Addison Airport’s new U.S. Customs & Border Protection and Airport Administration building, as viewed from the landslide, on the day of its formal grand opening, April 19, 2022.
Located just 12 miles northeast of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and 8 miles north of Dallas Love Field Airport, Addison Municipal Airport, preferentially known as Addison Airport, serves as a hub of activity, innovation, and a source of pride for its community.
Established in 1957, this airport has grown from humble beginnings as a 4,500-foot asphalt strip (with a turf crosswind runway) to one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States. “It is a privilege to manage one of the country’s busiest general aviation airports,” says Airport Director Joel Jenkinson. “Addison Airport’s original developers conceived it as an ‘executive’ airport, and I believe it has succeeded in that role beyond anything they could have envisioned in 1957. Our staff is proud to have played a part in that development, and we’re excited to continue serving our community and the broader aviation community with dedication and pride.”
Originally, Addison Airport was privately owned and operated. However, in 1976, following the inevitable closures of smaller airports closer to downtown Dallas, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), recognizing the importance of smaller airports serving business and private aviation interests, took steps aimed at protecting Addison Airport from suffering a similar fate. FAA approached the Town of Addison to become the airport’s public sponsor, and the Town agreed, marking the airport’s transition from private to public ownership.
Providing a convenient alternative for corporate and business aviation, Addison Airport boasts a comprehensive range of facilities catering to the diverse needs of users. The airport features a full-length parallel taxiway east of its single runway, which was extended in stages from 4,500 feet to 7,203 feet to accommodate private jets. In addition, Addison Airport is the first general aviation airport in Texas to install an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS). Completed in 2014, the EMAS bed is designed to safely stop jet aircraft overrunning the runway, minimizing damage to the aircraft and reducing the potential for injury to the occupants. EMAS is installed when land is not available for a runway safety area of standard dimensions. Installing the EMAS enabled Addison Airport to reclaim 610 feet of runway length for takeoffs and landings to the south that would otherwise have been used to provide a full runway safety area, which improves safety and utility for many of the larger jets that use the airport.
Addison Airport is surrounded by dense urban development, including a rail line near the south end of the airport, which was the main impediment to any runway extension. Reflecting on the challenges the limited space has brought, Jenkinson emphasizes the significance of the EMAS. He shares, “For years, our airport faced the prospect of having to shorten the runway to provide a full runway safety area because the rail line eliminated the possibility of extending our runway. This limitation marks the critical importance of our EMAS, ensuring the highest level of safety within the constraints of our available space. In this context, we prioritize innovation and safety to navigate the skies with confidence and commitment to the well-being of our travelers.”
Addison Airport also offers exceptional fixed base operator (FBO) services. Million Air Dallas, Atlantic Aviation, and Galaxy FBO are the three FBOs at Addison Airport. These premier FBOs provide top-notch amenities, concierge services, fueling, and maintenance, ensuring that passengers and crew alike experience a seamless journey through Addison Airport.
Business jets cluttering the ramps at Addison Airport on a late fall afternoon.
Addison Airport also supports numerous aviation businesses both on and near the airport including aircraft maintenance and repair organizations, aircraft parts suppliers, several flight schools, aircraft sales, cargo and passenger charters, aviation insurance, and Rising Aviation High School. These companies benefit from the synergy created by their tenancy on or proximity to the airport and contribute to the vibrant aviation ecosystem.
In addition to inspiring this vibrant aviation ecosystem, Addison Airport engages with its surrounding community, hosting events and educational programs. These activities include airshows, open houses, and educational programs aimed at sparking interest in aviation among young students.
Jenkinson highlights his favorite local event, stating, “Every year on July 3rd, Addison hosts a townwide celebration of freedom called Addison Kaboom Town. Fueled by one of our FBOs, Million Air Dallas, Addison Airport provides historic warbirds and other unique planes to fly over the event, in addition to organizing specialty aerobatic displays, parachute jumpers, and more. It’s always fun to participate in townwide events and get the surrounding community involved and excited for all things aviation.”
Addison Airport, with its storied history, state-of-the-art facilities, thriving aviation ecosystem, and deep community engagement, stands as a model for what a general aviation airport can be.
For more information, visit: https://addisontexas.net/airport.