The Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport has served Mississippi’s Pine Belt for 50 years.
Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport Celebrates 50 Years
Courtesy of Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport
The Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport will soon celebrate its golden anniversary. A ceremony to mark the occasion is set for 11 a.m. July 2, 2024, in the Airport Terminal.
In 1967, acting jointly, the Counties of Forrest and Jones and the Cities of Hattiesburg and Laurel established an Airport Authority to construct and operate a regional airport and business park. Originally named Pine Belt Regional Airport, it began operation in 1974. The airport has had at least one scheduled air carrier since that time – currently SkyWest Airlines d/b/a United, with nonstop flights to Houston, TX. In December 1990, the airport was renamed the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport. Today, it combines the convenience of commercial and general aviation air service with a unique business park that creates a totally different approach to business.
The airport has become a principal transportation hub for southeast Mississippi. Located ten miles from Hattiesburg and 23 miles from Laurel, it provides the 10-county region’s commercial, charter and private aviation services, offering efficient air travel and facilities. With direct interstate access from both Hattiesburg and Laurel, air travel is easy and trouble-free. The airport has one 6502’ x 150’ hard surface runway serviced by an Instrument Approach Landing System, automatic weather observation system, rotating beacon and on demand runway and taxiway lighting system. The flight operation area contains 800 acres.
For the general aviation community, hangar space and tie-downs are available through the airport’s full-service fixed base operator, Avflight. Avflight offers services for both corporate and private aircraft. Flight support operations include Jet-A and 100LL Avgas fueling, executive support and pilot services for general, business and commercial aviation customers.
The Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport I-59 Supply Chain Park is centrally located in one of the fastest growing high technology communities in the United States. It encompasses 750 wooded acres with good drainage and interstate access. Prime building sites are available, and construction costs are well below national averages. Currently, the Park is home to NoTrax Manufacturing, Ashley Furniture, Clearview Recovery Center, Flowers Foods/Bunny Bread and FedEx.
For more information about the airport or the celebration, contact Tom Heanue, Executive Director, or Nancy Gibson, Administrative Assistant, at 601-545-3111.