List of airports in Idaho

Dive into Idaho’s rich aviation network, from bustling transport hubs to charming general‑aviation airports. Whether you’re a pilot planning flight routes, a traveler looking for convenient air services, or simply curious about Idaho’s skies, this article gives you a complete overview of the airports in Idaho and practical information to help you navigate them.

Outline


Introduction

Idaho’s diverse topography—from the rugged Teton Range to the expansive Sawtooth Valley—creates a demand for reliable and versatile air transportation. The state’s airports serve not only as gateways for tourism and business but also as lifelines for remote communities, medical evacuations, and cargo delivery. Understanding the roles and capabilities of Idaho’s airports can help you make informed travel, flight‑planning, or investment decisions.


Major Airports in Idaho

Airport IATA / ICAO Location Approx. Passenger Volume (2023) Notable Features
Boise Airport (BOI) BOI / KBOI Boise ~ 4.5 million Primary commercial hub, 3 runways, nonstop to 60+ cities
Ketchikan‑Skagway Airport (HLI) HLI / PHLI Pocatello ~ 180,000 Main source of air freight to the high desert
Twin Falls Airport (TWF) TWF / KTFW Twin Falls ~ 35,000 Hub for agricultural aviation and regional flights
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) IDA / KIDV Idaho Falls ~ 140,000 One of the oldest airports, supports general and cargo
Sun Valley (CWD) CWD / KSUV Sun Valley ~ 8,500 Seasonal ski‑tourism services, scenic flights

(Passenger volumes are illustrative and reflect trends up to 2023.)


General Aviation Airports

Idaho’s general‑aviation community thrives on numerous county and municipal airports that support private pilots, flight training, and recreational flying. These airports often feature shorter runways, limited services, and are pivotal for connecting remote towns.

  • Boise Air Park – serves light aircraft in the capital.
  • Garden City Airport (GCI) – popular with sports pilots around Teton.
  • Malad Airport (MDL) – offers 24/7 traffic control for emergency medical flights.


Regional & Charter Options

For travelers needing direct routes to niche destinations or corporate jets, regional and charter services are abundant:

  • Canyon Express – charter operator for ski resorts.
  • Mountain Air – flight training and private charter from Sun Valley.
  • High Desert Air – caters to ag‑business clientele in Jerome and Twin Falls.

These services often connect smaller airports to major hubs, ensuring seamless travel across Idaho’s varied terrain.


What Makes an Idaho Airport Notable?

  • Runway Length & Surface – Determines aircraft types that can operate safely.
  • Passenger Traffic – Higher volume indicates a commercial service hub.
  • Commercial Services – Availability of scheduled airlines and cargo carriers.
  • Proximity to Key Locations – Access to economic centers, resorts, or rural communities.
  • Facilities & Services – Presence of FBOs, maintenance workshops, or 24‑hour operations.

Understanding these criteria can help pilots and travelers evaluate an airport’s suitability for their needs.


List of Airports in Idaho

Below is a quick reference table containing every public‑use airport in Idaho. Each entry notes its FAA code, IATA code (if applicable), city served, and airport type.

FAA Identifier IATA Airport Name City / County Type
0U7 0U7 Airport Boise Airport
KBOI BOI Boise Airport Boise Commercial
KSUV CWD Sun Valley Airport Sun Valley Commercial
KIDV IDA Idaho Falls Regional Idaho Falls Commercial
KTFW TWF Twin Falls Airport Twin Falls Commercial
KMDL MDL Malad Airport Malad Public
KGYV GYV Garden City Airport Garden City Public
KLCX LCX Lewiston/Clarkston International Lewiston Commercial
KPPU PPU Pocatello Regional Airport Pocatello Commercial
KADQ ADQ Adair County Airport Idaho City Public
KJCS JCS Janesville Airport Janesville Private
KIDP IDP Idaho National Lab Airport Idaho Falls Private

(For a complete list, consult the FAA’s Airport Data & Information Portal.)


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the largest airport in Idaho?

    Boise Airport (BOI) is the largest, handling over 4.5 million passengers annually and providing national and international connections.

  2. Do most Idaho airports have commercial airline service?

    Only a handful of public airports have scheduled carriers. Most rely on private, charter, or regional flights.

  3. Are there airports suitable for emergency medical transport?

    Yes—Malad (MDL), Idaho Falls (IDA), and others feature dedicated medical helipad services and runways that can accommodate medical aircraft.

  4. Can I fly privately into any Idaho airport?

    Most public airports allow private use, but pilots should verify NOTAMs, runway lengths, and available services before arrival.

  5. What is the best airport for ski tourism?

    Sun Valley (CWD) and Mountain Home (MHD) provide seasonal flights to ski resorts, supported by charter operators.


Additional Resources

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Data – Official database of all registered Idaho airports.
  • Idaho Transportation Department – State policies, airport development plans, and funding opportunities.
  • Idaho Air National Guard – Information on military aviation infrastructure in the state.
  • Idaho Valley Tourism Board – Guides for visiting alpine resorts and remote destinations via air travel.
  • Airservices.gov – Idaho Airport Directory (PDF) – Comprehensive details on runway specs, navigational aids, and contact info.


Embark on your Idaho skies journey equipped with this definitive guide. Whether you’re booking a flight, charting a route, or simply exploring opportunities, understanding the state’s airports ensures a smoother, more informed experience. Happy flying!

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