List of airports in Minnesota
Why Minnesota Has So Many Airports
Minnesota’s unique geography—spanning thousands of lakes, dense forests, and urban centers—has cultivated a transportation network that blends commercial, regional, and general‑aviation hubs. With a mix of winter flight operations and year‑round connectivity, the state’s airports serve as lifelines for business, tourism, and emergency services. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a trip‑planner, or simply curious about aviation infrastructure, this guide will walk you through the entire list of airports in Minnesota and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Table: List of Airports in Minnesota
| Airport | IATA | ICAO | City | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport | MSP | KMSP | Minneapolis/Saint Paul | Commercial | Largest hub, major airline operator |
| Duluth International Airport | DLL | KDLL | Duluth | Commercial | Primary gateway to the Iron Range |
| Bemidji Regional Airport | BAM | KBEM | Bemidji | General | Major regional service |
| Rochester International Airport | RST | KRST | Rochester | Commercial | Hometown of M. S. A. |
| St. Cloud Regional Airport | SCL | KSCL | St. Cloud | Regional | Central MN connector |
| Rochester–Roxford Airport | RHT | KRHT | Rochester‑Roxford | General | Secondary general‑aviation facility |
| Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport | BRD | KBRD | Brainerd | General | Popular for outdoor recreation |
| Grand Rapids Municipal Airport | GRI | KGRC | Grand Rapids | General | Small‑airplane friendly |
| La Crescent Airport | LCW | KLCW | La Crescent | General | Regional general aviation |
| Moorhead Municipal Airport | 3H0 | KMHT | Moorhead | General | Grass runway, pilots’ favorite |
This table highlights the most frequently used airports. For a complete list, refer to the FAA and the Minnesota Department of Transportation resources below.
Major Commercial Hubs
Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
- Why It Matters: Handles over 35 million passengers annually, with nonstop flights to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Perfect for both leisure and business travelers.
- Facilities: Modern terminals, Wi‑Fi, duty‑free shopping, lounges, and extensive ground‑transport links.
Duluth International Airport (DLL)
- Why It Matters: Key gateway to mining towns and the Superior National Forest. Offers flights to major cities on the East Coast and Midwest.
- Facilities: Airport museum, ski lodge, and a seasonal winter park for scenic tours.
Rochester International Airport (RST)
- Why It Matters: Serves the Minneapolis area from 90 miles east, making it convenient for those in the southern state.
- Facilities: Free Wi‑Fi, rental cars, and a variety of airline services.
Regional and General‑Aviation Airports
Regional airports are vital for connecting smaller communities to the larger commercial network, while general‑aviation airports accommodate private pilots and flight training.
- St. Cloud Regional Airport (SCL): A dual‑service hub for commercial and general‑aviation traffic.
- Bemidji Regional Airport (BAM): Offers seasonal flights during the peak of tourism into the North Star State.
- Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD): Perfect entry point for the North Shore area.
- La Crescent Airport (LCW): Grass runway beloved by small‑plane enthusiasts.
Choosing the Right Airport for Your Trip
- Determine Your Destination: Find the nearest airport to your end point using zip‑code lookup tools.
- Check Airline Options: Major carriers operate at MSP and DLL, while some regional carriers use SCL or BAM.
- Consider Seasonal Services: Some regional airports close for a few weeks each winter or have limited flights.
- Budget & Convenience: Commercial airports often carry higher fees and fees for parking or rentals but compensate with more flight options.
Travel Tips for Flying from Minnesota Airports
- Check Weather Updates: Winter storms can delay flights; stay informed via the FAA or the airport’s website.
- Use Airport Apps: MSP and DLL have official mobile apps that provide real‑time flight info and ground‑transport booking.
- Arrive Early: For commercial airports, arriving 90 minutes before a domestic flight is recommended; 2 hours for trans‑border or international flights.
FAQ – Quick Answers About Minnesota Airports
Which airport is best for international travel?
Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International (MSP) offers the most international flights.
Does Duluth International fly into the Midwest?
Yes, DLL provides nonstop flights to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis, among others.
Are there any airports serving the Twin Cities outside of MSP?
Rochester International (RST) and Minneapolis‑St. Paul suburbs have limited service, primarily regional.
What’s the best airport for scenic flights over the North Shore?
Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD) is ideal for pilots exploring that region.
- Do regional airports offer cargo services?
Many, such as Bemidji Regional (BAM), handle small‑scale cargo shipments and are good for freight operations.
Resources
- FAA Airport Data – Comprehensive listings and operational details: FAA Database.
- Minnesota Department of Transportation – Aviation – State‑wide airport information: MDOT Aviation.
- Airline Association of America – Flight routes & schedules for MSP and DLL: AA Routes.
- AirNav.com – Pilot‑friendly airport statistics and navigation aids: AirNav Minnesota Airports.
- Skytrax Airports Guide – Traveler reviews and airport amenities: Skytrax MSP.
Whether you’re flying for business, sightseeing, or a quick hop to a family member’s home, Minnesota’s airports offer safe, reliable, and diverse options to connect you to the world.
