Mackinac Island Airport

Mackinac Island Airport is a public airport located on Mackinac Island in Michigan, United States. The airport is owned and operated by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and serves as a vital transportation hub for the island, providing connections to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Pellston Regional Airport, and other regional airports. The airport is also an important hub for Island Airlines, Great Lakes Air, and other regional airlines that operate scheduled and charter flights to and from the island. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) have designated the airport as a key regional airport, with Northwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines having previously operated flights to the airport.

Overview

Mackinac Island Airport is situated on the western side of Mackinac Island, near the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac. The airport has one runway, designated as 08/26, which is 3,751 feet long and 75 feet wide. The airport's elevation is 897 feet above sea level, and it has a single terminal building that handles all passenger and cargo operations. The airport is equipped with VOR and NDB navigation aids, as well as a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system to guide aircraft to the runway. National Weather Service (NWS) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide weather and air traffic control services to the airport, which is also served by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

History

The history of Mackinac Island Airport dates back to the 1930s, when the Mackinac Island State Park Commission began planning for the construction of an airport on the island. The airport was officially opened in 1934, with a single grass runway and a small terminal building. Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and upgrades, including the construction of a new terminal building in the 1960s and the installation of a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system in the 1980s. The airport has been served by several airlines, including Northwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, as well as regional airlines such as Island Airlines and Great Lakes Air. The airport has also been used by United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) for military operations, including World War II and the Korean War.

Facilities

Mackinac Island Airport has a single terminal building that handles all passenger and cargo operations. The terminal building is equipped with a Federal Inspection Service (FIS) facility, which provides customs and immigration services for international flights. The airport also has a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) that provides fuel, maintenance, and other services to general aviation aircraft. The FBO is operated by Mackinac Island Aviation, which is a subsidiary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. The airport's runway is equipped with a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system, as well as VOR and NDB navigation aids. The airport is also served by United States Postal Service (USPS) and Federal Express (FedEx), which provide mail and cargo services to and from the island.

Operations

Mackinac Island Airport is operated by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, which is responsible for the airport's maintenance, operations, and management. The airport is served by several airlines, including Island Airlines, Great Lakes Air, and other regional airlines that operate scheduled and charter flights to and from the island. The airport is also used by general aviation aircraft, including Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft aircraft. The airport's Air Traffic Control (ATC) services are provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which operates a Control Tower at the airport. The airport is also served by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which provide customs and security services to the airport.

Statistics

Mackinac Island Airport handles approximately 10,000 passengers per year, with the majority of flights operating during the summer months. The airport is also a major hub for cargo operations, with Federal Express (FedEx) and United States Postal Service (USPS) operating regular flights to and from the island. The airport's Air Traffic Control (ATC) services handle approximately 5,000 aircraft operations per year, including scheduled and charter flights, as well as general aviation aircraft. The airport's economic impact on the island is significant, with the airport generating approximately $10 million in revenue per year. The airport is also an important employer on the island, with approximately 50 people employed at the airport, including Air Traffic Controllers, Pilots, and other airport staff. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide safety oversight and regulation of the airport, which is also served by American Red Cross and Salvation Army during emergency situations. Category:Airports in Michigan