Michigan's northernmost airport that provides essential access to the national air transportation system for approximately 50,000 to 55,000 passengers annually within the four-county area of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon. The Airport was constructed through a co-operative agreement (known as the Canadian Michigan Exchange, thus CMX) between the dominion of Canada, the United States Gove
rnment, the State of Michigan and Houghton County. The planning and construction of the Houghton County Memorial Airport is indicative of the friendly association enjoyed by the two great nations for over 130 years. "Houghton County Memorial Airport is dedicated to the memory of those who served their country in time of war." On October 30, 1968, the Houghton County Airport Authority was established with the full responsibility for operating, maintaining and development of the airport. Soon after (1972-1974), significant improvements to facilities and infrastructure at the airport were completed. New Hangars, state of the art maintenance, a fire station, a new terminal and an Airport Industrial Park were constructed. On July 26, 1989, the Houghton County Airport Committee was formed and the Airport Authority was abolished. The Airport Committee was made up of 3 members of the Houghton County Board of Commissioners. Currently, the Airport Committee, serving under the Houghton County Board of Commissioners, is responsible for the operation, maintenance and development of the Airport. Since its inception in 1948, Houghton County Memorial Airport has come a long way. At that time, the Airport was comprised of a small terminal building, two light strength runways and a taxiway. Fast forward to 2013 and the existing runway configuration is capable of landing aircraft as small as a Cessna and as large as a B737. The Keweenaw is well known for its unpredictable and challenging weather conditions which is why a full Instrument Landing System (ILS) was installed allowing aircraft to safely land during bad weather. In 1972, a new terminal building totaling approximately 12,550 square feet was constructed and provides air service passenger facilities. Transient pilot facilities and several heated hangars are available for use. Currently, passenger air Service is provided by United Airlines via SkyWest Airlines with two daily non-stop flights to Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Royale Air Service provides seasonal air charter service to Isle Royal National Park while approximately 3,000 corporate, charter and transient aircraft use the airport annually. Cargo operations are provided by FedEx and UPS with more than 600,000 pounds of freight hauled in and out of the airport annually. The Houghton County Memorial Airport is approximately 2,400 acres and hosts a 204 acre Industrial Park with the necessary infrastructure and utilities ready for hookup. The airport serves as the gateway to the Keweenaw providing reliable service, capable of meeting the needs of the community, while providing a foundation for economic development and future expansion.
