List of airports in South Dakota
Airports in South Dakota: Your Complete Guide
South Dakota’s skies buzz with a mix of bustling commercial hubs and serene regional airfields. Whether you’re a business traveler heading to Sioux Falls, a leisure passenger flying into Rapid City, or an aviation enthusiast exploring local general‑aviation airports, this guide gives you a snapshot of every airport in the state, plus practical tips for planning your trip.
Overview of South Dakota Airports
South Dakota hosts 17 public‑use airports that accommodate commercial, corporate, and general‑aviation traffic. The state’s two largest cities—Sioux Falls and Rapid City—anchor the transport network with sizable international and regional airports, while smaller cities and rural communities rely on regional fields that support business, emergency services, and recreational flying.
Major Commercial Airports
| Airport | IATA | ICAO | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings Logan International | BGM | KBGM | Billings (though technically in Montana) | Largest commercial air hub, but close to SD border. |
| Sioux Falls Regional Airport | FSD | KSFD | Sioux Falls | Handles most domestic flights; has a small international‑service wing. |
| Rapid City Regional Airport | RAP | KRAP | Rapid City | Major regional airport, seasonal flights to Las Vegas & other West Coast cities. |
The Billings Logan International Airport, though in Montana, serves many South Dakota travelers due to its proximity.
Regional and General‑Aviation Airports
These airports provide essential connectivity for rural communities, business jets, and cargo services.
| Airport | IATA | ICAO | City | Runway Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pierre Regional Airport | PQR | KPQR | Pierre | 8,000 ft |
| Watford City Regional | WTT | KWFJ | Watford City | 7,600 ft |
| Spearfish Municipal | SFP | KSFP | Spearfish | 5,500 ft |
| Aberdeen Municipal | ABD | KABD | Aberdeen | 6,001 ft |
| Huron Municipal | HUR | KHUR | Huron | 6,000 ft |
| Brookings Municipal | BRK | KBRK | Brookings | 5,650 ft |
| Brainerd Municipal | BND | KBND | Brainerd | 5,000 ft |
| Lead Municipal | LDE | KLDE | Lead | 5,200 ft |
| Aberdeen Municipal | ABD | KABD | Aberdeen | 6,001 ft |
| Rapid City Army Airfield | RAP (historical) | N/A | Rapid City | N/A |
| … and several others |
For a complete inventory see the table below.
List of Airports in South Dakota
The following table includes public‑use airports and selected military facilities.
| Airport Name | City | IATA | ICAO | Airport Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings Logan International Airport | Billings (MT) | BGM | KBGM | Commercial |
| Sioux Falls Regional Airport | Sioux Falls | FSD | KSFD | Commercial |
| Rapid City Regional Airport | Rapid City | RAP | KRAP | Commercial |
| Pierre Regional Airport | Pierre | PQR | KPQR | Regional |
| Watford City Regional Airport | Watford City | WTT | KWFJ | Regional |
| Spearfish Municipal Airport | Spearfish | SFP | KSFP | General‑Aviation |
| Aberdeen Municipal Airport | Aberdeen | ABD | KABD | General‑Aviation |
| Huron Municipal Airport | Huron | HUR | KHUR | General‑Aviation |
| Brookings Municipal Airport | Brookings | BRK | KBRK | General‑Aviation |
| Brainerd Municipal Airport | Brainerd | BND | KBND | General‑Aviation |
| Lead Municipal Airport | Lead | LDE | KLDE | General‑Aviation |
| Yankton Municipal Airport | Yankton | YNK | KYNK | General‑Aviation |
| Mitchell Municipal Airport | Mitchell | MIL | KMIL | General‑Aviation |
| De Smet Municipal Airport | De Smet | DSE | KDSE | General‑Aviation |
| Spearfish Airport | Spearfish | N/A | 0SPF | General‑Aviation |
| Dakota Dunes Municipal Airport | Dakota Dunes | N/A | 0DSP | General‑Aviation |
| and many others |
How to Choose the Right Airport for Your Trip
- Proximity to Destination – If you’re heading to the Black Hills, Rapid City Regional is more convenient than Denver, even if flight options are limited.
- Flight Availability – Commercial airports often have frequent connections, while regional fields may only serve charter or private jets.
- Ground Transportation – Look for shuttle services, rental car options, and public transit from the airport to your destination city.
- Facilities – Check for on‑site hotels, flight schools, and maintenance services if you’re a pilot or a business traveler.
- Cost vs. Convenience – Sometimes a flight to a slightly farther regional airport saves money, but you’ll need to factor in ground travel time.
Useful Tips for Travelers and Pilots
- Check Seasonal Schedules – Many regional airports open up seasonal routes during the summer or winter months.
- Weather Conditions – South Dakota can experience sudden weather changes; monitor the NOAA forecast before you depart.
- Airport Services – Contact individual airports for fuel pricing, hangar fees, or charter availability.
- Airport Codes – Learn the difference between IATA (three‑letter) and ICAO (four‑letter) codes; airlines usually use IATA.
- Travel Insurance – Consider coverage that includes flight delays, cancellations, and medical emergencies.
FAQ
Q1: What is the largest commercial airport in South Dakota?
A1: Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) is the largest commercial gateway, offering the most daily flights and the largest passenger volume.
Q2: Does South Dakota have any international airports?
A2: While no airport is a full‑scale international hub, Sioux Falls Regional handles a few international flights and is connected to larger hubs that offer nonstop international service.
Q3: Which airport is best for general‑aviation pilots?
A3: Spearfish Municipal, Pierre Regional, and Aberdeen Municipal are popular among pilots due to runway length, instrument approaches, and available facilities.
Q4: Are there any military airports in South Dakota?
A4: Yes, the former Rapid City Army Airfield and several other installations are either active or decommissioned but still listed for historical and logistical interest.
Q5: How can I find flight schedules for regional airports?
A5: Use airline booking sites, the FAA’s airport data portal, or contact the airport directly via their official website for the most accurate schedules.
Resources
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Airport Data and Information System (ADIS)
- South Dakota Department of Transportation – Aviation Division website
- AirNav.com – Comprehensive airport and flight data
- SkyVector – Flight planning and aeronautical charts
- South Dakota Tourism Board – Visiting tips and regional travel guides
Feel free to explore these resources to plan, book, and enjoy your travels across South Dakota’s remarkable skies.
