Holloman Air Force Base

Located in the heart of the desert Southwest of the USA, Holloman Air Force Base is not just an airport, but a vital centre for aviation training and research. It is a place where the history of military aviation meets cutting-edge technology. Although the base does not serve scheduled commercial flights, its strategic importance and unique location near natural wonders such as White Sands National Park make it a key facility in the region.

Features and Uniqueness

Holloman Air Force Base (HMN) is an active facility of the United States Air Force USA, playing a central role in training pilots and operators of remotely piloted aircraft. It is home to the 49th Wing of the Air Education and Training Command, which specialises in training for F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets and MQ-9 Reaper drones. The base was established in 1942 and has since been an important part of the country's military infrastructure.

For travellers heading to Alamogordo and its surroundings, it is important to know that Holloman does not accept civilian aircraft. The nearest major airport serving commercial flights is El Paso International Airport (ELP), located approximately 145 km (90 miles) to the south. Despite its military status, the base has a significant impact on the region and is one of the major employers. Furthermore, its proximity to the White Sands Missile Range and the site of the first-ever nuclear test, "Trinity", highlights the historical and scientific significance of this area.

It is important to understand that Holloman (HMN) is an active United States Air Force base USA, and not a civilian airport serving commercial flights. Therefore, most standard passenger services are unavailable here. Contact information is intended primarily for official inquiries.

• Official Website: Current information about the base can be found on the official website: www.holloman.af.mil.
• Information Desk Phone: For general questions not related to commercial transport, you can contact the base Public Affairs office at: +1 (575) 572-7585.
• Airport Address: Holloman AFB, NM 88330, USA. The base is located in the immediate vicinity of the city of Alamogordo.
• Email: A direct public email address for general inquiries is usually not published. It is recommended to use the contact forms on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: News and events at the base can be followed on their official Facebook page: Holloman Air Force Base.
• Lost Luggage and Passenger Support: Since this is a military facility, services for tracing lost luggage and commercial airline passenger support are not available here.

When planning a trip to Holloman Air Force Base, it is important to understand that this is an active military facility, not a civilian airport. Access to the territory is strictly controlled, and special permits or escorts are required for entry. Most tourists heading to Alamogordo arrive via commercial airports, such as El Paso International Airport, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away. However, there are several ways to get to the base gates from the city.

Car Rental is the most convenient and recommended method of transport in this part of the USA. Having a car provides the freedom not only to travel to the base but also to explore the surroundings, including the famous White Sands National Park. You can rent a car both in Alamogordo itself and at major neighbouring airports. The drive from the city centre to the base entrance will take just 10–15 minutes.

Taxis and Ridesharing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Alamogordo and are a good option for short trips. This is a quick and direct way to get to the base checkpoint if you do not have your own transport. The cost of a trip from the city centre is generally low, but please note that the driver will only be able to take you to the gates unless you have a permit to enter the premises.

Public Transport options that could take you directly to Holloman Air Force Base are practically non-existent. The city bus system serves Alamogordo itself, but its routes do not cover the military facility. Therefore, one should not rely on buses for travel to the base.

If you have an entry permit, visitor parking is provided on the base premises. However, rules and space availability may change. It is strongly recommended to verify all access and parking information in advance via official Holloman AFB channels, for example, by contacting the Visitor Control Center before your trip.

It is important to understand that Holloman Air Force Base (HMN) is an active military base of the USA, not a civilian commercial airport. Passenger service here has its own specifics and is primarily oriented towards military personnel, their families, and other authorised persons travelling on Department of Defense flights (including the Space-A programme).

The airport features one main passenger terminal (PAX Terminal). It is a compact and functional building, unlike the large multi-level complexes of international airports. Its structure is extremely simple: all necessary zones for servicing passengers of military aircraft are consolidated here. Due to its small size, navigation inside is intuitive, and getting lost is practically impossible. Questions about transfers between terminals are not relevant here, as there is only one terminal.

Departure and arrival zones in the PAX Terminal are located in the same building. The process of boarding and disembarking passengers is organised sequentially and does not require long movements. Inside the terminal, there are check-in counters, a waiting area, and security checkpoints. Registration and security screening procedures comply with military standards, which may differ from commercial airline rules. The time required to pass through them depends heavily on the specific flight, the number of passengers, and current operational requirements of the base. It is recommended to arrive in advance, having confirmed the exact reporting time via official channels.

Special recommendations for navigating the terminal are not required due to its simplicity. The main advice for travellers is to always verify flight information, luggage rules, and terminal arrival times directly with base representatives or via official Air Force information resources, as schedules and rules may change without widespread public notification.

The history of Holloman Air Force Base is inextricably linked with key moments in the development of aviation, astronautics, and military technologies of the USA. Founded in 1942 as Alamogordo Army Air Field Alamogordo, its initial task was training crews for B-17, B-24, and B-29 bombers for participation in World War II. Thanks to the vast territory and clear skies of the New Mexico desert, this location was ideal for flight training and testing.

The most famous page in the base's early history is its participation in the Manhattan Project. It was here, in isolated hangars, that the world's first atomic bomb, "The Gadget", was assembled in July 1945. From here, it was transported to the Trinity test site for the historic test that forever changed the world. This fact makes Holloman one of the most important sites in the history of the atomic age.

