Meacham International Airport: Celebrating a Century of Aviation Excellence 

In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, Meacham International Airport is gearing up to celebrate a remarkable milestone — its 100th anniversary — in 2025. Since opening its doors in 1925 as Fort Worth Municipal Airport, the airport has become a key player in the world of aviation, contributing significantly to the city’s growth and the broader aviation industry.

The story of Meacham Airport began with former Fort Worth Mayor Henry C. Meacham. His vision and personal investment were crucial to the airport’s early development, and it was soon renamed in his honor. Just a few years in, Meacham Field was already making history, hosting Texas’ first airmail flight in 1928 and launching the state’s first scheduled passenger service to Oklahoma City. These early achievements laid the groundwork for Meacham’s lasting impact on aviation in the region. 

The 1930s saw Meacham expand its facilities and begin attracting major airlines like American Airways (now American Airlines), which relocated part of its southern division headquarters and two airmail routes there. During World War II, the airport played a vital role in supporting U.S. Navy aircrafts, becoming a busy hub for military and private aviation. 

As the years rolled on, Meacham adapted to the changing aviation landscape. Although commercial airlines shifted to the newly opened Greater Fort Worth International Airport in 1953, Meacham continued to thrive as a general aviation center. The 1960s brought significant airfield improvements, and in 1975, the airport had a memorable moment when mechanics refurbished Elvis Presley’s Convair 880.

In the 21st century, Meacham continues to be a vital part of the aviation scene. The Leading Edge paint facility, established in 2012 (now International Aerospace Coating), services large passenger and air cargo aircraft and hosted Air Force One for a paint job in 2014. That same year, the historic American Airways Hangar was restored, thereby preserving its place in aviation history. 

Today, Meacham spans 900 acres and has become one of North Texas’s premier general aviation airport offering two runways, 89 buildings, over 1.55 million square feet of hangar space and two full-service fixed-base operators. It is a hub for aircraft management, maintenance and repair facilities, flight training and home to two aviation museums.

Roger Venables, aviation systems director, expressed pride in the airport’s resilience, stating, “We are fortunate to have a general aviation airport that has not only survived but flourished over the past 100 years. Meacham has established a strong presence in corporate aviation, maintenance and recreational flying, and its continued success speaks to its enduring value.”  

Looking to the future, Meacham has a new master plan in place, the first update since 2004. This plan outlines exciting developments, including major airfield improvements, new hangars across 35 acres and modernization efforts to accommodate next-generation aircraft, such as electric planes. 

As Meacham International Airport approaches its centennial celebration on July 3, 2025, it is evident that this historic airport is well-prepared for the future. With innovative plans on the horizon, Meacham is poised to continue its legacy for many years to come.