Omaha's Airport: Eppley Airfield, Nebraska's Gateway To The World

what airport is in omaha ne

Omaha, Nebraska's Eppley Airfield (IATA: OMA, ICAO: KOMA, FAA LID: OMA) is the largest airport in the state. It is located three miles (5 km) northeast of downtown Omaha, on the west bank of the Missouri River in Douglas County. The airport is also known as Omaha Airport and is owned and operated by the Omaha Airport Authority (OAA).

Characteristics Values
Name Eppley Airfield
IATA OMA
ICAO KOMA
FAA LID OMA
Location 3 miles (5 km) northeast of downtown Omaha, Nebraska
River Missouri River
County Douglas County
Year Created 1925
Owner Omaha Airport Authority (OAA)
Largest Carriers (2024) Southwest Airlines, American, Delta
International Service Air Canada Express to Toronto–Pearson
Customs Facility On-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Classification Medium hub airport, Customs Landing Rights Airport
Website flyoma.com

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Eppley Airfield is Omaha's airport

Eppley Airfield (IATA: OMA, ICAO: KOMA, FAA LID: OMA) is Omaha's airport. Also known as Omaha Airport or OMA, it is located in Douglas County, Nebraska, just three miles (5 km) northeast of downtown Omaha. It is the largest airport in Nebraska, with more arrivals and departures than all other airports in the state combined.

The airport began as an extension of Levi Carter Park in 1925 when the City of Omaha acquired 200 acres (0.8 km2) of cleared land on the east side of Carter Lake. The land was soon used as a runway, and the airport was initially called Omaha Municipal Airport and American Legion Airport. In 1959, the Omaha Airport Authority was created to oversee the airport's operations and jurisdiction. The airport was renamed Eppley Airfield in 1960 in honour of Eugene C. Eppley, the founder of the Eppley Hotel chain, whose estate donated $1 million to help ready the airport for jet aircraft.

Eppley Airfield is easily accessible, situated near four major highways: Interstate 80, Interstate 480, Interstate 680, and Interstate 29. The airport has a consolidated rental car facility connected to the North Terminal, and the Metro Transit Line 106 provides limited weekday rush-hour services to and from the airport. Express Arrow intercity buses to Norfolk also stop at the terminal.

In recent years, Eppley Airfield has undergone significant developments, including an expansion of its on-site United States Customs and Border Protection facility in 2016, enabling it to handle more international passengers. The first commercial international flight from the airport began on May 1, 2018, with a daily Air Canada Express service to Toronto Pearson International Airport. Looking ahead, the Omaha Airport Authority has announced a $950 million expansion plan to modernise the terminal, add gates and facilities, and enhance the overall passenger experience.

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It's 3 miles from downtown Omaha

Omaha's Eppley Airfield, also known as Omaha Airport or OMA, is located just 3 miles from downtown Omaha. This airport is the largest in Nebraska, with more arrivals and departures than all other airports in the state combined. It is located on the west bank of the Missouri River in Douglas County and is easily accessible from four major highways: Interstate 80, Interstate 480, Interstate 680, and Interstate 29.

Travelling from the airport to downtown Omaha is quick and convenient. By taxi or private shuttle, the journey takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around $11 during the day and $13 at night and on weekends. Taxi ranks can be found outside the Ground Level of the airport, providing 24/7 transportation. For those travelling with children or heavy luggage, a taxi or private shuttle is the recommended option, offering a safer and more comfortable journey.

For a more cost-effective option, there is a bus service from the airport to downtown Omaha. Bus Line 16 runs every 30 minutes and takes 25 minutes to reach the city centre. The bus stop can be found at Exit No.3 on the lower level of the terminal building. A one-way ticket is excellent value at just $1.50. However, it is important to note that this service does not operate at night, on weekends, or on public holidays.

In recent years, Omaha's Eppley Airfield has undergone significant developments, with further upgrades planned for the near future. In 2016, the airport expanded its on-site United States Customs and Border Protection facility, enhancing services for international passengers. Additionally, in 2018, the airport launched its first scheduled, commercial international flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport.

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It's the largest airport in Nebraska

Eppley Airfield (IATA: OMA, ICAO: KOMA, FAA LID: OMA), also known as Omaha Airport, is an airport in the midwestern United States, located three miles (5 km) northeast of downtown Omaha, Nebraska. It is the largest airport in Nebraska and is classified as a medium hub airport by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airport is owned and operated by the Omaha Airport Authority (OAA), which was created in 1959 and is governed by a five-member, appointed board. Eppley Airfield is located on the west bank of the Missouri River in Douglas County. Although the airport is in Nebraska, it is surrounded on three sides by Iowa due to the course of the Missouri River.

