Roberta Aguirre
Waco Regional Airport (ACT) is a unique airport with an interesting history. The airport's story began in 1941 when the city of Waco purchased farmland to construct a new municipal airport. Initially serving as a training airfield for the US Army Air Forces, it underwent several name changes before becoming the Waco Municipal Airport in 1945. Waco Regional Airport has witnessed historical events, including a 1987 emergency landing by then-presidential candidate Al Gore and a tragic 1984 crash during a simulated engine failure. Today, the airport offers efficient services with a single terminal, providing passengers with a seamless travel experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Waco Regional Airport |
| Airport Code | ACT |
| Location | Waco, Texas |
| Address | 7909 Karl May Dr Waco, TX 76708 |
| Terminals | 1 |
| Gates | 3 |
| Airlines | American Airlines, American Eagle, United Express |
| History | Construction began in 1941 on grazing farmland; leased by the War Department in 1942 for the US Army Air Forces; initially named China Spring Army Air Field, later Waco Army Air Field No. 2, then Blackland Army Airfield; deactivated in 1945; operated as Waco Municipal Airport from 1950 |
| Notable Events | Emergency landing of Al Gore's plane in 1987 |
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What You'll Learn
Waco Regional Airport's history
Waco Regional Airport (IATA: ACT, ICAO: KACT, FAA LID: ACT) is an airport in Waco, McLennan County, Texas. It is owned by the City of Waco and is a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Waco. The airport covers 1,369 acres and has two asphalt runways.
The history of Waco Regional Airport dates back to the early days of commercial aviation in the region. Initially, commercial air services in Waco operated from Rich Field, an old army base near the current-day Heart O’Texas Fairgrounds. The first commercial flight into Rich Field was operated by Texas Air Transport (TAT) on March 30, 1929, and Waco was part of only two routes operated by TAT during the interwar period.
In 1941, the city of Waco purchased land in China Spring to begin construction of a new commercial municipal airport. However, during World War II, the airfield was used for military training until it became inactive in October 1945. The facility was then disposed of by the War Assets Administration (WAA) and deeded to the local government, becoming the Waco Municipal Airport in 1950.
The first airline flights at the airport were operated by Braniff, which had been serving the previous Waco airport since the 1930s. Other airlines that served the airport in its early years included Pioneer, which arrived in 1947, and Continental, which merged with Pioneer in 1955. In 1956, Trans-Texas DC-3s began operating at the airport, and in the 1960s, Waco Regional Airport became a multi-use facility at the request of the city council.
However, in February 1963, the Civil Aeronautics Board ruled that only one airline could operate in Waco, leading to a monopoly by Trans-Texas Airway that lasted for eleven years. This ended temporarily due to strikes, allowing Rio Airways to enter the market and provide service to Dallas/Fort Worth. Today, Waco Regional Airport continues to serve the region, offering flights to various destinations and providing a range of amenities for passengers and visitors.
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The airport's military past
Waco Regional Airport, or ACT, has a long and fascinating military history. The airport's history began in 1941 when the city of Waco purchased 528 acres of grazing farmland in China Spring to construct a new commercial municipal airport. Construction began in late summer 1941. However, in early 1942, the War Department leased the site to the United States Army Air Forces for use as a training airfield. The Army Air Force rushed to complete the project, transforming the civil building plans into those of a military airfield and ground station.
The facility was initially named China Spring Army Air Field, reflecting its location, and subsequently renamed Waco Army Air Field No. 2. It was finally given the name Blackland Army Airfield, inspired by the local black soil. Blackland AAF was activated on July 2, 1942, serving as a glider training school. Cadets at the airfield received intensive flight instruction in various aircraft, including Beechcraft AT-10s and Cessna AT-17s. The base was home to diverse squadrons, including the all-black 357th aviation squadron and the all-white 871st twin-engine training squadron, reflecting the changing nature of the Army.
Blackland played a crucial role in training pilots for World War II. The facility included barracks, mess halls, a hospital, a church, a theatre, administrative buildings, aircraft hangars, and a control tower. In February 1945, flying training at the airfield ended, and it became a sub-base of the Waco Army Airfield. The field became inactive on October 31, 1945, and by 1950, the War Assets Administration disposed of the facility, deeding it to the local government.
