Memorial Field

Memorial Field Airport is the air gateway to the famous resort city of Hot Springs in the state of Arkansas, USA. Being one of only six commercial airports in the state, it plays a vital role in the region's transport system. Its primary mission is to serve tourists arriving at Hot Springs National Park, as well as the needs of private and business aviation. Despite its modest size, the airport offers a welcoming atmosphere and everything necessary for a comfortable start to your journey.

The main feature of Memorial Field Airport is its compactness and convenient location, just a few minutes' drive from the city centre and the famous thermal springs. The airport serves flights by Southern Airways Express, which operates flights on small nine-seater Cessna Caravan aircraft to Dallas and Memphis, giving the journey a special, almost private character. In addition to commercial flights, the airport is actively used for general aviation needs and also receives military aircraft. For the convenience of passengers, basic services are available in the terminal, including car rental, allowing you to set off to explore the picturesque surroundings immediately upon arrival.

Below you will find contact information for Memorial Field Airport (HOT), which will help you plan your trip and contact airport representatives if necessary.

• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information, including flight schedules and news, visit the official airport page on the City of Hot Springs website: www.cityhs.net/190/Airport
• Help Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call the main airport number: +1 (501) 321-6750.
• Airport Address: 525 Airport Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA.
• Email: For official requests and enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the website or a phone call, as there is no dedicated email for general passenger questions.
• Social Media: Memorial Field Airport does not have separate official pages on social networks. It is recommended to follow the official resources of the City of Hot Springs for news and updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should contact the airline representative directly. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and answers to questions related to your stay at the airport, please use the help desk phone: +1 (501) 321-6750.

Getting to Memorial Field Airport (HOT) from the city of Hot Springs is effortless, as it is located just 5 km southwest of the centre. A trip by car usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes, making it very accessible for travellers. There are several ways to get to the terminal, each with its own features.

Taxis and Ridesharing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, are the most popular and convenient options. This is a quick and direct way to get to the airport, especially if you have a lot of luggage. The cost of the trip from the city centre will be moderate due to the short distance. It is recommended to order a car in advance during peak hours to avoid waiting.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who want to explore the picturesque surroundings of Hot Springs and the national park. Most major rental agencies are represented at the airport, making it convenient to pick up or drop off a car right before your flight. For those arriving in their own vehicle, Memorial Field Airport provides parking, offering both short-term and long-term parking options.

Public Transport options for travelling to the airport may be limited. The city has a bus system, but there may be no direct routes to the terminal, or they may run infrequently. If you choose this most budget-friendly method, be sure to study the current schedule and routes on the official website of the city transport service in advance and allow extra time for possible transfers.

It is worth noting that Memorial Field serves mainly regional flights. For a wider choice of destinations, including international ones, travellers often consider larger aviation hubs. The nearest of these is Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, located approximately 85 km away. Other alternatives within a few hours' drive include Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK) and Fort Smith Airport (FSM).

Memorial Field Airport (HOT) is a small and very convenient regional airport serving the city of Hot Springs and its surroundings. Its main feature is its compactness, which makes navigation extremely simple and fast.

The airport has only one passenger terminal, which handles all flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings or taking shuttles. All infrastructure is located under one roof and within walking distance of each other. Immediately after entering the building, you will see the airline check-in counters. After checking in and dropping off your luggage, you will proceed to the single security checkpoint.

The departure and arrival zones are located very close together. After passing through security, you enter a small waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone with the baggage claim belt is located in another part of the same building, close to the main entrance. Thanks to the simple and logical layout, it is practically impossible to get lost here — there are clear signs everywhere.

One of the main advantages of Memorial Field Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Flight check-in and security screening usually take significantly less time than at major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to complete all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours.

Memorial Field Airport (HOT) is not just a transport hub, but a real piece of the history of the city of Hot Springs and the entire state of Arkansas. Its history began in 1934, when the airport was built as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) programme — one of President Roosevelt's "New Deal" projects aimed at combating the consequences of the Great Depression. Initially, it was created to serve the growing number of tourists coming to the famous thermal springs.

