Loring International Airport

Loring Airport is not just an aerial gateway to northern Maine, but a true monument to aviation history. In the past, it was one of the largest bases of the Strategic Air Command of the USA, playing a key role during the Cold War era. Today, this location has transformed into a multifunctional complex where the powerful infrastructure of the past serves the goals of modern civil and business aviation, offering a unique experience for pilots and visitors.

The main feature of Loring Airport is its impressive infrastructure, inherited from its military past. The airport boasts one of the longest and widest runways on the East Coast, capable of accepting aircraft of almost any size, including the largest cargo planes. This makes it an important hub for private aviation, test flights, and technical stops.

Today, the airport is part of the Loring Commerce Centre — a major business and industrial park. For travelers arriving on private or charter flights, this means access to quality services, including fueling, maintenance, and spacious hangars for parking. Although the airport does not serve scheduled commercial flights, it serves as a convenient entry point for those wishing to explore the picturesque and sparsely populated Aroostook County, known for its nature and outdoor activity opportunities.

There are several ways to contact representatives of Loring Airport (LIZ), which today functions as the Loring Commerce Centre. Please note that the airport does not serve scheduled commercial passenger flights, so most contacts lead to the office of the management company, Loring Development Authority.

• Official Website: www.loring.org — here you can find the most up-to-date information on activities and services.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 207-328-7005. This is the main number for the Loring Development Authority, which manages the airport.
• Airport Address: 15 Skyway Dr, Limestone, ME 04750, USA.
• Email: It is recommended to use the contact form available on the official website for communication.
• Lost and Found Information: Since there are no scheduled passenger services, questions regarding found or lost items should be directed to the administration via the general phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all inquiries, please contact the Loring Development Authority office at the number listed above.

There are several ways to get to Loring Airport, located in the small town of Limestone, USA. It is important to note that this is a former airbase, and now an aviation and business center, so the transport infrastructure differs from major international airports. A trip from the center of Limestone to the airport by car will take just 5–10 minutes.

Car Rental

The most convenient and recommended way to travel around this region is a rental car. It gives you freedom of movement and allows you to easily reach not only the airport but also other interesting places in Aroostook County. Car rental agencies can be found in larger neighboring cities, for example, in Presque Isle. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season.

Taxi and Transfer

You can order a taxi or a private transfer. In a small town like Limestone, it is better to arrange a trip with a local taxi company in advance. The cost of the trip will depend on the distance, but this is a reliable option if you do not plan to drive. Ridesharing services (Uber, Lyft) may be limited or unavailable in this area.

Public Transport

Direct public transport links (buses, trains) to Loring Airport are generally absent. This is due to the specific nature of the airport and its location. Travelers relying on public transport will likely have to first reach the nearest major settlement by regional bus, and then take a taxi from there.

Airport Parking

There are usually no problems with parking at Loring Airport. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available here. The cost of parking is typically significantly lower than at major airports, and sometimes it may even be complimentary.

Alternative Nearby Airports

Since Loring Airport mainly serves private and cargo aviation, many travelers fly into larger neighboring airports and then reach Limestone by ground transport. Main alternatives:

• Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) — the nearest airport with scheduled flights, located approximately 31 km away.
• Fredericton International Airport (YFC) — a major airport in Canada, located at a distance of about 159 km.
• Charlo Airport (YCL) — located 165 km away.

Loring Airport (LIZ), located on the site of a former airbase, today primarily serves private, business, and cargo aviation. Its infrastructure differs significantly from large international airports, making it very simple to navigate.

The airport operates one terminal, which would be more accurately described as a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) facility for general aviation. It is a compact and functional structure, not divided into multiple terminals or complex zones. The entire structure is intuitive: areas for arriving and departing passengers are combined here, as the flow of people is not large.

Since there are no scheduled commercial passenger flights at Loring Airport, the usual check-in and security procedures that take a lot of time at large airports are completed very quickly or in a simplified format here. You will not have to worry about long queues or complicated transfers between terminals — they simply do not exist. All necessary services and amenities, including the lounge area and staff counters, are located in one place and within walking distance of each other.

The main advice for navigation: do not worry! It is practically impossible to get lost at Loring Airport. Immediately after entering the building, you will easily orient yourself and find everything you need. Simplicity and compactness are the key features of this airport, ensuring fast and comfortable service.

The history of Loring Airport (LIZ) is unique and inextricably linked to the Cold War era. Initially, it was not a civilian facility, but a major military airbase — Loring Air Force Base, located near the city of Limestone in the state of Maine, USA. Construction of the base began in 1947, and it officially opened in 1953 under the name Limestone Air Force Base, later renamed in honor of Major Charles Loring Jr.

For decades, the Loring base was one of the key outposts of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Famous long-range B-52 Stratofortress bombers and aerial refueling tankers were based here, maintained in constant combat readiness. The sheer size of the base and its strategic location made it a critically important element of the country's defense system during that period. It was one of SAC's largest airfields.

