Abilene Regional Airport

Abilene Regional Airport (IATA: ABI, ICAO: KABI, FAA LID: ABI) is a public airport located three statute miles (5 km) southeast of the central business district of Abilene, a city in Taylor County, Texas, United States. It is within the Abilene city limits and owned and operated by the City of Abilene.

The majority of aircraft operations at the airport are general aviation and military training. However, ABI is most visible as the commercial airline and air freight hub for the Abilene region. Abilene Regional is currently served by just one commercial airline, American Eagle Airlines, with 7 daily regional jet flights to Dallas-Ft. Worth. Continental Connection ceased operations to-from Houston in October 2008, citing high fuel prices as a factor. Allegiant Airlines operated twice-weekly flights to Las Vegas from 2006-07, but the service was discontinued due to low passenger loads on the airline's MD-80 aircraft. Charter airlines such as Sun Country continue to serve ABI with frequent large-jet flights to Las Vegas, however.

The acquisition of new airline service, especially to west-bound airline hubs such as Phoenix or Denver, is a top priority for airport management. Due to Abilene's relatively close driving distance to Dallas-Ft. Worth, many area residents have historically chosen to drive to DFW rather than fly out of ABI. Thus, airlines have always had trouble making a profit flying traditional jetliners out of ABI. The advent of 50-seat regional jets, which fly as high and as fast as larger planes, has the potential to provide air service from Abilene to cities that were previously out of the question.

Abilene Regional Airport covers an area of 1,686 acres (682 ha) which contains three asphalt paved runways: 4/22 measuring 3,678 x 100 ft (1,121 x 30 m), 17L/35R measuring 7,198 x 150 ft (2,194 x 46 m), and 17R/35L measuring 7,202 x 150 ft (2,195 x 46 m).

The terminal building has seen many expansions and improvements over the past decade. The upper level houses the airline ticket counters, restaurant, gift shop, airport offices, and two departure gates, each equipped with Jetway boarding bridges. The lower level has two baggage carousels, and car-rental agencies.

The most recent improvements include the reconstruction of the airline ramps near the terminal, and the construction of a new, expanded public parking lot. The new parking lot features 731 covered parking spaces, with direct escalator access to the upper level.