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
- Major Airports in Idaho
- General Aviation Airports
- Regional & Charter Options
- What Makes an Idaho Airport Notable?
- List of Airports in Idaho
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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!
