Kokomo Municipal Airport

Kokomo Municipal Airport
Name	Kokomo Municipal Airport
IATA	OKK
ICAO	KOKK
FAA	OKK
Type	Public
Owner	City of Kokomo
City-served	Kokomo, Indiana
Elevation-f	827
Elevation-m	252

Kokomo Municipal Airport is a public-use airport serving Kokomo, Indiana, located in Howard County, Indiana. It functions as a general aviation reliever and supports flight training, corporate aviation, and air cargo operations linked to regional Indianapolis and Fort Wayne transportation networks. The airport interfaces with local industry leaders and municipal authorities to facilitate Parker-Hannifin-related logistics, St. Joseph Hospital medevac flights, and recreational aviation activities.

Overview

Kokomo Municipal Airport sits near U.S. Route 31 and provides connections to the Indianapolis International Airport, Fort Wayne International Airport, Indianapolis Motor Speedway event traffic, and regional Indiana Toll Road corridors. The field hosts fixed-base operators such as Warsaw Kokomo Aviation Services and supports flight schools connected to institutions like Indiana Wesleyan University and Ivy Tech Community College. Facilities include instrument approaches compatible with Federal Aviation Administration standards and coordination with National Weather Service forecasting for aviation operations. The airport is administered by the City of Kokomo and collaborates with the Indiana Department of Transportation Office of Aviation for infrastructure grants.

History

The airfield's origins trace to early 20th-century aviation activity in Howard County, Indiana and local manufacturing ties to Delco Remy and Hayes Brake. During the Cold War era the airport adapted to corporate aviation demands of companies such as Kokomo Automotive suppliers including Cummins and General Motors. Federal programs under the Airport Improvement Program enabled runway expansions and navigational upgrades. Notable regional events linking to the airport include visits by dignitaries from Lieutenant Governor of Indiana offices and emergency responses coordinated with Howard County, Indiana officials. Over decades the field hosted airshows and community outreach with groups like the Experimental Aircraft Association and Civil Air Patrol.

Facilities and Aircraft

The airport features multiple paved runways meeting Federal Aviation Administration specifications, hangar complexes used by corporate operators such as Delphi Technologies contractors, and apron space supporting turboprops and business jets from manufacturers like Cessna, Beechcraft, Bombardier, and Gulfstream Aerospace. On-field services include aircraft maintenance organizations certified under Federal Aviation Regulations Parts 135 and 145, avionics shops aligned with Rockwell Collins systems, and fuel services for 100LL and Jet A. Operations include flight instruction affiliated with EAA AirVenture alumni instructors, aerial surveying flights supporting Indiana University research teams, and aerial photography missions for Kokomo Tribune media. Air traffic procedures coordinate with the Indianapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center.

Airlines and Destinations

Kokomo Municipal Airport primarily supports general aviation and charter services rather than scheduled commercial airlines. Corporate shuttles operate for employers including Microsoft-partner contractors and local manufacturing firms tied to Nexteer Automotive and MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator). On-demand air taxi operations use aircraft certified under Part 135 regulations to reach hubs like Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Indianapolis International Airport, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Seasonal and event-based charters service venues such as the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Accidents and Incidents

Recorded incidents at the field have involved general aviation aircraft, training flights, and charter operations, prompting investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and coordination with Howard County, Indiana emergency services. Past events resulted in procedural reviews and safety enhancements in runway signage, Instrument Landing System calibrations, and fuel-handling protocols. Safety partnerships include periodic audits by the Federal Aviation Administration and training exercises with the Howard County Fire Department and regional flight safety organizations.

Economic and Community Impact

The airport contributes to the Kokomo, Indiana economy by supporting employment at maintenance shops, FBOs, and corporate flight departments tied to suppliers for Stellantis and Delphi. It enhances business recruitment for Indiana Economic Development Corporation initiatives and serves as an asset for workforce mobility linked to Ball State University and regional healthcare providers like Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. Community programs include youth STEM outreach with Project Lead The Way partners, educational tours in cooperation with Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, and tourism support for local events promoted by Kokomo-Howard County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Infrastructure investments have been coordinated with federal grants via the U.S. Department of Transportation to sustain airfield improvements and economic resilience.

Category:Airports in Indiana Category:Buildings and structures in Howard County, Indiana