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The airport code OMA refers to Omaha's Eppley Airfield, which is located in Nebraska on the west side of the Missouri River. The airport is named after Eugene C. Eppley, the founder of the Eppley Hotel chain, who donated $1 million to prepare the airport for jet aircraft in 1959–60. In 2024, Eppley Airfield served 5,277,326 passengers and is known for being clean, calm, and easy to navigate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Eppley Airfield |
| Airport Code | OMA |
| Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Nearby Locations | Iowa, Missouri River, Carter Lake |
| Year of Establishment | 1925 |
| Operating Authority | Omaha Airport Authority |
| Terminals | North Terminal, South Terminal |
| Passenger Traffic | 4.2 million (before April 2024); 5,277,326 (April 2024) |
| Airlines | United Airlines, Braniff International Airways, Air Canada Express, JetBlue, Virgin America, Spirit Air, Allegiant Air |
| Facilities | Rental Car Facility, Customs and Border Protection Facility |
| Accessibility | Metro Transit Line 106, Express Arrow Intercity Buses, Interstate 80, Interstate 480, Interstate 680, Interstate 29 |
| Future Plans | $950 million expansion, modernisation of terminal, addition of gates and facilities |
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What You'll Learn
Omaha's Eppley Airfield
The airport's history dates back to 1925 when it began as an extension of Levi Carter Park near East Omaha. The City of Omaha acquired 200 acres (0.8 km2) of cleared land on the east side of Carter Lake, and planes soon began landing and taking off from there. The airport was initially called Omaha Municipal Airport and American Legion Airport. In 1959-60, with $1 million from the estate of Eugene C. Eppley, founder of the Eppley Hotel chain, and matching funds from the federal government, improvements were made to accommodate jet aircraft. In honour of Eugene C. Eppley, the airport was renamed Eppley Airfield in 1960. The first jets to touch down at the airport were United Boeing 720s in August 1960, and the terminal building, designed by James C. Buckley, Inc., opened the following year.
Conveniently located near four major highways (Interstate 80, Interstate 480, Interstate 680, and Interstate 29), Eppley Airfield offers easy access for travellers. The airport has a consolidated rental car facility connected to the North Terminal. For those using public transportation, Metro Transit Line 106 provides limited weekday rush-hour service to and from downtown Omaha and the North Omaha Transit Center. Additionally, Express Arrow intercity buses to Norfolk stop directly outside the terminal.
In recent years, Eppley Airfield has undergone significant developments to enhance its facilities and improve the passenger experience. In January 2016, the airport expanded its on-site United States Customs and Border Protection facility (CBP) to facilitate international travel. This expansion led to the airport's classification as a "Customs Landing Rights Airport" for international flights. Scheduled commercial international service commenced in May 2018 with a daily flight to Toronto–Pearson by Air Canada Express, although this service ended in October 2019. The airport continues to handle international cargo, charter, and private flights.
Looking ahead, Eppley Airfield has ambitious plans for further expansion and modernisation. In January 2024, the Omaha Airport Authority announced a $950 million expansion project that includes a new passenger drop-off lane, a protective canopy over the passenger pick-up and drop-off area, and improved ADA-compliant accessibility modifications. These enhancements are designed to improve the overall passenger experience and consolidate security screening processes.
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Eugene C. Eppley
The airport with the code OMA is named after Eugene C. Eppley, a prominent and influential businessman and philanthropist. Eppley was born in 1884 in Iowa and had a remarkable impact on the development of Omaha, Nebraska, and the surrounding region. Known for his business acumen, he built a vast empire in the hospitality industry, becoming a pioneer in the standardization of hotel operations and setting new standards for the emerging travel industry.
Eppley's business journey began in 1917 when he purchased his first hotel in Omaha. He quickly expanded his portfolio, acquiring additional properties and establishing the Eppley Hotel Company. Under his leadership, the company grew exponentially, and by the 1950s, it owned and operated over 20 hotels across the Midwest. Eppley was a visionary who introduced innovative concepts to the hotel industry. He emphasized the importance of consistency and standardization, ensuring that guests could expect the same level of quality and service across his hotel chain.
Beyond his business successes, Eppley was also dedicated to philanthropy and community development. He generously supported various charitable causes and played a pivotal role in the growth and transformation of Omaha. Eppley served on numerous boards and contributed significantly to educational institutions, particularly the University of Nebraska at Omaha. His philanthropic efforts extended to the establishment of the Eppley Foundation, which continues to support charitable initiatives in the region.
In recognition of his impact on the city and the aviation industry, the airport in Omaha was named after Eugene C. Eppley. Today, the Eppley Airfield, with its code OMA, serves as a bustling transportation hub for the region. The airport's name serves as a lasting tribute to Eppley's legacy, reflecting his contributions to the development of Omaha and his influence on the travel industry. Eppley's vision, business prowess, and dedication to his community continue to inspire, and his name remains synonymous with hospitality and civic engagement.
