Ruth Haines
The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the second-largest airport in Mississippi, welcoming nearly 800,000 travellers each year. The airport, which opened in 1942, is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Gulfport, Mississippi, and is served by five major commercial airlines. It covers 1,400 acres of land, with two runways, a cargo facility, USO facilities, and two hotels. The airport provides 24/7 US Customs services and processes private international and military charter traffic.
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What You'll Learn
- Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the second-largest airport in Mississippi
- The airport was built in 1942 as a training base for the US Army Air Forces
- It covers 1,400 acres, with two runways and a cargo facility
- The airport was closed for repairs in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina
- USO Gulf Coast provides free services, snacks and drinks to service members
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the second-largest airport in Mississippi
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is the second-largest airport in Mississippi, welcoming nearly 800,000 travellers each year. The airport is located in Harrison County, approximately two miles from Interstate 10, the Port of Gulfport, and the Gulf of Mexico. It covers an area of 1,400 acres, with an elevation of 28 feet above sea level.
The airport has a rich history, originally built in 1942 by the United States Army Air Forces as a training base for the Air Corps Flying Training Command. After the war, the airfield was conveyed to the City of Gulfport in 1949 for use as a civil airport. Today, it features a 160,000 square foot airport terminal, served by five major commercial airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Sun Country Airlines.
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport also offers a range of facilities, including two runways, a state-of-the-art FBO, cargo and USO facilities, two hotels, and an office park. The airport underwent extensive renovations after sustaining severe damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and it reopened for commercial flights in September of that year.
The airport provides 24/7 US Customs services at Million Air Aviation and handles private international and military charter traffic. It had 48,868 aircraft operations in the year ending January 31, 2018, with an average of 134 operations per day. The airport also has a 40,000-square-foot cargo facility, highlighting its importance for cargo transportation in the region.
With its convenient location and range of amenities, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport plays a crucial role in Mississippi's aviation network, serving as a gateway to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and accommodating travellers from around the world.
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The airport was built in 1942 as a training base for the US Army Air Forces
The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, also known as GPT Airport, was built in 1942 as a training base for the US Army Air Forces. The airport was originally constructed by the United States Army Air Forces to serve as a training facility for the Air Corps Flying Training Command. It was known as the Gulfport Army Airfield, and it officially opened on July 7, 1942.
The Eastern Technical Training Command was responsible for conducting technical training, and the basic training unit was transferred to the Third Air Force on March 31, 1944. This transfer also included joint use by the Technical Training Command for marine training at the Emergency Rescue School (3rd Air Rescue Group) based at Keesler Army Airfield.
With the conclusion of World War II and the subsequent reduction in military activity, the Gulfport Army Airfield underwent a change in status. On January 31, 1946, it was placed into reserve status, and the Air Force deemed it excess. The War Assets Administration transferred the airfield to the City of Gulfport in 1949, with the intention of repurposing it for civil aviation.
Today, the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the second-largest airport in the state of Mississippi, accommodating nearly 800,000 travellers annually. It covers 1,400 acres of land, with two runways, and facilitates a variety of aircraft operations, including military, general aviation, air taxi, and scheduled commercial flights. The airport has a range of facilities, including cargo facilities, cargo sorting and distribution area, office spaces, and access to various hotels and attractions in the surrounding area.
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It covers 1,400 acres, with two runways and a cargo facility
The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is a sprawling aviation hub, occupying a substantial area of 1,400 acres. This extensive land coverage allows the airport to accommodate a range of facilities and infrastructure to support its operations.
One of the most notable features of the airport is its two runways. These runways are essential for the airport's functionality, facilitating take-offs and landings for various aircraft. The longer of the two runways, designated as 14/32, stretches to an impressive 9,002 feet in length and 150 feet in width. It combines asphalt and concrete in its construction. The second runway, identified as 18/36, is slightly shorter at 4,935 feet in length but maintains the same width of 150 feet. This runway is asphalt-surfaced, ensuring smooth operations for smaller aircraft.
In addition to its runways, the airport boasts a substantial cargo facility. This dedicated cargo hub spans 40,000 square feet, providing ample space for the efficient handling, sorting, and distribution of cargo. The facility is strategically designed to manage the inflow and outflow of goods, ensuring that cargo operations run seamlessly alongside passenger services.
The cargo facility is complemented by additional spaces that cater to specific functions. For instance, there is 20,000 square feet dedicated to chiller space, vital for perishable goods and temperature-sensitive cargo. Furthermore, the airport allocates 6,000 square feet for office space, ensuring that administrative tasks and management of cargo operations have a designated area.
The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport's vast acreage and comprehensive facilities underscore its significance as a transportation hub. By efficiently managing passenger traffic, military operations, and cargo services, the airport plays a pivotal role in connecting the region to the rest of the world.
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The airport was closed for repairs in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina
The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the second-largest airport in Mississippi, welcoming nearly 800,000 travellers each year. The airport, identified by its IATA code GPT, is located approximately two miles from the Gulf of Mexico. It covers an area of 1,400 acres at an elevation of 28 feet above sea level.
During the closure, the airport underwent necessary repairs and renovations to restore operations. The extent of the damage from Hurricane Katrina is unclear, but the airport's infrastructure likely sustained significant harm, impacting its ability to facilitate flights and serve travellers. The repairs aimed to address this damage, ensuring the airport could resume safe and efficient operations.
The closure and repair process lasted for a period of time, with extensive renovations completed by 2007. The airport authorities, with support from the relevant agencies, worked diligently to restore the airport's functionality and safety standards. This included repairing damaged runways, terminals, and navigation systems, as well as ensuring the surrounding area was secure for incoming and outgoing flights.
Hurricane Katrina was a devastating storm that impacted the Gulf Coast region, and the airport's closure was a necessary step to ensure the safety and security of both the airport facilities and the travelling public. The reopening of the airport in stages allowed for a gradual resumption of operations, with the safety of first responders and commercial flights being a top priority.
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USO Gulf Coast provides free services, snacks and drinks to service members
The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is the second-largest airport in the state of Mississippi, serving nearly 800,000 travellers each year. The airport has two runways and covers an area of 1,400 acres at an elevation of 28 feet above sea level.
The USO Gulf Coast centre at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport provides free services, snacks, and drinks to service members and their families. USO Gulf Coast is honoured to serve its local servicemen and women whenever and wherever needed. It offers a helping hand and a friendly ear to those who are new to the area or visiting.
The USO Gulf Coast Airport Centre provides a range of snacks and meals, including cookies, pizza, and hot dogs. They host special events like Hump Day Hotdogs and weekly No Dough lunches, ensuring that no service member goes hungry while travelling through the airport. USO Gulf Coast also offers goodies on the go for those who are deploying or returning home.
Service members can relax and enjoy a meal with their buddies or family in a comfortable environment. USO Gulf Coast centres provide entertainment options throughout the year, aiming to create memorable experiences for service members, especially during major holidays when they may be away from their loved ones.
The USO Gulf Coast centre at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is dedicated to supporting service members and their dependents, ensuring they have access to refreshments and a welcoming space during their airport visits.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Gulfport is the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.
The airport covers an area of 1,400 acres (567 ha) at an elevation of 28 feet (9 m) above sea level.
The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport has two runways: 14/32, which is 9,002 by 150 feet (2,744 x 46 m), and 18/36, which is 4,935 by 150 feet (1,504 x 46 m).