With the end of the Cold War, the need for such large military facilities decreased. In 1994, Loring Air Force Base was officially closed as part of a military reduction program. However, this was not the end of its story. A large-scale conversion process began: the military facility was transformed into the multifunctional commercial and industrial park Loring Commerce Centre, and its airfield became a public airport named Loring Airport (LIZ).

The main legacy and an interesting fact from the airport's past is its impressive runway. Its length is over 3,600 meters (12,100 feet), making it one of the longest in the entire northeastern USA. This runway, originally built to accommodate heavy strategic bombers, today allows the airport to service practically any type of aircraft, opening up great opportunities for its development as a transport, testing, and logistics hub.

Loring Airport (LIZ), located in the city of Limestone, is primarily a center for business and private aviation. Consequently, the range of services for regular passengers may be quite limited. Travelers are advised to verify the availability of necessary amenities directly before their trip.

Dining and Shopping: There are no traditional restaurants, cafes, or duty-free shops at the airport. Passengers are advised to eat or make necessary purchases before arriving at the airport. Vending machines with drinks and light snacks may be available in the terminal building.

Lounges and Wi-Fi: Standard waiting areas offer basic amenities. Specialized VIP lounges are absent. Access to free Wi-Fi may be provided; however, it is better to carry a portable power bank for charging electronic devices, as the number of power outlets may be limited.

Financial and Medical Services: There are no bank branches, currency exchange points, or ATMs at the airport. All financial transactions should be handled in advance in nearby towns. Medical services are limited to basic first aid; there is no specialized medical center.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs: Like all public buildings in the USA, the terminal is equipped for access by passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Special services for passengers with children, such as play areas or mother-and-child rooms, are generally not provided.

Accommodation and Business Services: There are no hotels directly on the airport territory. The nearest accommodation options can be found in the city of Limestone and its surroundings. Conference rooms or business centers for passengers are not provided within the terminal building.

It is important to understand that Loring Airport (LIZ) is a general aviation airport and does not serve regular commercial passenger flights. As a result, its infrastructure, including dining points, is not designed for a large flow of tourists, and familiar services are absent here.

There are no restaurants, cafes, lounges, or vending machines for passengers on the territory of Loring Airport. The terminal building lacks any food service outlets, both before and after security control.

Travelers arriving at or departing from the airport are recommended to plan their meals in advance. The best option would be to eat in the nearby town of Limestone, located a few minutes' drive away. There you can find local cafes and small restaurants where you can grab a quick snack or have a full meal. Please plan your meal before arriving at the airport or after leaving it.

Traveling through Loring Airport (Loring International Airport) in Limestone has its specificities. It is important to consider that this airport currently does not serve scheduled commercial flights by major airlines and is oriented primarily towards general aviation, private charters, cargo transport, and aircraft maintenance. Therefore, standard procedures here differ significantly from familiar large hubs.

Optimal Arrival Time

Since there is no flow of regular passenger flights, there is no need to arrive 2–3 hours in advance. For departure on a private plane or charter, it is usually sufficient to arrive at the General Aviation Terminal (FBO) 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This time is enough to meet the crew and load luggage.

Check-in and Security Control Features

The check-in procedure here is maximally simplified. You will not have to stand in long queues at counters or go through multi-level TSA screening typical for commercial flights (unless otherwise required by the specifics of your charter). However, identification documents (passport) must always be with you for verification before boarding.

Seat Selection on the Plane

Familiar online check-in with seat selection is not available here. Seat allocation in the cabin of a private plane usually happens freely or is agreed upon in advance with the flight booker. If a window seat or extra legroom is essential for you, simply discuss this with the crew before boarding.

Baggage and Hand Luggage Rules

Rules for carrying items on private flights are much more lenient. Restrictions on liquids (the 100 ml rule) often do not apply, and you may take water or cosmetics into the cabin. Nevertheless, it is strictly prohibited to transport explosives, weapons (without a special permit), and dangerous goods. Baggage dimensions depend on the size of the specific aircraft, so clarify limits with your operator in advance.

Recommendations for Transit Passengers

Loring Airport is not designed for connecting flights of regular airlines. If your goal is to transfer to a commercial flight, you will likely have to use ground transport to reach the nearest regional airport with scheduled service, for example, in Presque Isle (Northern Maine Regional Airport), which is about a 20–30 minute drive away.

Customs Control

Despite its international status, customs services at Loring may not operate around the clock or may work upon prior request. If you are planning an international flight (for example, from neighboring Canada), ensure that your pilot or operator has notified US border control in advance of your arrival to undergo necessary procedures.

Saving Time

The main advantage of using such an airport is colossal time savings. You can drive up almost to the aircraft stairs (if permitted by the safety rules of the specific FBO) and depart without delays. To avoid wasting time, coordinate your transfer upon arrival in advance: a taxi or rental car can be brought directly to the terminal.

Actions in Case of Departure Delay

In private aviation, delays are most often related to weather conditions or the technical readiness of the aircraft. In such cases, you are in direct contact with the crew, who will provide the most accurate information. Waiting takes place in a comfortable lounge of the FBO terminal, where Wi-Fi and beverages are usually available, away from the noise of crowded waiting halls.