The site resumed its role as Waco Municipal Airport, with Braniff Airlines and Pioneer Airlines commencing operations in 1945 and 1947, respectively. Blackland concluded its service as a military airfield at the end of World War II, with military flights shifting to the nearby James Connolly Air Force Base in 1948.
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Airlines that operate out of Waco
Waco Regional Airport (ACT) is a small airport in the United States with only domestic flights. There is only one airline operating out of Waco as of May 2025, which is American Airlines. American Airlines offers short flights to Dallas, with return flights to Waco Regional Airport also available.
Historically, Braniff Airlines began operations out of Waco Municipal Airport in 1945, followed by Pioneer Airlines in 1947. Continental Airlines also added services in the 1950s, flying the large Douglas DC-3 aircraft. However, in 1963, the Civil Aeronautics Board declared that only one airline would be allowed to operate in Waco, which resulted in a monopoly for Trans-Texas Airways.
Today, American Airlines operates roughly 93 flights departing from Waco every month, or 21 flights each week. While there are currently no international flights departing from Waco, the airport offers a convenient gateway to popular domestic destinations.
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Waco's airport efficiency
Waco Regional Airport (ACT) in Waco, Texas, is a small, convenient airport that primarily serves the Central Texas region. The airport offers a streamlined, hassle-free travel experience with a compact terminal that is easy to navigate. This makes it a practical and efficient gateway to the heart of Texas.
Waco Regional Airport offers a range of essential services, including rental car counters, a comfortable waiting area, and dining options. The airport also provides flight training through several organisations, including Chiota Aviation and Universal Flight Concepts, which offer both helicopter and aeroplane training. Additionally, Waco Flight Training specialises in initial tailwheel training and endorsements. The airport is also home to the Baylor University Flight Centre, which supports the university's Aviation Sciences Program.
The airport's history dates back to 1941 when grazing farmland was chosen for the new Waco Municipal Airport. Construction began in late summer 1941, and in early 1942, the War Department leased the site to the United States Army Air Forces as a training airfield. The Army Air Force rushed to complete the project, converting the civil building plans into those of a military airfield and ground station. Flying training at the airfield ended on 4 February 1945, and it became a sub-base of the Waco Army Airfield.
Today, Waco Regional Airport caters mainly to regional and domestic flights, connecting Waco to major hubs and facilitating both business and leisure travel. The airport is known for its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular choice for travellers seeking a low-stress travel experience. Waco Regional Airport is also conveniently located less than ten miles from downtown Waco and Baylor University, offering easy access to local attractions such as Cameron Park and the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame Museum.
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Waco airport in the spotlight
Waco Regional Airport in Texas has a long history, dating back to 1941 when construction began on what was then called Waco Municipal Airport. The airport has had its fair share of notable moments, including when a plane carrying then-presidential candidate Al Gore was forced to make an emergency landing in 1987 due to mechanical failure. This incident put the airport in the national spotlight.
The airport was initially built as a training airfield for the United States Army Air Forces, and it saw a variety of military uses during World War II. The facility was first named China Spring Army Air Field, then Waco Army Air Field No. 2, and finally Blackland Army Airfield. The base was home to various squadrons, including the all-black 357th aviation squadron and the all-white 871st twin-engine training squadron, reflecting the changing nature of the Army at the time.
After the war, the airfield was converted back into a municipal airport in 1945, and Braniff Airlines began operations. Pioneer Airlines followed in 1947, and over the years, various other airlines have come and gone. In 2003, Continental Airlines resumed service to Houston, leading to a peak passenger count of over 150,000 that year. However, when United ceased operations at the airport in 2012, the passenger count dropped significantly.
Today, Waco Regional Airport is the only airport in Waco, offering travellers a unique charm alongside efficient service. The airport has one terminal named after the famous aviator James Connally, with three gates and all the basic amenities travellers need. American Airlines, the parent company of American Eagle, is currently the only airline operating out of Waco, providing short flights to Dallas.
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Frequently asked questions
ACT stands for Waco Regional Airport, which is located in Waco, Texas.
The airport code is named after the city of Waco, Texas, which is served by the airport.
Waco Regional Airport has one terminal with three gates. The terminal is named after the aviator James Connally.
