Growth continues at Meacham, now Texas’ 6th busiest

Published on December 08, 2022

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Meacham International Airport, Fort Worth’s oldest airport, has experienced significant growth in takeoffs and landings over the last couple of decades.

Key numbers: When staff members at Meacham conducted a master plan update in 2004, the airport ranked ninth in Texas in annual operations (takeoffs and landings), with 127,672. Now, Meacham ranks sixth with 208,539 annual operations, an increase of more than 63%.

More significantly, the five airports ahead of Meacham in operations are commercial service airports serving scheduled passenger air carriers. The top five:

  • Dallas-Fort Worth International.
  • Houston Intercontinental.
  • Austin Bergstrom.
  • Dallas Love Field.
  • Houston Hobby.

What this means: So that makes Meacham the first noncommercial airport on the list.

Why it matters: Recognized as a national reliever airport by the Federal Aviation Administration, Meacham plays a critical role in the national airspace system. Meacham alleviates air traffic congestion at commercial service airports and provides more general aviation access to the community.

Meacham, along with all City-owned airports, has seen a rise in demand for aircraft hangar storage. While 340 aircraft -- ranging from single-engine piston to large business jets -- call Meacham home, there are 109 people on a waiting list for hangar space at Meacham.

Next steps: Because of this continued and forecasted demand, a 2022 updated master plan for Meacham includes designated areas for additional hangars to serve the general aviation community.

 

 

Photo: Meacham International Airport is located just 4.8 miles from the downtown business district.

 

 

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