Ruth Haines
Little Rock's first airport opened in 1917 and was operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. The airport, formally known as the Little Rock Intermediate Air Depot, has since undergone several name changes and is currently called the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. Located on the eastern edge of Little Rock, Arkansas, the airport has a rich history and has played a significant role in the growth of the city and the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field |
| Former Name | Little Rock National Airport/Adams Field |
| Location | East side of Little Rock, Arkansas, US |
| Year opened | 1917 |
| Year commercial air service began | 1931 |
| Area | 2,000 acres (809 ha) |
| Elevation | 266 feet (81 m) above mean sea level |
| Number of runways | 3 |
| Number of gates | 12 |
| Number of daily aircraft operations (as of Feb 2023) | 228 |
| Number of based aircraft (as of Feb 2023) | 122 |
| Number of passengers (as of 2012) | 2.3 million |
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What You'll Learn
- Little Rock's first airport opened in 1917 and was operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps
- The airport was renamed the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in 2012
- The airport is the largest commercial airport in Arkansas, serving over 2 million passengers annually
- The airport has a significant military presence, with C-130 transports from the nearby Little Rock Air Force Base
- The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of new runways and terminals
Little Rock's first airport opened in 1917 and was operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps
Little Rock's first airport opened its doors in 1917 and was operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Known as the Little Rock Intermediate Air Depot, this small airfield played a crucial role in the early days of aviation in Arkansas. The airport has a rich history that reflects the development of aviation in the region.
The airport's beginnings can be traced back to a modest 40-acre plot of land, serving as a vital centre for both commercial and military aviation. Over time, it underwent significant expansion, particularly between the two World Wars, growing to encompass 640 acres. This expansion included the addition of two more runways, transforming the airport into a bustling hub.
In 1926, the Federal Government stepped in and acquired property adjacent to the airfield to support the 154th Observation Squadron of the Arkansas National Guard. This expansion laid the groundwork for the airport's future growth and solidified its importance in the region. By 1928, the airport welcomed its first aircraft manufacturing business, marking the beginning of a long line of manufacturing and aircraft overhaul services that continue to play a significant role at the airport today.
The airfield changed hands several times over the years, with the Federal Government assuming control during World War II. However, shortly after the war ended, the City of Little Rock regained responsibility for the airport and promptly resumed daily commercial air service. The airport has continued to evolve, with major runway improvements in 1953 and the installation of the first Instrument Landing System soon after, enabling safer landings and take-offs during unfavourable weather conditions.
Today, the airport, now known as the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field, remains a vital transportation hub in Little Rock. It has come a long way since its early days as a small airfield, now serving over two million passengers annually and offering nonstop service to numerous destinations. The airport's history is a testament to the city's commitment to growth and development, ensuring that it remains a key player in the aviation industry for years to come.
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The airport was renamed the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in 2012
Little Rock's first airport opened in 1917 and was operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. The airport was officially renamed the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in 2012, though it is still often referred to as Adams Field, or Clinton National Airport. The airport is located on the east side of Little Rock, Arkansas.
The airport was renamed to honour Arkansas native Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States and former governor, and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The name change was voted on by the municipal airport commission on March 20, 2012.
The airport has a long history of name changes and expansions. The airport was originally known as the Little Rock Intermediate Air Depot and was purchased by the citizens of Little Rock in 1930. By 1931, commercial air service had begun, with American Airways (now American Airlines) becoming the first airline to serve Little Rock.
During World War II, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces Third Air Force for antisubmarine patrols and training. The War Department assumed control of the airport during the war, and the City of Little Rock regained responsibility shortly after, re-establishing daily commercial air service. The airport received major runway improvements in 1953, and its first Instrument Landing System (ILS) was installed soon after.
The airport continued to expand and improve its facilities over the following decades, with jets arriving in the 1960s, a new terminal opening in 1972, and a second commercial service runway opening in 1991. In the 1990s, over $170 million in capital improvements were made to ensure the airport could continue to serve its customers in the new century.
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The airport is the largest commercial airport in Arkansas, serving over 2 million passengers annually
Little Rock's first airport opened in 1917 and was known as the Little Rock Intermediate Air Depot, operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. The airport has since expanded and evolved to become the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, also known as Adams Field, a joint civil-military airport on the east side of Little Rock, Arkansas. It is the largest commercial airport in Arkansas and serves over 2 million passengers annually, making it a significant transportation hub for the region.
