Blytheville Arkansas International

Blytheville Arkansas International (BYH) airport is not just an air gateway, but a living piece of aviation history in the USA. Located on the site of a former strategic Air Force base, today it represents a unique facility where Cold War heritage meets modern civil and business aviation. This distinctiveness creates a unique atmosphere for everyone landing on its historic runway in the city of Blytheville.

The main pride of Blytheville Airport is its impressive runway. Its length exceeds 3,500 metres — one of the longest in the region, allowing the airport to accept virtually any type of aircraft, including the largest cargo and military planes. This capability makes it an important strategic facility and a convenient point for technical stops and non-scheduled flights.

The airport is part of the large Arkansas Aeroplex industrial complex, which developed on the site of the former airbase. Thanks to its military past, it possesses excellent infrastructure that today serves the needs of general aviation, corporate travel, and cargo transport. Although regular commercial passenger service is absent here, the airport plays a key role in the economic life of the region, serving private jets and acting as an important logistics hub.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Blytheville Arkansas International Airport (BYH), also known as Arkansas Aeroplex.

• Official Website: arkansasaeroplex.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 870-532-5696
• Airport Address: 4701 Memorial Dr, Blytheville, AR 72315, USA
• Email: A direct email address is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website for enquiries.
• Social Media: Currently, the airport does not maintain active social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: Since the airport mainly serves private and charter flights, for all questions related to lost luggage, please contact your airline or flight operator directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To resolve any issues regarding your flight, please contact your air carrier's representative directly.

Getting to Blytheville Arkansas International Airport (BYH) from the city of Blytheville is quite simple, as it is located very close to the centre. The primary and most convenient modes of transport are car and taxi. The drive from the city centre usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes, making access to the airport quick and convenient.

Taxis and ride-hailing services, such as Uber or Lyft (it is recommended to check their availability in advance), are a reliable option. This is an ideal choice for travellers without their own vehicle. The cost of the trip will be moderate given the short distance. You can also use local taxi services by booking a car via phone. This is a good way to get to the terminal without hassle, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement, car rental is an excellent solution. In the USA, especially in smaller cities, having a car gives you the opportunity to easily explore the surroundings. If you plan to drive to the airport in a personal or rented car, parking is at your service. It is located in immediate proximity to the terminal, ensuring convenient access.

It is worth noting that public transport, such as regular bus or train routes, does not go directly to Blytheville Arkansas International Airport. This is typical for small regional airports, so when planning your trip, it is best to rely on a car or taxi.

Since the airport in Blytheville mainly serves private and business aviation, travellers often use larger airports in the region for commercial flights. Among them:

• Jonesboro Airport (JBR) — approximately 65 km away.
• Millington-Memphis Airport (NQA) — approximately 67 km away.
• McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport (MKL) — approximately 101 km away.
• Memphis International (MEM) — the largest hub in the region, located approximately 102 km away, with a huge selection of domestic and international flights.
• Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) — approximately 145 km away.

Blytheville Arkansas International Airport (BYH) has specific characteristics that distinguish it from major commercial aviation hubs. It is important to understand that this is primarily a general aviation airport, serving private, corporate, and cargo flights, rather than scheduled passenger transport.

The airport operates one main terminal, which is essentially an FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) building. This means it is designed not for a mass flow of tourists, but for pilots and passengers of private jets. Services provided here include refuelling, technical maintenance, flight planning, and rest areas for crews.

The structure of the terminal is very simple. It is a compact building where it is impossible to get lost. There are no complex maps, multi-level crossings, or the need to move between different terminals. Departure and arrival zones for private flights are organised directly through the FBO, making the boarding and disembarking process quick and convenient.

Passing through registration and security procedures takes significantly less time than in commercial airports. Since there are no large queues here, all formalities are usually resolved in a matter of minutes immediately before departure. Passengers on private and charter flights are advised to clarify all details in advance with their air carrier, who will provide precise instructions on arrival at the airport and passing the necessary procedures.

The history of Blytheville Arkansas International Airport (BYH) is not just a story about runways, but a true chronicle of the Cold War era. Its history began in 1942, when it was built as the Blytheville Army Airfield to train pilots during World War II.

With the onset of the Cold War, the facility acquired strategic importance. In the 1950s, it was converted into the Blytheville Air Force Base and became the home of the 97th Bombardment Wing of the Strategic Air Command. For decades, the famous B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft were based here. The base was in a state of constant combat readiness, playing a key role in the nuclear deterrence system of the USA.

After the end of the Cold War, in 1992, the military base was officially closed. This event became a turning point in the history of Blytheville. The former military infrastructure was successfully repurposed for civilian needs. The airport received its current name and became part of the large Arkansas Aeroplex industrial complex. The huge runway, over 3.5 kilometres long, inherited from the military, remains one of the longest in the region and allows for the reception of virtually any type of aircraft, including the heaviest cargo planes.

