America’s oldest operational airports are more than just transit points—they are enduring landmarks of aviation history. College Park Airport in Maryland, established in 1909 by Wilbur Wright, holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest continuously operating airport and was the site of early military flight training and the first controlled helicopter flight.
Pearson Field in Vancouver, Washington, active since 1911, has seen everything from dirigibles to modern aircraft over its long history. In Texas, Stinson Municipal Airport, founded in 1915 by members of the pioneering Stinson family, served as a key pilot training facility during World War II and continues to support general aviation today.
Discover how these historic hubs helped shape the skies—read on to explore their legacy.
Key Takeaways
- College Park Airport, founded in 1909 by Wilbur Wright, is the world’s oldest continuously operated airport.
- Pearson Field in Vancouver, Washington, began operations in 1911 and is among the oldest U.S. airfields still active.
- Stinson Municipal Airport, established in 1915, is the second oldest continuously operating airport in the United States.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, opened in 1920, is a major hub for Delta Air Lines with extensive passenger traffic.
- Chicago Midway International Airport, opened in 1923, ranks among the 30 busiest U.S. airports and is a hub for Southwest Airlines.
College Park Airport: A Pioneer in Aviation History
Although aviation has dramatically evolved since its inception, College Park Airport remains a tribute to its pioneering days. Founded in 1909 by Wilbur Wright, it’s the oldest continuously operated airport in the world. This historical gem, located near the Washington D.C. Metro, has witnessed numerous aviation milestones. It hosted the initial controlled helicopter flight and the premier female passenger on an airplane.
With its single runway stretching 2,600 feet, the airport supports general aviation, boasting an average of 79 flights weekly. College Park Airport’s historical significance is recognized by its listing on the American Register of Historic Places. Its enduring legacy serves as a reflection of the groundbreaking spirit of aviation’s early pioneers.
Pearson Field: A Legacy of Early Flight
As College Park Airport charts the course of aviation history on the East Coast, Pearson Field carries on a similar legacy in the Pacific Northwest. Situated in Vancouver, Washington, Pearson Field stands as one of the oldest operating airfields in the U.S. Since its initial airplane flight in 1911, it has witnessed significant aviation milestones.
Originally a military airfield, it hosted the Army’s primary non-stop transcontinental flight in 1923. Shifting to commercial operations in 1925, it retained its historical significance. Named after Lieutenant Alexander Pearson, a pioneering Air Force pilot, the airfield’s ties to early military aviation remain strong. In 2012, Pearson Field received national recognition as a historic aerospace site by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Stinson Municipal Airport: From Flight School to Municipal Hub
Since its establishment in 1915 by the Stinson siblings, Stinson Municipal Airport has played an essential role in shaping aviation history. As the second oldest continuously operating airport in the U.S., it began as the Stinson School of Flying. By the early 1930s, it shifted to hosting commercial flights.
During World War II, the Air Force utilized it for pilot training, highlighting its strategic significance. Though commercial operations moved to San Antonio International Airport, Stinson now focuses on general aviation and serves as a backup for San Antonio, managing around 255 flights per day.
Among the oldest zoos in the world, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna, Austria, established in 1752, showcases the evolution of zoos from royal menageries to public institutions.
| Year | Milestone | Role |
| 1915 | Founded by Stinson siblings | Flight School |
| 1930s | Hosted commercial flights | Commercial Hub |
| World War II | Air Force pilot training | Military Training |
| Present | Municipal and backup airport | General Aviation and Support |
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: A Major Midwestern Gateway
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, established in 1920, stands as a vital aviation hub in the Midwest. Originally named Wold-Chamberlain Field, it began welcoming passengers in 1929. Over the years, it’s transformed into a major hub for Delta Air Lines, facilitating a significant amount of passenger traffic. You’ll find that the airport offers non-stop flights to 114 domestic and 20 international destinations, positioning it as a key gateway in the region.
Ranking as the 16th-busiest airport in the U.S., it serves millions annually. The MSP 2010 Long-Term All-Encompassing Plan has driven its ongoing growth and service improvements, ensuring it remains at the forefront of aviation. It’s a fundamental part of your travel through the Midwest.
Chicago Midway International Airport: From Airmail to Passenger Hub
While Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is a major Midwestern gateway, Chicago Midway’s expedition from Chicago Air Park to a thriving passenger hub is similarly enchanting. Opened in 1923 for airmail services, it soon adopted commercial flights, serving 41,660 passengers in its initial year as Chicago Municipal Airport.
By the 1930s, Midway was the world’s busiest airport, peaking at 10 million passengers in 1959. Renamed in honor of the Battle of Midway during World War II, the airport’s historical significance endures.
Today, Chicago Midway ranks among the 30 busiest airports in the U.S., serving as a major hub for Southwest Airlines. Here’s why it’s a special place:
- Transformation from airmail to thriving hub
- Rich history and wartime tribute
- Continued relevance in modern aviation
Long Beach Airport: A Landmark in Southern California Aviation
As one of the oldest municipal airports in California, Long Beach Airport stands as a symbol of Southern California’s rich aviation history. Established in 1923, it was the site of the initial transcontinental flight in 1911. The airport’s passenger terminal, which opened in 1941, is still operational today, showcasing murals and mosaics celebrating aviation themes.
Serving the southern Los Angeles area, it’s home to Southwest Airlines, offering flights to several U.S. destinations. Known as “America’s coolest airport,” it’s recognized for its exceptional customer service and unique amenities. Long Beach Airport remains a major player in general aviation, bolstering the region’s connectivity and economy, continuing to be an integral part of the community’s aviation landscape.