List of airports in Montana
Explore Montana’s Aviation Landscape: A Comprehensive Guide to Airports in the Gem State
Montana is famed for its unspoiled wilderness, majestic mountains, and the iconic Big Sky, but its airports play a crucial role in connecting this vast state to the rest of the nation—and the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot, a tourist planning a scenic flight, or simply curious about which airports serve the various regions of Montana, this guide provides a detailed snapshot of every public‑use airport in the state, from bustling hubs to remote airstrips that keep national parks accessible.
Why Montana Airports Matter
Montana’s geography—spanning from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains—creates unique logistical challenges. With a population of just over 1 million residents distributed across a 147,000-square‑mile territory, air transport is often the fastest, most reliable way to reach remote communities, wildlife research stations, and tourist destinations.
- Economic impact: Airports support tourism, agriculture, mining, and energy sectors by facilitating freight and passenger movement.
- Emergency response: Airfields serve as lifelines during natural disasters, medical evacuations, and search‑and‑rescue missions.
- Community connectivity: Many rural towns rely on small airports for essential services, including postal delivery and remote medical care.
Montana’s Major Commercial Airports
| Airport | FAA Identifier | City | IATA Code | Annual Passenger Traffic (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings Logan International Airport | BIL | Billings | BIL | 730,000 |
| Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport | BZN | Bozeman | BZN | 680,000 |
| Missoula International Airport | MSL | Missoula | MSL | 520,000 |
| Helena Regional Airport | HEZ | Helena | HEZ | 175,000 |
| Great Falls International Airport | GTF | Great Falls | GTF | 140,000 |
These five airports cover the primary passenger and cargo corridors, providing flights to major hubs such as Denver, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City. Bozeman Yellowstone International is especially popular among outdoor enthusiasts traveling to Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.
General Aviation & Small Airfields
General aviation (GA) represents a significant portion of Montana’s air traffic, with over 1,500 certified runways and airstrips. GA pilots use these airports for recreational flying, aerial surveys, and training. Notable examples include:
- Evanston Municipal Airport (EVN) – the county seat’s primary airfield for agricultural services.
- Harlowton Municipal Airport (HXE) – a gateway to the Wheatland region.
- Glasgow Regional Airport (GUG) – servicing the northern plains.
These facilities typically feature basic amenities like fuel, tie‑downs, and light maintenance services—essential for sustaining rural economies.
Military & Charter Airports
- Fort Harrison Army Airfield (FHA) – located near Helena, it mainly supports Army aviation units.
- Helena Airport (HEZ) – a public‑private partnership that supports specialized charter operations, including medical evacuations and wildlife management flights.
While not open to commercial traffic, these airports play vital roles in defense readiness and specialized transport.
Complete List of Airports in Montana
| City (Airport) | FAA Identifier | Type | Runway Length (m) | Elevation (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings – Logan Int’l | BIL | Commercial | 3,048 | 3,520 |
| Bozeman – Yellowstone Int’l | BZN | Commercial | 2,743 | 6,000 |
| Missoula – Int’l | MSL | Commercial | 2,692 | 2,820 |
| Helena – Regional | HEZ | Commercial | 2,743 | 4,270 |
| Great Falls – Int’l | GTF | Commercial | 2,743 | 2,790 |
| Bozeman – Airport Park | BZN | Military | — | — |
| Billings – Letcher Field | R7W | General Aviation | 1,219 | 2,860 |
| Missoula – Eppley Field | MSL | General Aviation | 1,219 | 2,860 |
| Helena – McCall | HEZ | General Aviation | 1,092 | 4,200 |
| Kalispell – West Glacier Airport | WGL | General Aviation | 1,219 | 3,400 |
| Butte – Montanazero Airport | BTE | General Aviation | 1,219 | 6,200 |
| Helena – Fort Harrison Army Airfield | FHA | Military | 1,524 | 4,280 |
| Billings – Harlowton Municipal | HXE | General Aviation | 1,219 | 4,600 |
| Missoula – Hualapai Airport | HUA | General Aviation | 1,524 | 3,100 |
| Great Falls – Glacier National Park Airpark | GLA | General Aviation | 1,219 | 2,800 |
(The table above includes sample airports for brevity; a full list contains over 150 public‑use airfields throughout Montana.)
FAQ – Quick Answers About Montana Airports
-
What is the largest airport in Montana?
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) is the busiest and largest by passenger volume.
-
Do Montana airports offer flights to major cities like New York or Los Angeles?
Commercial service is primarily limited to the West and Midwest. Travelers typically connect through hubs such as Denver, Minneapolis, or Salt Lake City.
-
Can I fly a private plane into any Montana airport?
Most public airports accept general aviation traffic, but pilots should check NOTAMs, runway lengths, and available services beforehand.
-
Are there any airports adjacent to major national parks?
Yes—Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport serves Yellowstone National Park, and multiple small airstrips lie within Glacier National Park.
- Which airport is best for visiting the Big Sky area?
Helena Regional (HEZ) and Great Falls International (GTF) both provide convenient access, with additional small airports nearby for scenic flights.
Resources for Further Exploration
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Data – Up‑to‑date airport information and regulatory details.
- Montana Department of Transportation – Aviation Division – Insights on state‑wide aviation initiatives and safety reports.
- AirNav.com – Comprehensive airport profiles, including runway specifics, navigation aids, and weather stations.
- SkyVector – Interactive ATC charts and flight planning tools.
- Visit Montana (Tourism Board) – Suggestions for fly‑in adventures and scenic itineraries.
Take Home Message
Whether you’re charting a flight plan, planning a weekend getaway in the Rockies, or studying transportation networks in the American West, understanding Montana’s network of airports is essential. From the high‑traffic international hubs serving Yellowstone and Big Sky, to the humble grass strip that keeps a remote mining town connected, each airport plays a distinct role in the state’s economic vitality and emergency preparedness. Embark on your journey—air or ground—and discover the full breadth of Montana’s high‑altitude horizons.
