Texas airports come in all shapes and sizes—from major international hubs in busy cities to smaller options like a local county airport, or even a private ranch airport.
With so many airports scattered across the state, it helps to know which airport fits your travel plans best. For travelers heading to Texas, keep reading to learn more about Texas airports and how to choose the right one.
Key Takeaways
- Airports in Texas are categorized based on the number of people boarding commercial flights.
- Dallas-Fort Worth and George Bush airports are the busiest in Texas. Each serves over 40 million travelers a year.
- Airports like VIA make traveling to big Texas cities like Dallas or Houston easy and stress-free.
Federal Aviation Administration Size Designations
When it comes to ranking Texas airports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) categorises them based on the number of passengers who board commercial flights each year (which is called an enplanement). Although large airports are relatively massive and can handle huge numbers of flights every year, even small airports can handle more than a million flights per year.
- Large Airports – This type of airport handles 1% or more of all U.S. passengers in a year, featuring multiple runways, terminals, and airlines.
- Medium Airports – Medium airports handle at least 0.25% but less than 1% of all U.S. passenger traffic each year.
- Small Airports – Small airports serve between 0.05% to 0.25% of the total U.S. passenger enplanements yearly.
- Non-Hub Airports – These airports handle less than 0.05% of the total U.S. passenger enplanements, but more than 10,000 yearly enplanements.
Large Texas Airports in Texas
Large airports in Texas are located in major cities and connect travelers across the country and beyond. Below, you can find a list of the major airports in Texas:
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, DFW is the largest Texas international airport, covering an area of more than 18 thousand acres. It connects customers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to other parts of the world. Currently, the airport serves over 70 million customers every year.
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport – This Houston airport serves over 40 million passengers each year. It’s located on the north side of the city and is great for international or in-state travel.
Medium Texas Airports
These airports are important because they connect tons of smaller cities to broader flight options. Below, you can read about some of the medium-sized airports in Texas:
- Dallas Love Field Airport – Dallas Love Field is a favorite for short trips, domestic flights, and business travel. A key hub for Southwest Airlines, it handles over 17 million passengers yearly and connects customers to other cities year-round.
- San Antonio International Airport – Located about eight miles north of downtown San Antonio, this airport handles more than 10 million passengers yearly, serving as a key hub for South Texas.
- Austin–Bergstrom International Airport – This is one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S, serving over 20 million passengers in 2023.
Small Texas Airports
While these airports might be categorized by the FAA as being small, keep in mind that they still handle hundreds of thousands of flights per year, providing service to regional and national destinations. Here’s a list of small Texas airports:
- Valley International Airport – For direct flights from Harlingen to major Texas cities, this is your go-to airport. It serves over 900,000 passengers yearly and offers quick check-ins that help you start your trip without stress.
- McAllen Miller International Airport – This airport is located in the Rio Grande Valley and serves the city of McAllen and nearby areas. It handles around 800,000 passengers a year.
- Midland International Air and Space Port – Located between Midland and Odessa, this airport is the first U.S. facility licensed for air and space operations. It serves nearly 1 million passengers yearly, primarily offering flights to Dallas and other regional cities.
- El Paso International Airport – Serving roughly 4 million passengers per year and located in El Paso on the Western edge of the Lone Star State, this airport serves as a key gateway to West Texas.
Non-hub Airports
Non-hub airports usually serve nearby towns and offer a few flight options to bigger airports. Here are some non-hub airports in Texas:
- Abilene Regional Airport – This airport is located in West Central Texas and handles approximately 50,000 to 60,000 passengers yearly.
- Beaumont Municipal Airport – This is a general aviation facility located in Jefferson County, Texas. It does not offer commercial flights but serves as a hub for private and business aviation in the region.
- Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport – This airport is located east of downtown Brownsville, Texas, in Cameron County. It handles roughly 350,000 passengers yearly.
A few other small airports in Texas offering limited services include the SJT San Angelo commercial airport and Carswell Field military airport.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
When choosing an airport, size is not the only thing to keep in mind. You should consider the following factors when choosing a destination airport for your trip:
- Flight schedules
- Layovers
- Flight costs
- Total travel time
- Ground transportation costs
- Airport congestion
- Airport amenities
Why You Should Fly With Harlingen International Airport
If you’re planning a trip and want a stress-free travel experience, Valley International Airport in Harlingen is a great choice. Valley International Airport offers direct flights to major Texas airports like those in Dallas, Houston, and Austin, as well as countless locations across the U.S. For a convenient international airport without the congestion of major Texas cities, choose your flight to Valley International Airport.
With its friendly staff, easy parking, and quick check-ins, Valley International Airport makes it simple to fly in and out without the big city stress. So next time, while looking through your flight options, don’t forget Harlingen airport, airport code HRL!