The history of the airport is quite intriguing. Between the two World Wars, the airport grew significantly, expanding from 40 acres to 640 acres and transforming from a single sod runway to three hard-surfaced runways. This rapid growth solidified its importance as a key centre for commercial and military air service. During World War II, the airfield was utilised by the United States Army Air Forces Third Air Force for antisubmarine patrols and training. The War Department assumed control of the airport during the war, only to return it to the city of Little Rock after the war ended.
In 1953, major runway improvements were undertaken, and the first Instrument Landing System (ILS) was installed, enhancing the airport's functionality. The introduction of jets to Little Rock in the 1960s marked another pivotal moment, and a new terminal opened in 1972, further elevating the airport's capabilities. Throughout its history, the airport has undergone numerous improvements, including a $170 million capital improvement project in the 1990s, ensuring its ability to meet the demands of the new century.
Today, the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport boasts a single terminal with twelve gates and three runways. It offers nonstop service to several destinations, including Dallas, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and more. The airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Express. With its mix of commercial, private, and military aviation, the airport is an integral part of Little Rock's transportation infrastructure, catering to the diverse travel needs of its residents and visitors.
The airport's impact extends beyond passenger travel. It is also a significant economic driver, employing nearly 1,600 people at the Dassault Aircraft Services (DAS) – Little Rock Service Center and Completion Center, making it the largest Dassault facility in the world. The airport's inclusion in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2019–2023 underscores its importance as a small-hub primary commercial service facility.
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The airport has a significant military presence, with C-130 transports from the nearby Little Rock Air Force Base
Little Rock's first airport opened in 1917 and was operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. It was formally known as the Little Rock Intermediate Air Depot. The airport has a long history of military use, with the U.S. Army Signal Corps operating the airport until 1926 when the Federal Government acquired the property to provide support and landing facilities for the 154th Observation Squadron of the Arkansas National Guard. During World War II, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces Third Air Force for antisubmarine patrols and training.
The airport, now known as the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field, continues to have a significant military presence today. The airport is a joint civil-military airport and is the largest commercial airport in Arkansas. It served more than 2.1 million passengers between March 2009 and February 2010. In the year ending February 28, 2023, the airport had 83,217 aircraft operations, with 10% of those being military operations.
The military operations at the airport are primarily C-130 transports from the nearby Little Rock Air Force Base, which is the largest C-130 base in the world. Little Rock Air Force Base is home to the 19th Airlift Wing, which is the tenant and active-duty, combat-coded tactical airlift provider and installation host. The 19th Airlift Wing is part of the Air Mobility Command's Eighteenth Air Force and provides the Department of Defense with the largest C-130 Hercules transport fleet in the world. The base is also the primary C-130 Hercules training base for the Department of Defense, training C-130 pilots, navigators, flight engineers, and loadmasters from all branches of the U.S. military.
The C-130 transports from Little Rock Air Force Base that utilize the airport for operations are practicing touch-and-go landings. This allows the nearby base's personnel to maintain proficiency in landing and taking off from the airport, which can be critical for various missions, including those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of new runways and terminals
Little Rock's first airport opened in 1917 and was operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Known as the Little Rock Intermediate Air Depot, it was small, covering only 40 acres of land. The airport underwent its first expansion in 1926 due to the growing needs of the 154th Observation Squadron of the Arkansas National Guard. The Federal Government acquired property to provide support and landing facilities for the squadron, and in 1928, the first aircraft manufacturing business arrived on site.
Over the years, the airport continued to grow and develop. Between the two World Wars, it expanded from 40 acres to 640 acres, and by 2011, it covered 2,200 acres. During this time, the airport also improved its infrastructure, adding new runways and terminals. In 1953, a major renovation project was undertaken to resurface and improve the runways, and the first Instrument Landing System (ILS) was installed, enhancing landing capabilities during unfavourable weather conditions.
The airport continued to modernize and expand its facilities over the decades. In 1972, a new 12-gate terminal opened, improving passenger capacity and amenities. The arrival of jets in the 1960s led to further enhancements, including the opening of a second commercial service runway in 1991. During the 1990s, significant capital investments totalling more than $170 million were made to upgrade the airport's facilities and ensure its continued service into the new century.
In 2008, a plan was approved to renovate and expand the terminal over a 15-year period, increasing the number of gates from 12 to 16. The airport, currently named the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field, remains a vital aviation hub, serving over two million passengers annually and accommodating a diverse range of aircraft operations.
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Frequently asked questions
Little Rock's first airport opened in 1917 and was operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. It was known as the Little Rock Intermediate Air Depot.
The airport is also known as the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, named after former Governor and United States President Bill Clinton and his wife, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The airport is located on the eastern edge of the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, just south of the Arkansas River.