Eppley passed away in 1958, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. His influence extended beyond his business achievements, as he helped shape the landscape of Omaha and contributed to its cultural and economic growth. Through his foundation and the ongoing impact of his business ventures, Eppley continues to positively affect the lives of people in Nebraska and beyond. The story of Eugene C. Eppley serves as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and a deep commitment to community development.
The airport code OMA, representing Eppley Airfield, thus honors the memory and achievements of Eugene C. Eppley, a true pioneer and visionary who left an indelible mark on the city of Omaha and the hospitality industry as a whole.
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Omaha Airport Authority
Omaha's Eppley Airfield is conveniently located near four major highways: Interstate 80, Interstate 480, Interstate 680, and Interstate 29. The airport has a consolidated rental car facility connected to the North Terminal, and public transportation options are available, including the Metro Transit Line 106 and Express Arrow intercity buses to Norfolk.
In recent years, Eppley Airfield has undergone several upgrades and expansions to enhance its facilities and improve the passenger experience. In 2016, the airport expanded its on-site United States Customs and Border Protection facility, allowing for the commencement of scheduled commercial international service in 2018. More recently, in 2024, the Omaha Airport Authority announced a $950 million expansion plan, which includes modernizing the terminal, adding gates and facilities, and improving accessibility.
Eppley Airfield has experienced significant growth in passenger traffic over the years. In 2024, the airport set a new record, serving 5,277,326 passengers. However, the airport has also experienced challenges, such as the EF2 tornado that struck in April 2024, causing damage to several hangars and aircraft.
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Customs and Border Protection
Eppley Airfield (OMA) is an airport in Omaha, Nebraska, in the midwestern United States. It is the largest airport in Nebraska, with more arrivals and departures than all other airports in the state combined. It is classified as a medium hub airport by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airport is located three miles (5 km) northeast of downtown Omaha, on the west bank of the Missouri River in Douglas County.
OMA has an on-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility that handles international, charter, and private flights. In January 2016, the airport expanded its CBP facility to provide greater customs and inspection services for international passengers. OMA is classified as a "Customs Landing Rights Airport" for international flights by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Scheduled commercial international service began on May 1, 2018, with a daily flight to Toronto–Pearson by Air Canada Express. This service ended on October 4, 2019. Over the course of 2024, Southwest Airlines, American, and Delta were the largest carriers, serving 37.1%, 20.6%, and 17.5% of passengers, respectively.
OMA has a consolidated rental car facility connected to the North Terminal. Metro Transit Line 106 provides limited weekday-only rush-hour service southbound towards downtown and northbound towards the North Omaha Transit Center. Express Arrow intercity buses to Norfolk also stop at the terminal.
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Airport expansion
Omaha's Eppley Airfield, or OMA, has announced a $950 million terminal expansion project. The project, known as Build OMA, is already underway and is expected to be completed in 2028. The expansion will nearly double the airport's size, adding significant traveller amenities and two international gates.
The airport, which is located northeast of downtown in east Omaha, Nebraska, has seen increased travel in recent years. In 2024, Eppley Airfield set an all-time record with 5,277,326 passengers served. To accommodate this growing demand, the Omaha Airport Authority has undertaken the expansion project to enhance the traveller experience and make the airport more accessible and efficient.
The $950 million budget for the expansion and renovation includes the construction of a new Central Utility Plant. The project will be funded from airport revenues, federal grants, and future airport bonds, with no impact on resident property taxes. Holder Construction has been chosen as the design-builder for the Terminal Expansion and Modernization Project.
The expansion will include larger gate boarding areas, an expanded baggage claim, more restaurants and retail shops beyond the security checkpoint, and a new automated inline baggage handling system. Centralized ticketing and security, along with a unified concourse, will make navigating the airport easier. Additionally, there will be improved ADA-compliant accessibility modifications, with enhanced accessibility for the pick-up and drop-off experience, including a protective canopy over the passenger area.
The Build OMA program aims to deliver a premier travelling experience with enhanced safety and ease. The expansion will also include more power outlets in gate areas and more restrooms, as well as updated ticketing lobbies located on the second floor adjacent to security. These improvements are designed to streamline the traveller experience and make Eppley Airfield a more convenient and accessible airport for its growing number of passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
OMA is the airport code for Eppley Airfield, Omaha.
The airport is named after Eugene C. Eppley, founder of the Eppley Hotel chain. In 1959-60, $1 million was used from his estate to prepare the then-Omaha Municipal Airport for jet aircraft. The airport was then renamed in his honour in 1960.
The airport is small and easy to navigate, with a calm and relaxing environment. It is also very clean. However, it has been the topic of interest when it comes to expansion, as Omaha has grown exponentially in the last decade.
The airport is located near four major highways: Interstate 80, Interstate 480, Interstate 680, and Interstate 29. The Metro Transit Line 106 provides limited weekday-only rush-hour service southbound and northbound.
