Montana's Airports: A Comprehensive Guide To Air Travel

Montana is a state in the US with approximately 120 public-use airports located across the state in every county, except Wibaux. The state also has a large number of private-use airports, with an estimated 450 active private-use airstrips. Notable public-use airports in Montana include Billings Logan International Airport, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Great Falls International Airport, and Helena Regional Airport. These airports offer convenient flight options and provide access to various attractions and recreational activities in the region. In addition to public-use airports, Montana also has several private-use and former airports, making air travel a convenient option for exploring the state's diverse landscape.

Billings Logan International Airport

The airport offers convenient flight options, including year-round and seasonal nonstop flights to several hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Portland, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Chicago, and Seattle. It also serves as a small hub for Cape Air, providing nonstop flights within Montana to Glasgow, Glendive, Havre, Sidney, and Wolf Point using Cessna 402 prop aircraft.

The history of aviation in Billings dates back to 1913 when a local dentist, Dr Frank Bell, made the first recorded flight using his homemade Curtiss 0-X-5 aircraft. In 1927, the City of Billings approved the construction of a runway on top of the Rims, which opened in 1928. Northwest Airlines introduced the first scheduled passenger air service in 1933, operating a route between Chicago and Seattle with stops in Billings.

The airport has three runways, with the primary runway being Runway 10L/28R, which is 10,518 feet long and 150 feet wide. There are also nine taxiways in use, providing access to the terminal area and the Northern Air Tanker Base. The airport is governed by the Aviation and Transit Board, which consists of seven members appointed for four-year terms.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

For outdoor enthusiasts, the airport is a dream come true. Southwest Montana boasts the wild and rugged Yellowstone National Park, as well as expansive National Forests. The region's pristine air, majestic mountain peaks, rushing rivers, and wide-open spaces create the perfect backdrop for a variety of outdoor adventures, including fly fishing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling.

When travelling to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, it is important to be aware of a few things. Montana has approximately 120 public-use airports, and runway conditions can vary significantly. Local conditions may sometimes make landing hazardous, so it is highly recommended to research the airport you are flying into. Additionally, fuel and services at airports can vary, so it is a good idea to carry a survival bag and ensure you have adequate fuel for alternate locations.

Great Falls International Airport

Great Falls International is served by several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic Airlines. The airport's address is 2800 Terminal Drive, Great Falls, MT 59901, and its phone number is (406) 727-3404.

Montana has approximately 120 public-use airports spread across the state, with at least one in every county except Wibaux. In addition to public airports, Montana also boasts a large number of private-use airports, with an estimated 450 active private airstrips.

Due to varying local conditions, users are advised to research the airport they are flying into, as some airports in Montana may have hazardous landing conditions. Fuel and services also differ between airports, so it is recommended to ensure you have adequate fuel for an alternate location if supply information is unavailable.

Helena Regional Airport

The airport has had a long relationship with the U.S. Military, dating back to the 1930s. In 2013, the airport recorded 38,877 aircraft operations, averaging 106 per day, with 68% general aviation, 14% military, 14% air taxi, and 4% airline. As of 2022, Federal Aviation Administration records showed that the airport handled 82,673 passenger boardings.

Missoula Montana Airport

The airport covers 2,700 acres of land at an elevation of 3,206 feet. It has two asphalt runways: 12/30, which is 9,501 by 150 feet, and 8/26, which is 4,612 by 75 feet. In the year ending January 1, 2018, the airport recorded 35,944 aircraft operations, averaging 98 per day. The airport served over 750,000 passengers that year, with 161 aircraft based at the facility.

Several expansion projects have been undertaken at the Missoula Montana Airport in recent years. A new terminal, which opened in 2022, was built in two phases, with the first phase completed in June 2022. The new terminal features a modern design, an expanded baggage claim area, a rental car centre, and additional gates. The airport also constructed a new 101-foot-tall control tower, one of the tallest in the Pacific Northwest, at a cost of $6.77 million.

Missoula's first landing strip was established in 1923 south of the university. The current airfield is named after Harry O. Bell, the first president of the Missoula chapter of the National Aeronautic Association, and mountain flying pioneer Bob Johnson of Johnson Flying Service (now Minuteman Aviation). The airport has undergone several name changes over the years, previously known as Garden City Airport, Hale Field, and Missoula County Airport, before settling on its current name, Missoula Montana Airport, in September 2021.

The airport offers nonstop flights to 14 major U.S. markets, providing connections to various destinations across the country. Airlines serving Missoula Montana Airport include Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, American Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.

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