Springfield-Branson National Airport

Springfield-Branson National Airport is a public airport located about 5 miles west of Springfield, Missouri, and serves the Ozark region, including Branson, Missouri, Harrison, Arkansas, and Joplin, Missouri. The airport is owned by the City of Springfield, Missouri, and is a key transportation hub for the region, with connections to major airports such as Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport. The airport is also a popular destination for tourists visiting Silver Dollar City, Branson Scenic Railway, and Mark Twain National Forest. Additionally, the airport serves as a gateway to nearby Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

● Overview

The airport is situated near the intersection of Interstate 44 and U.S. Route 65, making it easily accessible by car from surrounding cities such as Springfield, Missouri, Branson, Missouri, and Joplin, Missouri. The airport's proximity to Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University also makes it a convenient option for students and faculty traveling to and from the region. Furthermore, the airport's location near Bass Pro Shops and Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium makes it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The airport is also close to the Dickerson Park Zoo and the Springfield Art Museum, which feature a diverse collection of American art, European art, and Asian art.

● History

The airport was established in 1942 as a military base, and was later converted to a public airport in 1945, with the first commercial flights operated by Trans World Airlines and Ozark Air Lines. Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of a new terminal building in 2007, designed by HNTB and constructed by Emery Sapp & Sons. The airport has also been served by various airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, which have provided connections to major hubs such as Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport. The airport has also been impacted by significant events such as the September 11 attacks, which led to increased security measures, and the Great Recession, which affected air travel demand.

● Facilities

The airport features a single terminal building with two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B, which offer a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and free Wi-Fi. The airport also has a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tower, which provides air traffic control services, and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, which screens passengers and baggage. Additionally, the airport has a fixed-base operator (FBO) providing fuel, maintenance, and other services to general aviation aircraft, as well as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, which processes international flights. The airport is also equipped with air traffic control systems, including radar and instrument landing systems, which enable safe and efficient air traffic management.

● Airlines_and_Destinations

The airport is served by several airlines, including American Airlines, which operates flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport; Delta Air Lines, which operates flights to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport; and United Airlines, which operates flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The airport also receives seasonal flights from Allegiant Air to Orlando Sanford International Airport and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, as well as from Frontier Airlines to Denver International Airport and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Other destinations served from the airport include St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Kansas City International Airport, and Tulsa International Airport, which are operated by American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express.

● Statistics

In 2020, the airport handled over 1 million passengers, with the majority traveling on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The airport also handled over 10,000 tons of cargo, with the majority being transported by FedEx Express and UPS Airlines. The airport's busiest routes include Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport, which are operated by multiple airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The airport's traffic is also influenced by events such as the Branson Music Festival, Springfield Jazz Festival, and Ozark Mountain Music Festival, which attract visitors from across the United States.

● Access

The airport is accessible by car via Interstate 44 and U.S. Route 65, and offers several parking options, including a short-term parking lot and a long-term parking lot, as well as a parking garage. The airport is also served by several taxi and ride-hailing companies, including Uber and Lyft, which provide transportation to and from the airport. Additionally, the airport offers a shuttle bus service to and from Springfield, Missouri, Branson, Missouri, and other surrounding cities, as well as a car rental service, which offers a range of vehicles from companies such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and Avis. The airport is also close to the Springfield Metro Area and the Branson Metro Area, which offer a range of accommodations, including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.