One Of The Oldest Airports In The U.S., Kalamazoo Airport In Michigan Is Almost 100-Years-Old
By Emily Tieman|Updated on March 20, 2024(Originally published March 13, 2023)
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Emily Tieman
Author
Emily Tieman is a lifelong Michigander and has a love for locally owned small businesses. She is a freelance writer for Only In Your State and has her own vintage content creator business.
Any fellow air travel fans? The Wright Brothers flew the very first airplane in 1903 and changed the world as we know it forever. Today, planes play a vital role in society by connecting continents, transporting goods, and providing emergency services. But when thinking about historic places in Michigan – or any other state! – airports don’t often come to mind as being historical sites. The Great Lake State’s oldest airport is in Portage, Michigan, and it is still welcoming passengers to this day.
The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) is located in southwest Michigan and was formerly known as the Kalamazoo Municipal Airport.
In 1926, the City of Kalamazoo purchased 383 acres in Portage to build Michigan’s first licensed municipal airport. The field was named Lindbergh Field to honor the famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh.
A new terminal was built to replace the former building in 1958. In 1961, an air traffic control tower and additional runways were constructed, which increased the number of flights.
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The growing number of passengers brought about a terminal expansion in 1970, which more than doubled the terminal’s footprint from 12,000 to 30,000 square feet.
By 1989, the terminal was completely renovated with a new concourse, a new baggage claim area, a ramp expansion, and a larger boarding area. The project was a success and passenger traffic expanded from 200,000 per year to more than 500,000 by 1993. Today it still holds a spot on the list of major airports in Michigan.
While this airport near Battle Creek, Michigan may not be the oldest airport in the U.S. (that title belongs to an airfield in Maryland that dates all the way back to 1908), this humble historical place in Michigan certainly paved the way for the Great Lakes State to become the bustling cultural center it is today!
If you love aviation history, right next to the airport is the Air Zoo which is founded by the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum. You’ll find many rare and historic aircraft and even a delightful amusement park here.
Then, just an hour north of the Kalamazoo airport, pack a picnic and watch planes land at this underrated park. Or, check out even more historic places in Michigan! These charming towns are all packed with nostalgia.
