Smallest major US airports by acreage revealed

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Smallest major US airports by acreage revealed

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Denver International Airport | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Jun 11, 2025

In the United States, where expansive infrastructure is often the norm, there are several major airports that operate on a much smaller scale. These airports cater to commercial flights and range from St. Thomas to Key West, covering just a few hundred acres compared to the vast expanse of Denver International Airport (DEN), which spans 33,531 acres.

Denver International Airport is recognized as the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere and second worldwide only to King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia. It serves as a hub for United, Southwest, and Frontier Airlines.

Among the smallest major airports by acreage is Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), covering 650 acres. Located southwest of Chicago's Loop business district, it was originally Chicago's main airport until 1944. Southwest Airlines operates a base here, accounting for over 90% of operations.

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Hollywood Burbank Airport covers 555 acres and serves northern Greater Los Angeles. It has undergone several name changes over its history and offers direct rail links to downtown LA.

Jackson Hole Airport occupies 533 acres within Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. It restricts aircraft types due to its altitude and short runway but remains busy with services primarily operated by United Airlines.

John Wayne Airport in Orange County spans 504 acres and is notable for having the shortest runway regularly served by international jets in the U.S., with strict curfews on operations due to nearby residential areas.

McAllen International Airport covers just 370 acres in Texas' Hidalgo County but is one of the busiest in the Rio Grande Valley, offering both domestic and international flights.

Key West International Airport, at 334 acres, provides access to Florida's sun-soaked beaches despite its short runway limiting aircraft size.

Finally, Cyril E. King Airport on St. John Island is the smallest at 280 acres but remains busy with routes primarily connecting to Miami, Atlanta, and San Juan.