Mississippi's Major Airports: A Comprehensive Overview

what major airports are in mississippi

Mississippi is a state known for its rich music heritage and Civil War history, attracting tourists from all over. The state is home to dozens of small airports, but only four are designated as international airports with major air carrier routes. These airports are located in the state capital of Jackson, and in the coastal region near the Gulf of Mexico. In this paragraph, we will explore the major airports of Mississippi, their locations, and the services they offer.

Characteristics Values
Main Airport Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)
Location Jackson, the state capital of Mississippi
Amenities Dining options, espresso cafe, gift shops, free wireless internet access
Other Major Airports Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Stennis International Airport (KSHA), Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport, Tupelo Regional Airport, Mid-Delta Regional Airport, Golden Triangle Regional Airport, Meridian Regional Airport
Nearby Major Airport Memphis International Airport (MEM) in Tennessee

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Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport

The airport has two 8,500-foot runways and offers free WiFi, an area for small pets, and displays of art by local artists. It is served by two seated, full-service restaurants, one in each terminal, and several additional grab-and-go options. The Riverbanks Bar & Grill and Sunrise Cafe are located in the West and East concourses, respectively, while Dunkin' is available pre-security. The airport also features the Medgar Wiley Evers Pavilion, a space dedicated to the civil rights leader's legacy.

In 2011, the airport was ranked 8th best in a worldwide consumer survey conducted by Airports Council International (ACI).

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Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport

Following World War II, the Gulfport Army Air Field was placed into reserve status on January 31, 1946, and later conveyed to the City of Gulfport in 1949 for use as a civil airport. Due to the expansion of the United States Air Force during the Cold War, a new lease was obtained for military use, and the Gulfport Air Force Base was opened as a joint-use civil-military facility. After the Gulfport Air Force Base closed, its military facilities were transferred to the Mississippi Air National Guard, and the airport remained a joint-use airport and Air National Guard base.

The airport closed for repairs after sustaining severe damage from Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. It reopened for first responder flights on August 30 and for commercial flights on September 8. An extensive renovation was completed in 2007. As of the 12-month period ending January 31, 2018, the airport had 48,868 aircraft operations, averaging 134 per day, of which 52% were military, 26% general aviation, 8% air taxi, and 14% scheduled commercial. As of Q4 2023, 41 aircraft are based at the airport, including single-engine, jet, multi-engine, and helicopter options.

The airport features a 40,000-square-foot cargo facility, including chiller, cargo sorting and distribution, and office spaces. Airside access from the runway system has been designed with safety and efficiency in mind, and the ramp can facilitate large aircraft such as the MD11, DC10, and B747. Additionally, 120 acres are reserved for air cargo on airport property.

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Stennis International Airport

The airport covers 591 acres of land, sitting at an elevation of 23.3 feet above mean sea level. It features a single runway, designated 18/36, with an asphalt surface measuring 8,497 by 150 feet. In the 12 months ending January 31, 2019, the airport recorded 63,600 aircraft operations, averaging 174 flights per day. The majority of these flights were general aviation (90%), with the remaining 10% being military operations.

The airport is strategically positioned on the eastern edge of the vast Stennis Space Center, just 12 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. This location provides optimal conditions for aircraft testing and training, attracting a diverse range of customers, including those from the general aviation, corporate, and military sectors. The airport's proximity to the Stennis Space Center and the upcoming Stennis Spaceport further enhances its appeal for space exploration endeavours.

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Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport

Mississippi, the 'Magnolia State', is served by several airports, with the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport being the primary hubs. However, the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport is also an important gateway to the state, offering convenient access to the southern region of Mississippi.

The airport is equipped with two asphalt concrete runways: Runway 18-36, which measures 6,501 feet in length, and Runway 9-27, with a length of 4,000 feet. These runways can accommodate a range of aircraft, from small general aviation planes to larger commercial jets. Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport is served by major airlines, providing connections to key destinations across the United States. Currently, the airport offers daily nonstop flights to and from Houston, Texas, through United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines. These flights provide convenient connections to domestic and international destinations via the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

In addition to its role as a commercial airport, Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport is also a vital hub for general aviation. It serves as a base for a variety of private and corporate aircraft, with facilities to support their operations. The airport is also home to the 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard, which operates the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for mid-air refueling missions.

For passenger convenience, the airport offers a range of ground transportation options, including car rental services from major companies such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz. Additionally, taxi and ridesharing services are readily available, providing easy access to nearby destinations, including the cities of Hattiesburg and Laurel.

With its strategic location, modern facilities, and efficient services, Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport plays a significant role in connecting southern Mississippi to the rest of the country. Its accessibility and convenient connections make it a valuable gateway for both leisure and business travelers visiting the region.

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Tupelo Regional Airport

In 2008, following the merger of Northwest and Delta, Delta Connection operated nonstop flights to Memphis and Atlanta, using Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets. However, the Memphis service was eventually discontinued. After Delta Connection ceased serving Tupelo in 2012, Silver Airways took over, providing service to Greenville, Muscle Shoals, and Atlanta using Saab 340s. Silver Airways' service ended in October 2014, and they were replaced by SeaPort Airlines, who operated for one year until October 2015.

After five months without airline service, Contour Airlines began daily nonstop flights to Nashville in April 2016, utilising British Aerospace Jetstream 31 turboprop aircraft. On April 1, 2016, Contour Airlines upgraded to Embraer ERJ family regional jets for their scheduled passenger flights. Contour has continued to upgrade its service, and Tupelo Regional Airport has regained Primary Airport status with the FAA in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Today, Tupelo Regional Airport offers convenient flight times and affordable ticket prices, making it a smart choice for travellers. The airport also provides direct flights to Nashville and on-site rental car options.

Frequently asked questions

Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) is the main airport in Mississippi. It is located about 11 miles east of downtown Jackson, the state capital, off I-20 at Exit 52.

The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is served by four major airlines: American, Delta, United, and Allegiant. Two smaller international airports, Stennis International Airport (KSHA) and the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, are also situated in the Gulf region.

The Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport, Tupelo Regional Airport, and Mid-Delta Regional Airport are some of the regional commercial airports in Mississippi.

Memphis International Airport (MEM) is located across the state line in Tennessee but frequently services visitors to the north of Mississippi.

Mississippi's airports offer a range of amenities, including dining options, coffee shops, gift shops, free wireless internet access, and art exhibitions.

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