The airport covers 2,650 acres (4.1 sq mi; 10.7 km2) at an elevation of 984 feet (300 m) above sea level. It is easily accessible, situated near four major highways: Interstate 80, Interstate 480, Interstate 680, and Interstate 29. The airport has a consolidated rental car facility connected to the North Terminal, and the Metro Transit Line 106 provides limited weekday-only rush-hour service to and from the airport. Express Arrow intercity buses to Norfolk also stop at the terminal.

Eppley Airfield has an extensive history, beginning as an extension of Levi Carter Park near East Omaha in 1925. In that year, the City of Omaha acquired 200 acres (0.8 km2) of cleared land on the east side of Carter Lake, and planes started landing and taking off almost immediately. The land was called both the Omaha Municipal Airport and the American Legion Airport. The airport was renamed in 1960 to honour Eugene C. Eppley, the founder of the Eppley Hotel chain, who donated $1 million to ready the airport for jet aircraft in 1959-60.

Today, Eppley Airfield continues to undergo upgrades and improvements. In January 2024, the Omaha Airport Authority announced a $950 million expansion plan, which includes modernizing the terminal, adding gates and facilities, and improving accessibility. These developments reflect the airport's status as the largest and busiest in Nebraska, handling more arrivals and departures than all other airports in the state combined.

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It's also known as Omaha Airport (OMA)

Eppley Airfield (IATA: OMA, ICAO: KOMA, FAA LID: OMA), also known as Omaha Airport (OMA), is located in Omaha, Nebraska, in the midwestern United States. It is situated three miles (5 km) northeast of downtown Omaha, on the west bank of the Missouri River in Douglas County. As the largest airport in Nebraska, it handles more arrivals and departures than any other airport in the state. The airport is easily accessible, with proximity to four major highways: Interstate 80, Interstate 480, Interstate 680, and Interstate 29.

The history of Eppley Airfield dates back to 1925 when the City of Omaha acquired 200 acres (0.8 km2) of land near East Omaha, which became an extension of Levi Carter Park. The land soon transformed into an active airfield, with planes landing and taking off almost immediately. The site was initially called both the Omaha Municipal Airport and the American Legion Airport. Over time, the airport underwent various improvements, including upgrades to accommodate jet aircraft in the late 1950s, leading to its renaming as Eppley Airfield in 1960, honouring Eugene C. Eppley, the founder of the Eppley Hotel chain, whose estate contributed significantly to these developments.

The Omaha Airport Authority, established in 1959, holds sole jurisdiction and operation of Eppley Airfield. This authority is governed by a five-member appointed board. Eppley Airfield has witnessed the presence of several airlines over the years, including Midwest Airlines (formerly Midwest Express Airlines), which operated a hub at the airport from 1995 to 2002. Southwest Airlines, American, and Delta were the largest carriers serving the airport in 2024. The airport also has an on-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, reflecting its capability to handle international, charter, and private flights.

Looking ahead, the Omaha Airport Authority has announced extensive upgrades for Eppley Airfield, with a $950 million expansion plan. These improvements aim to modernise the terminal, add gates and facilities, and enhance the overall passenger experience. The project includes a new passenger drop-off lane, a protective canopy in the pick-up and drop-off area, and improved ADA-compliant accessibility. These developments underscore the airport's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of travellers and ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.

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It's named after Eugene C. Eppley

Omaha's Eppley Airfield, also known as Omaha Airport, is located in Nebraska, three miles (5 km) northeast of downtown Omaha. It is the largest airport in Nebraska and is classified as a medium hub airport by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is owned and operated by the Omaha Airport Authority (OAA).

The airport is named after Eugene C. Eppley, a hotel magnate in Omaha, Nebraska. Eppley is credited with building one of the most successful hotel empires, with the largest privately-owned hotel chain in the United States by the 1950s. He founded the Eppley Hotel Company in 1917 and at its peak, the company owned 22 hotels across six states.

Eppley was a renowned philanthropist, known for his donations to educational, civic, and medical research causes, particularly in Omaha. He was active in Omaha's social club, Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, which supported local philanthropy. In 1932, he was elected the King of the Court of Ak-Sar-Ben.

The Omaha Municipal Airport was renamed Eppley Airfield in 1960 in honour of Eugene C. Eppley. This was due to a $1 million donation from his estate, which was used to upgrade the airport to accommodate jet aircraft in 1959-60. This donation was matched by the federal government, allowing for improvements to be made to handle jets at the airport.

Frequently asked questions

The airport in Omaha, NE, is called Eppley Airfield (OMA).

Eppley Airfield is located 3 miles (5 km) northeast of downtown Omaha, Nebraska, on the west bank of the Missouri River in Douglas County.

In 2024, Southwest Airlines served the largest number of passengers at Omaha Airport, handling 37.1% of passengers.

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