15 Small U.S. Airports With Minimal Crowds And Quick Boarding
Small commercial airports may lack sprawling terminals and endless gates, but they offer quick check-ins, low passenger volume, and a glimpse into aviation’s quieter corners. Some are found in remote terrain, others operate just a few flights daily. Still, each of these 15 airports proves that flying doesn’t have to mean standing in line.
Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS), Ogdensburg, New York
Positioned near the Canadian border, Ogdensburg International Airport punches above its weight in cross-border traffic. Its sole carrier, Breeze Airways, offers limited flights to Washington, D.C. Previously, it was a low-cost option for Canadians via Allegiant.
Devils Lake Regional Airport (DVL), Devils Lake, North Dakota
Fed by EAS funding, DVL offers minimal flights, often with stops en route to major hubs. United Express, operated by SkyWest, flies to Denver using 50-seat regional jets. Devils Lake airport lies in an isolated region, making it vital despite sparse usage.
Massena International Airport (MSS), Massena, New York
Despite “International” in its name, MSS’s only commercial flights are short hops to Boston. Run by Boutique Air under the EAS system, it serves a remote upstate community. Most travelers are locals, and annual passenger totals struggle to exceed 3,000.
Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB), Pueblo, Colorado
PUB serves a modest-sized city in southern Colorado, and Southern Airways Express provides its only scheduled service. Flights connect passengers to Denver International using 9-seat Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft. Despite its WW II history, PUB handles just over 4,000 enplanements yearly.
Bradford Regional Airport (BFD), Bradford, Pennsylvania
BFD lies in the rural Allegheny Mountains and has a small passenger base supported by EAS funding. Southern Airways Express offers limited flights to Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. The airport has a single gate, with several passengers describing the security process as relaxed.
Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR), Hagerstown, Maryland
Once served by Allegiant, HGR now relies on Southern Airways Express to provide subsidized service to Pittsburgh. This airport has a surprisingly modern terminal for its size. While part of the D.C. region, its low demand (5000 passengers annually) keeps it off the radar.
Jamestown Regional Airport (JMS), Jamestown, North Dakota
United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines, connects Jamestown Regional Airport (JMS) to Denver under a federally subsidized contract. With limited daily operations and just one airline gate, the airport may be small in passenger volume, but it plays a vital role in keeping central North Dakota connected.
Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP), Tupelo, Mississippi
TUP offers limited commercial service through Contour Airlines, which offers flights to Nashville and Dallas. Despite being Elvis Presley’s birthplace, the airport remains underutilized. It has a small terminal that features minimal security lines. Its 2022 records showed about 7,800 enplanements.
Del Rio International Airport (DRT), Del Rio, Texas
Located near the U.S.-Mexico border, DRT has a single daily flight to Dallas-Fort Worth. The airport’s commercial role is modest, though it shares facilities with Laughlin Air Force Base. With no jet bridge, DRT saw roughly 13,180 passengers in 2010.
Pierre Regional Airport (PIR), Pierre, South Dakota
This airport once lost its EAS funding, briefly cutting off commercial flights entirely. Despite being located in the state capital, PIR sees about 6,000 passengers annually. Denver Air Connection operates service to Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul, using 50-seat Embraer E145 jets.
Barkley Regional Airport (PAH), Paducah, Kentucky
Paducah’s small airport received a major terminal upgrade in 2023, but commercial service remains limited. Contour Airlines flies to Charlotte, with a few departures per day. The facility has one gate and minimal staff, and despite the improvements, it still processes fewer than 14,677 enplanements annually.
Vernal Regional Airport (VEL), Vernal, Utah
About 3,500 commercial passengers use this airport annually. VEL connects a remote corner of eastern Utah to Salt Lake City via Contour Airlines. Flights run daily on small jets. The terminal only has basic amenities, but it is critical for regional mobility.
Muskegon County Airport (MKG), Muskegon, Michigan
MKG offers minimal commercial service via Denver Air Connection. Flights connect to Chicago O’Hare using small turboprop planes. Despite serving a metro area of over 170,000, it handled about 5,000 passengers in 2024. The terminal is compact, with curb-to-gate convenience.
Laramie Regional Airport (LAR), Laramie, Wyoming
Despite Laramie being home to the University of Wyoming, LAR maintains just a few daily flights. United Express, operated by SkyWest, connects the airport to Denver using 50-seat regional jets. With under 10,000 enplanements yearly, LAR blends academic needs with quiet, rural accessibility.
Meridian Regional Airport (MEI), Meridian, Mississippi
MEI shares facilities with Key Field, a major Air National Guard base, yet sees very few commercial flights. United Express, operated by SkyWest, links Meridian to Houston. Despite its military importance, MEI’s passenger volume is extremely low, hovering around 16,000 enplanements annually.
