Joplin Regional Airport has proudly served the community for almost 90 years, evolving from its dirt runway origins to providing comprehensive services for a diverse range of aircraft. It is the home base to over 100 aircraft, including jets, that passengers can now book for nonstop Joplin to Chicago flights. The airport offers passengers all the contemporary amenities typically associated with larger airports. Here is more about its history and how it got to where it is today.
Early Days (1927 to 1945)
A lot has changed since the Chamber of Commerce first considered the original site for the airport in 1927. The Chamber of Commerce deemed the original 160-acre location unsafe due to nearby power lines. Subsequently, the City of Joplin purchased a different site located to the north of Joplin and to the west of Webb City, which is now the location of Joplin Regional Airport.
The airport was established on 319 acres of land in 1937 and later expanded to 475 acres by 1945. During this expansion, runway lights were also installed. Ozark Aviation, Inc. made history by becoming the first provider of commercial passenger travel services from Joplin.
Middle Years (The mid-1940s to 2001)
In the years following, significant progress was made in construction as runways were developed and extended. The airport added a fixed-base operator facility and T-hanger facilities. It also installed navigational aids and tie-down areas.
Prior to the early 1960s, American Airlines utilized Joplin Airport as a layover between Dallas and Chicago. From the 1950s through the 1980s, several other airlines operated flights departing from Joplin Airport, offering passengers the ability to fly to various cities in Missouri, Chicago, Tulsa, Dallas/Fort Worth, Fayetteville, and Little Rock. Joplin Airport became a destination for jet flights in 1968, starting with the inaugural flight of Ozark Airlines.
Present Day (Air Travel Including Joplin to Chicago Flights)
Joplin Regional Airport is a medium-sized, multi-use airport covering 1,200 acres. It features two 6,500-foot asphalt runways, a high-tech air traffic control tower, and a $15 million terminal for commercial passengers. SkyWest provides nonstop Joplin to Chicago flights via regional jet service. Daily round-trip flights are available to and from Chicago. They also offer nonstop flights to Denver, Colorado from Joplin. Non-direct flights leave Joplin to many other cities, including Dallas, Los Angeles, Boston, Las Vegas, and Miami.
Present Day (Airport Conveniences)
A popular amenity is the unlimited free parking available across from the Commercial Passenger Terminal. The Joplin Regional Airport offers a covered area for loading and unloading passengers. Onsite, you will find rental car services provided by Avis and Hertz. For convenient travel to and from the airport, passengers also have the option to utilize transportation services provided by Uber and Lyft.
More Aviation Services Provided
The Joplin Regional Airport has a rich history of catering to various aviation needs beyond commercial passenger services. The airport accommodates corporate, private, and military travelers, as well as cargo transport. Onsite, there is a fixed-base operator (FBO) offering charter flights, a flight school, maintenance, line services, and a pilot shop.
Full-Service Aviation Facilities
Next time you plan a trip, consider booking your flight through a small to mid-sized airport. You will have the opportunity to experience core values such as caring, excellence, integrity, respect, adaptability, and service. The evolving history of Joplin Regional Airport is a great example of the way these airports focus on putting the customer first.
