Houghton County Airport

Houghton County Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the wild and beautiful nature of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This small but important aviation facility welcomes travelers with true northern hospitality, offering a cozy atmosphere often lacking in giant hubs. Here, the start of your adventure through the "Copper Country" becomes easy and carefree, allowing you to enjoy the anticipation of your trip from the very first minutes after landing.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its modest size, Houghton County Airport possesses a number of advantages that make using it exceptionally convenient for tourists:

• Fast processing of formalities. Thanks to low passenger traffic, queues for check-in and security screening are practically non-existent here. You can forget about the stress and rushing typical of large airports.
• Winter reliability. Located in a region with heavy snowfall, the airport is famous for having one of the best snow removal teams in the country. Flights operate with enviable regularity even in difficult weather conditions, which is critically important for winter tourism.
• Scenic approach for landing. Flying into CMX offers unforgettable views of Lake Superior and the dense forests of the Keweenaw Peninsula, turning the aircraft's descent into a real aerial excursion.
• Convenient logistics. The compactness of the terminal means that the journey from the aircraft stairs to the building exit or car rental counter takes just a few minutes.

Below you will find contact information for Houghton County Airport, which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential questions.

• Official Website: www.flycmx.com — here you will find flight schedules, information about services, and the latest news.
• Help Desk Phone: +1 (906) 482-3970.
• Airport Address: 23810 Airpark Blvd, Calumet, MI 49913, USA.
• Email: For most inquiries, it is recommended to use the main telephone number. Contact forms for specific departments may be available on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport maintains a page on Facebook, where updates are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's representative directly. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information, assistance, or consultation, call the airport help desk: +1 (906) 482-3970.

Getting to Houghton County Airport (CMX), which serves the city of Hancock and its surroundings in the USA, is quite simple due to its close proximity. The trip from the city center usually takes about 15-20 minutes by car. However, since this is a small regional airport, transport options have their own specifics, and planning your trip in advance is the key to success.

Taxis and Transfers

The easiest and most predictable way to get to the airport is to order a taxi or a private transfer. Local taxi companies operate in the region. It is strongly recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early morning or late evening flight, as the number of available cars may be limited. The cost of the trip will be higher than public transport, but this ensures comfort and door-to-door delivery.

Car Rental

For tourists wishing to explore the picturesque Keweenaw Peninsula, renting a car is the best choice. Counters for several major rental companies (such as Avis, Budget) are located right in the airport terminal building. This allows you to collect keys immediately upon arrival and be completely independent in your movements. This is the most flexible, though not the cheapest, option.

Public Transport

Public transport options in this area are very limited. Direct bus routes to the airport may be absent or run on an extremely rare schedule, making them an unreliable option for most travelers. There is no metro or railway connection to the airport in the region. If you still wish to use a bus, be sure to check the current schedule and routes with the local transport operator well in advance of your trip.

Airport Parking

If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, convenient parking is at your disposal. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking located in close proximity to the terminal. Parking prices are generally significantly lower than at major international airports.

If your plans are flexible or you have not found suitable flights to Hancock, you can consider flying into other regional airports. For example, Sawyer International Airport in Marquette is located approximately a two-hour drive away, which may be an alternative if you do not mind an additional journey by car.

Houghton County Airport (CMX) is a small and convenient regional airport that handles all flights in a single passenger terminal. Thanks to its compact dimensions, navigating here is very simple, and all pre-flight and post-flight procedures take a minimum amount of time. This single terminal is designed to serve both departing and arriving passengers.

The terminal layout is extremely simple and intuitive. The building has a linear design: upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the main hall with airline check-in counters and car rental desks. Since there is only one terminal in the airport, there is no need to transfer between different buildings or levels, which makes moving through it maximally fast and convenient for all categories of travelers.

The departure zone is located immediately after the security checkpoint. It consists of a small but comfortable waiting lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is located in another part of the main hall and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the public area where passengers can be met. All key points — from check-in to baggage claim — are within a few minutes' walk of each other.

Passing through check-in and security screening at CMX usually takes no more than 20-30 minutes even during peak hours, thanks to the low passenger traffic. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before a domestic flight departure. This time will be more than sufficient to check in luggage without rushing, pass through control, and wait for boarding. The main navigation tip is simple: follow the few signs available; getting lost in the compact building is practically impossible.

Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX), located near the city of Hancock, is not just a transport hub, but a true lifeline for the remote and picturesque Keweenaw Peninsula in the USA. Its history reflects the development of the region and the desire to ensure reliable connection with the rest of the world, especially during the harsh winter months.