Today, Blytheville Arkansas International Airport is a multi-functional facility serving civil aviation, private jets, and industrial needs. An interesting fact: the National Cold War Center is being created on the territory of the former airbase, designed to preserve the unique heritage of this place and tell visitors about the tense era in which the airport played a major role.

Blytheville Arkansas International Airport (BYH) is, first and foremost, a centre for private and business aviation, so the range of services here differs from large commercial airports. The infrastructure is focused on meeting the basic needs of pilots and private flight passengers, rather than mass tourist flows.

Dining, Shopping, and Lounges

There are no restaurants, cafes, or shops on the airport territory. Passengers are advised to arrange for food and drinks in advance or visit establishments in the nearby city of Blytheville. For flight waiting, a basic terminal (FBO — Fixed-Base Operator) with a rest area is provided. Specialised VIP halls or lounges for frequent flyers are not provided here.

Technology and Business Services

Free Wi-Fi may be available in the FBO terminal, however, its availability and speed should be checked on-site. Opportunities for charging electronic devices are usually limited to standard electrical outlets. For business travellers, a small conference room rental may be available upon prior request. There are no ATMs or currency exchange points at the airport; all financial transactions should be conducted in the city.

Additional Services and Facilities

There are no special medical points at the airport, but FBO staff can provide basic first aid. There are no play areas or mother and child rooms for passengers with children. The terminal building meets basic accessibility requirements for people with disabilities, however, the need for special assistance (for example, providing a wheelchair) should be arranged in advance with your flight operator. There are no hotels directly at the airport, but various accommodation options can be found in Blytheville, located a few minutes' drive away.

When planning a trip through Blytheville Arkansas International Airport (BYH), it is important to consider its specifics. This airport in the USA mainly serves private, corporate, and military aviation, and there are no regular commercial passenger flights on its territory. Consequently, infrastructure for passengers, including dining establishments, is extremely limited here.

In the Blytheville airport terminal building, you will not find restaurants or cafes. There are no food court zones customary for large aviation hubs. For travellers waiting for their flight, vending machines with a basic set of snacks (crisps, chocolate) and soft drinks may be available. This is the only option for a quick snack directly at the airport.

If you need a full lunch, dinner, or are looking for dishes for special diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, halal), it is recommended to do so in advance in the city of Blytheville. The city is a few minutes' drive from the airport and offers a wide selection of cafes and restaurants for every taste and budget. Plan your time to eat before arriving at the airport or after departing from it.

Travelling through Blytheville Arkansas International Airport has its own specifics, as this hub serves General Aviation. There are no regular passenger flights by major airlines here, so the terminal is oriented towards private jets, corporate charters, and cargo transport. This makes the departure and arrival process much more comfortable and individual.

Arrival time at the airport. Since there are no traditional mass-market registration queues here, arriving 2–3 hours early is not required. Arrival time should be coordinated with your private carrier or pilot. Usually, it is sufficient to be on-site 15–30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to calmly hand over luggage and pass the necessary formalities in the FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) terminal.

Registration and Security. Screening procedures at general aviation airports follow a simplified scheme compared to commercial hubs. You will not have to remove shoes or take out laptops in a general queue. However, identification documents are mandatory. If you are flying by charter, screening rules are set by the flight operator, but they always comply with basic US safety standards.

Seat selection on the plane. In private and charter flights, the concept of "seat selection at check-in" is absent. Seating in the cabin of a business jet or small plane is often free. In some cases, the pilot may ask you to occupy a specific seat for the correct balancing (centring) of the aircraft — such requests should be treated with understanding, as it is a matter of flight safety.

Hand luggage: what is allowed and prohibited. The strict "100 ml liquids" rule usually does not apply here unless you are transferring further to a commercial flight at another airport. Nevertheless, general federal bans on carrying weapons, explosives, and dangerous chemicals apply strictly. Coordinate luggage dimensions and weight in advance: on small vessels, weight restrictions can be even stricter than on low-cost carriers.

For passengers with transfers. Blytheville Airport is often used as a convenient stopover point. If you plan to transfer to a regular flight at a major hub (for example, in Memphis) afterwards, consider the transfer time. You will need to get to the other airport by ground transport or fly there, after which you must pass full security control according to TSA standards in the commercial terminal.

Customs control features. Despite the status of a general aviation airport, standard US customs rules apply for international flights (arriving from abroad). Importing cash amounts over 10,000 dollars is subject to declaration. It is also strictly forbidden to import many food products, plants, and seeds. Customs procedures may require prior notification of services, so clarify this issue with the flight organiser.

Saving time and money. The main advantage of this airport is time saving due to the lack of queues. To avoid unnecessary expenses, arrange a ground transfer or car rental in advance, as taxi services may not be constantly stationed at the terminal. If you are a pilot, check fuel prices and parking fees at the local FBO in advance.

In case of flight delay. Unlike regular airlines, delays here are most often related to weather conditions, as small aviation is more sensitive to the meteorological situation. Waiting takes place in comfortable terminal lounge zones. Keep in direct contact with the flight commander or your charter manager to receive the most up-to-date information on departure time.