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.