The official opening of the airport took place in 1948, and by 1949 it began accepting its first commercial flights. Initially, it was built to replace an older, smaller airfield and became an important step in the development of the county's infrastructure. The first air carrier to connect the region with other cities was North Central Airlines. An interesting fact: the first terminal building was built in the style of a cozy log cabin, which gave it a special local flavor.

Over the years, the airport has constantly evolved to meet growing needs. An important stage was the extension of the runway to 6,500 feet (about 1,981 meters), which allowed it to accommodate larger jet aircraft. In the 1970s, a new, modern terminal building was constructed, which in turn underwent significant renovation and expansion in the late 1990s and early 2000s to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

One of the main features and achievements of CMX airport is its outstanding ability to cope with extreme weather conditions. Located in a zone of heavy snowfall due to the "lake effect," the airport has become famous nationwide for its effective snow and ice removal system. For this, it has repeatedly received the prestigious Balchen/Post Award, which is awarded for the highest excellence in maintaining airfields during the winter period. This is a real point of pride for CMX and a guarantee of reliability for travelers.

Today, Houghton County Airport continues to play a key role in the life of the region, serving students and faculty of Michigan Technological University, supporting local business, and opening the beauties of Michigan's Upper Peninsula to tourists from all over the world. Its history is an example of how a small regional airport can become a vital center thanks to constant development and the ability to handle unique challenges.

Houghton County Airport (CMX) is a compact and convenient aviation hub that provides passengers with all the basic services necessary for a comfortable journey. Although the selection of amenities here is not as wide as in major international hubs, the airport takes care of the basic needs of its guests.

Inside the terminal building, there is a café-bar where you can order hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and light snacks. There is also a small shop offering souvenirs, press, and essential items. Free Wi-Fi is available for all passengers throughout the airport, and power outlets for charging mobile devices are installed in the waiting area.

There are no specialized VIP lounges or business centers at the airport. Passengers requiring business services or conference rooms are advised to use facilities in nearby cities, for example, in Hancock. Regarding financial operations, ATMs are available in the terminal; however, currency exchange points and full-service bank branches are absent.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance for boarding are provided. Families with children can use diaper-changing tables located in the restrooms. Specialized medical points are absent, but in case of emergency, airport staff will provide first aid and call emergency services.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many accommodation options can be found within a few minutes' drive. The nearest hotels and motels are located in Hancock and its surroundings; some of them offer transfer services to and from the airport.

Dining options at Houghton County Airport (CMX) correspond to its status as a compact regional aviation hub. There is not a large variety of restaurants here as in major international airports; however, passengers can comfortably have a snack or a full meal before departure at the sole establishment serving the terminal.

The main and only place for dining is the Air Host Restaurant & Bar. It is extremely important to note that it is located in the public area of the terminal, before passing security control (landside). This means that after screening, passengers will no longer have the opportunity to buy food or drinks. Therefore, if you plan to eat, do so before heading to the departure zone.

The restaurant offers a classic American café menu. Here you can order breakfast, hearty sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads. This establishment is suitable for both a quick coffee with pastries and a full lunch. Sometimes local specialties can be found on the menu, for example, the "pasty" — a hearty meat pie popular in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This is a great opportunity to try something local before flying out of Hancock.

Regarding special dietary requests, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes, it is best to check their availability directly with the staff. In small establishments, the selection may be limited. The price range at Air Host Restaurant & Bar can be characterized as moderate for an airport. Operating hours are usually tied to the flight schedule — the restaurant opens before the first morning departure and operates until the last flight of the day departs.

Traveling through Houghton County Airport can be simple and convenient if you know a few nuances. To ensure your flight from Hancock goes smoothly, use our tips which will help you save time, money, and stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Houghton County Airport is a small regional airport, so there are usually no long queues here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 90 minutes before a domestic flight departure. This will give you enough time to calmly check in luggage, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate. To save time, check in for your flight online and print your boarding pass at home or save it on your phone.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Screening procedures here are standard for all airports in the USA. Remember the rule for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Laptops and large electronics must be removed from bags. Check the list of items prohibited in hand luggage on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Seat Selection and Transfers. When checking in online, you can select a seat. If you love looking at the picturesque landscapes of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, choose a window seat. If you value freedom of movement, choose an aisle seat. Most flights from this airport operate with a connection in major hubs, such as Chicago. Ensure you have enough time between flights (at least 60–90 minutes) to catch the next plane without rushing. Customs control is not required for domestic flights.

In Case of Flight Delay. Weather conditions, especially in winter, can cause delays. Regularly check the status of your flight on the airline's website. If the flight is delayed, contact the airline representative at the check-in counter — they will provide current information and explain your rights, including potential provision of meals or accommodation depending on the duration of the delay.