkins Field, Jackson's airport since 1928. It was originally named Allen C. Thompson Field, after the mayor of Jackson at the time. In 2016, control of the airport was transferred from the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority to a new board of nine people, with two appointed by the city government.
