Wichita Airport's County Location: A Traveler's Guide

what county is wichita airport in

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, previously known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, is located in Kansas, United States. The airport is situated 7 miles west of downtown Wichita and is the largest and busiest airport in the state. In this article, we will be exploring the history of the airport, its facilities, and its impact on the region. We will also discuss the reasons behind its name change and its significance to the local community.

Characteristics Values
Name Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
Former Name Wichita Mid-Continent Airport
Abbreviation ICT
Location 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown Wichita, Kansas, United States
Area 3,248 acres (1,314 ha)
Number of Runways 3
Headquarters Cessna
Year of Official Opening 1935

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Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport's location

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (IATA: ICT, ICAO: KICT, FAA LID: ICT) is located in the city of Wichita, Kansas, in the United States. It is positioned about 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown Wichita, in the southwestern part of the city. The airport is south of US-54 and covers an area of 3,248 acres (1,314 ha), featuring three runways.

The ICT designation in the airport's name is an abbreviation for Wichita, derived from the city's name. The airport's former name, Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, was changed in 2014 to honour former President, General, and Kansas native Dwight D. Eisenhower. The airport's history dates back to the 1920s, and it has undergone several name changes and expansions over the years.

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport is easily accessible from downtown Wichita and offers a range of transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and limousines. It is the largest and busiest airport in Kansas, serving as a hub for several major airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

The airport is also the site of the Cessna headquarters and main manufacturing plant, as well as a Bombardier service centre for Learjet and other business jet aircraft. It provides various passenger amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, ATMs, charging stations, and a shoeshine stand. Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport has played a significant role in the city's aviation industry and continues to be a vital gateway to the region.

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ICT Airport's history

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, ICT, is located 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown Wichita, Kansas, United States. ICT is the largest and busiest airport in Kansas. The airport covers 3,248 acres (1,314 ha) and contains three runways. ICT Airport is also the site of the Cessna headquarters and the main manufacturing plant, as well as a Bombardier service center for Learjet and other business jet aircraft.

The history of the airport dates back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the history of ICT:

  • 1914: The first airport in Wichita, known as the Wichita Municipal Airport, was established on a 160-acre site.
  • 1929: The Wichita Municipal Airport was renamed Wichita Municipal Airport #2, and a new terminal building was constructed.
  • 1935: Wichita Municipal Airport was officially dedicated.
  • 1941: During World War II, the Kansas National Guard 127th Observation Squadron was activated as the first military unit assigned to the Wichita airport.
  • 1951: The airport was renamed Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, and a new terminal building was constructed to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
  • 1973: The airport officially became Wichita Mid-Continent Airport after Kansas City renamed its Mid-Continent Airport to Kansas City International Airport.
  • 2014: The Wichita City Council approved changing the name from Wichita Mid-Continent Airport to Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, in honor of former US President, General, and Kansas native Dwight D. Eisenhower.
  • 2015: The airport's current passenger terminal opened, and the previous terminal was demolished. The new terminal is a modern architectural design, expressing Wichita's prominent position in the aviation industry.

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Airlines that use ICT

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is located in Kansas, United States. ICT is the airport's code and also a nickname for the city. The airport is also referred to as Eisenhower National Airport or by its former name, Mid-Continent Airport.

ICT is a mid-sized airport with three runways and six airlines operating from it. These are:

  • Alaska (Oneworld)
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Allegiant
  • American Airlines (Oneworld)
  • Delta (SkyTeam)
  • United Airlines (Star Alliance)

These airlines offer direct flights to destinations such as Seattle/Tacoma, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, and Destin/Fort Walton Beach.

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Amenities at the airport

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is located in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. It is situated 7 miles west of downtown Wichita and is the largest and busiest airport in Kansas. The airport has a rich history, with three major terminals since 1924 and multiple name changes. It was formerly known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport and even earlier as Wichita Municipal Airport.

The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for its passengers. Here are some of the key amenities available:

Dining Options

The airport features a variety of dining options, ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals. Passengers can choose from restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go options to suit their preferences and time constraints.

Retail Stores

Passengers can also take advantage of the retail stores available at the airport. These stores offer a range of products, including travel essentials, souvenirs, and other items to browse and purchase while waiting for their flights.

Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected, catch up on work, or entertain themselves during their time at the airport. This amenity has been highly regarded, as reflected in the airport's high passenger approval ratings.

Comfortable Waiting Areas

The airport boasts comfortable and spacious waiting areas, providing passengers with a relaxing environment to rest or wait for their flights. These areas are designed to reduce pre-flight stress and enhance the overall travel experience.

Additional Amenities

In addition to the above, the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport offers other amenities to cater to various traveller needs. These include:

  • Pet-friendly accommodations
  • Hotel shuttle services
  • Easy access to nearby attractions, such as the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame and Wichita State University
  • Modern architecture and aviation-themed exhibits

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Incidents at the airport

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, located 7 miles west of downtown Wichita, Kansas, has experienced several notable incidents over the years.

On January 19, 2014, an Oklahoma man breached security by ramming his pickup truck through a security gate at the airport and was subsequently found waving documents at a small plane. This incident occurred just before midnight and caused a disturbance at the airport.

In another incident on October 30, 2014, a twin-engine Beechcraft B200 Super King Air 200 crashed shortly after takeoff from the airport. The plane lost power in one engine and crashed into a two-story building several blocks northeast of the airport terminal. Unfortunately, the pilot died in the crash, and the accident also resulted in four additional fatalities and six injuries on the ground.

More recently, in January 2025, a tragic accident occurred involving an American Airlines flight from Wichita to Washington, D.C. The passenger jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Unfortunately, there were no survivors, and the body toll rose to a devastating count of 27 from the airplane and one from the helicopter. The incident left Wichita in grief, with Congressman Ron Estes describing it as "a tragic day for our community."

These incidents at the Wichita airport have ranged from security breaches to tragic accidents, each posing challenges and prompting investigations to improve safety and security measures.

Frequently asked questions

The name of the airport in Wichita is Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. It was previously known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport.

The airport is located about 7 miles west of downtown Wichita, in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States.

Airlines that fly out of Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

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