With the outbreak of World War II, Memorial Field acquired strategic importance. It was used by the USA Army Air Forces as a training base for pilots. After the war, the airport returned to civilian life, and a new chapter began in its history — the era of commercial air travel. For decades, the key carrier was Trans-Texas Airways (later becoming Texas International Airlines), which connected Hot Springs with other cities and contributed to the development of tourism in the region.

One of the most famous facts from the airport's history is connected with the 42nd US President Bill Clinton, who grew up in Hot Springs. For young Bill, Memorial Field was a window to the big world; it was from here that he made his first flights. The airport remained important to him during his political career as Governor of Arkansas, and even during his presidency. This gives the air harbour a special historical charm.

Throughout its existence, the airport has been modernised repeatedly. A significant reconstruction of the terminal was carried out in the 1960s, and another major update, giving it a modern look, took place in the early 2000s. Today, Memorial Field serves both private jets and a limited number of commercial flights, remaining an important air gateway for tourists wishing to visit Hot Springs National Park and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this resort city.

Memorial Field Airport (HOT) offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is designed to make your stay here as pleasant as possible.

While waiting for departure, you can have a snack at the café or snack bar, which serves light refreshments and drinks. There is also a small shop or kiosk at the airport with souvenirs, press, and travel goods. Shared waiting areas are equipped for passenger comfort.

Stay connected thanks to free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. If your device runs out of battery, make use of the gadget charging stations. For financial transactions, ATMs are provided, but it is worth noting that currency exchange bureaux are often absent in small regional airports, so it is recommended to take care of money exchange in advance.

The airport is adapted for the needs of passengers with special requirements. For travellers with reduced mobility, there are ramps, specially equipped toilets, and staff assistance during boarding and disembarking. Families with small children can use the mother and child room. In case of feeling unwell, you can receive first aid by contacting airport staff.

If you need to stay near the airport, several hotels of various comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity of Memorial Field in the city of Hot Springs (USA). Some of them also offer conference rooms and business services for business travellers.

When planning a departure from Memorial Field Airport (HOT), it is important to consider that this is a small regional aviation hub, and dining options on its premises are quite limited. Unlike large hubs, you will not find a wide selection of restaurants and cafés here.

There are no full-service restaurants, bars, or chain coffee shops in the terminal building. Passengers should not count on hot meals or a varied menu. As a rule, all available options are limited to vending machines where you can purchase bottled water, carbonated drinks, crisps, chocolate bars, or packaged sandwiches. Specialised options, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are not available here.

The main recommendation for travellers is to eat in the city of Hot Springs beforehand, prior to travelling to the airport. This is the best way to guarantee yourself a proper lunch or dinner without rushing. If you only need a light snack, it is more reliable to buy it at a city supermarket and take it with you in your hand luggage (taking into account security rules regarding liquids).

To ensure your journey through Memorial Field Airport (HOT) in Hot Springs, USA, goes smoothly, make use of these helpful tips. This small regional airport is easy to navigate, but preparation is never amiss.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the compact size of the airport, it is recommended to arrive approximately 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This will give you enough time to check in luggage and pass through security control without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone.

Security Control. Queues for screening here are usually shorter than at major airports. However, security rules are standard: be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage, as well as liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag.

Seat Selection. Standard choice: a window seat for beautiful views (especially during take-off and landing over the Ouachita Mountains) or an aisle seat for more legroom and the ability to get up freely during the flight.

Hand Luggage. Remember the rule for carrying liquids: no more than 100 ml per container. Sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous materials are prohibited. Always check the current weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. Memorial Field is an airport for direct domestic flights, so transfers here are extremely rare. If you do have a connection planned, it will be quick and simple thanks to the small size of the terminal. It is important to know that there is no customs or border control here, as the airport does not serve international flights.

Saving Time and Money. Book flight tickets in advance to find the best prices. To avoid spending money on food at the airport, bring permitted snacks (snacks, nuts) with you. You can also take an empty water bottle and fill it after passing through security control.

In Case of Flight Delay. Periodically check the status of your flight online. If the flight is delayed, contact the airline representative for information on further actions. Since the airport is small, there are few options for leisure here. We recommend having a book, a charged power bank for gadgets, or downloaded films with you to pass the waiting time.