Top U.S. Airports with the Highest Traffic for General Aviation
Top General Aviation Airports in the United States
Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO) in Portland, Oregon, is a major general aviation airport serving the Portland metropolitan area. With 243,642 operations, it is a hub for flight training and corporate aviation, thanks to its location in the tech-heavy Silicon Forest.
In the same league, Centennial Airport in Denver, Colorado, is the second busiest general aviation airport, with 312,153 operations. Known as a preferred destination for business aviation and private jet traffic, Centennial Airport caters to a diverse range of aviation activities.
The busiest general aviation airport in the U.S. is Phoenix Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, with 397,329 operations. This airport, a major hub for flight training, has two of the largest flight schools in the country.
Falcon Field (KFFZ) in Mesa, Arizona, comes fourth with 238,766 operations. This general aviation airport has a focus on flight training and corporate aviation. Nearby Prescott Regional Airport - Ernest A Love Field in Prescott, Arizona, has 256,931 operations, making it a significant player in the general aviation sector.
Grand Forks International Airport (KGFK) in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is another busy general aviation airport, with 192,849 operations. Home to the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, it serves as a significant flight training center.
Long Beach Airport (Daugherty Field) in Los Angeles, California, has 247,689 operations and is a significant hub for flight training, private, and business aviation. Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, California, is the third busiest general aviation airport, with 272,813 operations, serving as an essential general aviation gateway to the city.
Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver, Colorado, has 249,063 operations and hosts several flight schools, making it a popular choice for business aviation. Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD) in Chandler, Arizona, has 196,089 operations and offers general aviation services, including flight training, corporate aviation, and charter flights.
The high number of operations at these airports is primarily driven by several key factors. These include the diversity and volume of users, major airline hubs and connecting airports, high passenger demand and nonstop destinations, general aviation activity and special events, and government regulation and airspace management.
These factors contribute to the large numbers of aircraft operations at the busiest US general aviation airports, a mix of heavy airline hub operations, broad user diversity including general aviation, substantial passenger and cargo demand, and government-managed airspace safety and capacity.
The diverse aviation industry in the United States is well-represented by top general aviation airports. These include Portland-Hillsboro Airport, Centennial Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Falcon Field, Grand Forks International Airport, Long Beach Airport, Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, and Chandler Municipal Airport. These airports not only cater to corporate aviation and flight training but also attract significant finance investment, given their roles in the tech, aerospace, and transportation sectors.