After the war, the base's focus shifted to research and development. In 1948, it was renamed Holloman Air Force Base in honour of Colonel George Holloman, a pioneer in the field of guided missiles. In the following decades, advanced tests of missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and guidance systems were conducted here. Holloman became home to the famous high-speed test track, where in 1954 Colonel John Stapp conducted an experiment, accelerating to a speed of over 1000 km/h, earning the nickname "the fastest man on Earth".

The base's contribution to space exploration is also immense. In the 1960s, astro-chimps for the "Mercury" programme were trained here. The most famous of them, Ham, completed a suborbital flight in 1961, proving that living organisms can perform tasks in weightlessness. Later, Enos, the first chimpanzee to complete an orbital flight, also trained here.

In the more modern era, Holloman Base became the first home for the legendary F-117A Nighthawk stealth aircraft, which was based here in strict secrecy from the 1980s until 2008. Today, the airbase continues to play a key role in training pilots for F-16 fighters, and is also one of the main centres for controlling and training operators of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), such as the MQ-9 Reaper.

It is important to understand that Holloman Air Force Base (HMN) is primarily an active military facility of the USA, and not a civilian commercial airport. Consequently, the range of services and amenities for passengers not connected to military service is extremely limited and oriented towards meeting basic needs upon arrival and departure of official flights.

Commercial services familiar to travellers are absent on the base premises. You will not find public restaurants, cafes, shops, or souvenir stalls here. There are also no VIP lounges, bank branches, currency exchange points, or business centres intended for civilian passengers. All such services are oriented exclusively towards the needs of service members and base personnel.

For passengers awaiting flights, basic amenities such as a waiting hall and restrooms are provided. Wi-Fi connectivity and charging stations for electronic devices may be limited, so it is recommended to carry portable chargers. Medical assistance on the base is provided to personnel, and in emergency cases for civilians, city services will be called. Specialised services, such as mother and child rooms, are generally absent, although the facility is equipped for access by passengers with disabilities.

Passengers are strongly advised to resolve all matters related to food, finances, and shopping prior to arrival at the base. The nearest hotels, restaurants, and other civilian infrastructure facilities are located in the city of Alamogordo, situated nearby. That is where one should look for accommodation and leisure options.

It is important to understand that Holloman Air Force Base (HMN) is primarily an active military facility of the USA, and not a civilian commercial airport. Access to its territory is strictly limited and intended for military personnel and authorised staff, not for the general public.

In this regard, the infrastructure familiar to tourists, with public restaurants, cafes, and bars, is absent on the base territory. Dining is organised mainly through mess halls and establishments intended exclusively for base personnel and their families. These facilities are not located in a free zone for departing or arriving passengers, as is the case in ordinary airports.

Thus, providing a detailed guide on dining options for tourists, including menu variety, prices, or opening hours, is not possible, as commercial catering points for travellers at Holloman Air Force Base do not exist. Travellers who may need a meal are recommended to do so before arriving at the base or after their visit in the nearby city of Alamogordo.

Travelling through the airport at Holloman Air Force Base in the city of Alamogordo, USA, has its own specifics, as it is an active military base, not a standard civilian airport. By following these tips, you can make your trip more organised and predictable.

Arrival Time and Check-in
Arrive at the airport strictly in accordance with the received instructions or orders. For military and related flights, check-in times may be fixed. Nevertheless, it is recommended to allow an additional minimum of 30-60 minutes for unforeseen circumstances, especially for document checks when entering the base. Check-in procedures here differ from civilian ones and are fully regulated, so prepare all necessary documents in advance: identification, travel documents, and orders.

Passing Security Control
Be prepared for enhanced security measures. Control at a military base may be more thorough than at commercial airports. Pack your belongings so that they can be easily accessed for inspection. Follow all instructions from security personnel without delay.

Seat Selection and In-Flight Comfort
In most cases on military transport aircraft (for example, C-17 or C-130), the ability to choose a seat is limited or non-existent. Seats are allocated according to specific rules. Be prepared for austere flight conditions: bring a neck pillow, headphones, or earplugs, as it can be noisy in the cabin.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and Prohibited
Hand luggage rules generally correspond to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards but may have additional military restrictions. Any types of weapons, explosives, and flammable liquids are strictly prohibited. Verify the current list of prohibited items in your travel documents or with the responsible officer. All liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag.

Transfers and Customs Control
If your route includes transfers, they will likely be organised within the framework of general logistics. Follow the instructions of the crew or escorts. For international flights, you will need to pass through customs and border control. Fill out all necessary declarations in advance and keep your passport and visa (if required) at hand.

Saving Time and Money
The main way to save time is impeccable preparation. Ensure that all your documents are in order and your luggage complies with regulations. Since these are not commercial flights, questions of saving money on tickets are usually irrelevant. However, you can save by bringing snacks and water (purchased after passing control or filled in an empty bottle), as on-board service may be minimal.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay
Delays of military flights do happen. Unlike civil aviation, there are no airline counters here. In the event of a delay or cancellation, you must contact your commander, designated point of contact, or the terminal where check-in takes place for further instructions. Remain calm and stay in touch.