Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport

Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport, also known as Sanderson Field, is not merely a runway, but a welcoming aerial gateway into the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the USA. Located just minutes from the famous Soo Locks, it serves as a vital hub for private and business aviation. This airport is ideally suited for those who value their time and prefer travelling by private or chartered aircraft, discovering the scenic beauty of the Great Lakes region.

The main advantage of Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport is its exceptional convenience and strategic location. Situated practically within the city limits, it ensures rapid access to the business district, hotels, and major tourist attractions, including the world-renowned Soo Locks. The airport specialises in serving general aviation, offering a full range of services for private pilots and business jets, including refuelling, maintenance, and hangar storage. Although there are no scheduled commercial flights here (the larger Chippewa County International Airport serves that purpose), its role as a base for charter flights, air taxis, and flight schools makes it indispensable for the local economy and tourists seeking flexible travel options across the region.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport (SSM) so you can quickly find answers to your queries.

• Official Website: You can find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations at www.airssm.com.
• Information Helpline: For general enquiries, please call +1 (906) 635-0252.
• Airport Address: 5346 E. 9 Mile Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, USA.
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address. It is recommended to use the telephone or the contact form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: Currently, the airport does not maintain active social media pages. Please follow the news on the official website.
• Lost and Found: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration via the main telephone number. If your items were lost on board the aircraft or if checked baggage is missing, you must contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support: For questions related to services at the airport, you may contact the information desk at the phone number listed above.

Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport, also known as Sanderson Field, is located very close to the city centre of Sault Ste. Marie, making the journey there quick and convenient. Travellers can choose from several methods to reach the terminal, depending on their budget and preferences.

The simplest and fastest way to reach the airport is by taxi or ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft. The trip from the city centre takes only 5–10 minutes, as the distance is just a couple of kilometres. This is an ideal option if you have a lot of luggage or value comfort. The cost of the trip is generally low, but it is recommended to check prices in the app beforehand, especially during peak hours.

For those planning to actively explore the Great Lakes region, car rental is an excellent solution. Rental company offices can be found both in the city and near the airport. Renting a car gives you complete freedom of movement across the USA. For those arriving in their own vehicle, the airport provides convenient and affordable parking, suitable for both short-term and long-term stays.

Regarding public transport, direct bus routes to such a small municipal airport may be unavailable or run at infrequent intervals. It is recommended to check current information and timetables on the official website of the Sault Ste. Marie transport authority in advance to plan your route.

It is also worth noting that there are other, larger air hubs in the vicinity. For example, Chippewa County Airport (CIU) and the airport on the Canadian side of Sault Ste. Marie (YAM), which serve a greater number of flights. However, reaching the Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport specifically presents no difficulty thanks to its advantageous location.

The Sault Ste. Marie Airport (Municipal), also known as Sanderson Field, is an aviation hub specialising in general aviation services. Instead of the passenger complexes typical of major airports, a single FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) terminal operates here. Its primary purpose is to provide exclusive service for private and charter flights, making travel as comfortable and rapid as possible.

The departure and arrival procedures here differ radically from the standard experience. Passengers do not need to stand in queues for check-in or security screening. All formalities are handled promptly and on an individual basis by the FBO staff. A key feature is the absence of lengthy security checks, which significantly saves time. Luggage is handled personally: it is collected at the entrance and delivered directly to the aircraft, and upon arrival, you are met right at the steps.

The layout of the terminal is extremely simple and intuitive. Inside the building, passengers and pilots will find a cosy lounge where one can relax before a flight in a tranquil atmosphere. Since all services are concentrated in one compact space, navigation causes no difficulties whatsoever. The transition from the terminal entrance to boarding the aircraft takes only a few minutes.

Thanks to the personalised approach and optimised processes, time spent at the airport is kept to a minimum. This is the ideal choice for travellers who value privacy, speed, and a high level of service. Instead of the stress and bustle inherent in large aviation hubs, the airport in Sault Ste. Marie offers calm and efficiency, allowing you to begin or end your journey across the USA with maximum convenience.

The history of Sault Ste. Marie Airport, also known as Sanderson Field, begins in 1930. Initially, it was a small municipal airfield named after Mayor John P. Sanderson, who played a key role in its creation. In its early years, the airport served private aviation and nascent commercial flights, contributing to the development of regional transport accessibility.

The most significant period in the airport's history occurred during the Second World War. In April 1942, after the USA entered the war, the facility was transferred to the United States Army Air Forces and renamed Sault Ste. Marie Army Airfield. Its main mission was the defence of the strategically important Soo Locks against potential attack. The airfield served as a base for fighter and transport aircraft, ensuring the security of this critical waterway.

After the war ended, in 1945, the airfield was returned to civilian control and once again became the Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport. In the following decades, it went through several stages of modernisation, including the extension of runways and terminal updates, to meet the growing needs of passengers and modern aviation standards. Today, the airport continues to play an important role in the transport system of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, preserving the memory of its contribution to national defence in its history.

Sault Ste. Marie Airport (Municipal) is a compact and functional terminal where all basic conditions for a comfortable wait are provided. There is a seating area in the departure lounge. Regarding dining and shopping, options within the airport itself are limited to vending machines offering beverages and light snacks. For a wider selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops, it is worth heading into the city.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, as well as stations for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. Please note that there are no bank branches or currency exchange points within the airport building, so it is recommended to settle all financial matters in the city of Sault Ste. Marie in advance.

The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility in accordance with accessibility standards. There are no dedicated children's playrooms or separate VIP lounges in the terminal. Basic medical assistance can be provided by staff, who will call emergency services if necessary.

There are no hotels on the airport grounds; however, many accommodation options can be found in the immediate vicinity in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, which is easily accessible by taxi or rental car. The airport also does not offer conference rooms or business centres, as it specialises in serving private and business aviation passengers, providing them with the necessary level of comfort and privacy.

When planning a trip through Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport (SSM), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of food outlets on its premises is quite limited. There is no wide variety of restaurants and cafes here as found in major international hubs, so passengers are advised to plan their meals in advance.

The primary and, typically, the only source of food and beverages in the terminal building are vending machines. They are located both in the general area (before security control) and in the departure zone. In the machines, you can find a standard selection for a quick snack: crisps, chocolate bars, biscuits, as well as soft drinks, juices, and water. This is a convenient option if you need to eat something on the go, but one should not expect hot meals or a wide assortment.

Passengers requiring a full lunch or dinner, as well as those adhering to a special diet (vegetarian, gluten-free, Halal, etc.), are strongly recommended to eat at one of the establishments in the city of Sault Ste. Marie before travelling to the airport. In the city, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes to suit any taste and budget, where you can enjoy a meal in peace before your flight. Given the compact size of the airport, arriving at the standard time before your flight will allow you to complete all formalities without rushing, even if you have a bite to eat just before leaving the city.

Travel through Sault Ste. Marie Airport (Municipal) promises to be comfortable if you prepare for the details of your trip in advance. Since this is a small regional air hub, the atmosphere here is usually calmer compared to major hubs, yet punctuality remains an important factor. We recommend arriving at the terminal 1.5–2 hours before your scheduled departure. This time will be sufficient to check in your luggage, complete registration, and proceed to the security screening area without haste.

The check-in procedure will be faster if you complete it online via the airline's website or mobile app (usually opening 24 hours before departure). Security services at US airports operate under strict TSA standards. Be prepared to remove shoes, belts, and outerwear, as well as to take laptops and large electronic devices out of your bags. Keep your boarding pass and identification document at hand so as not to hold up the queue.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider the flight duration and your preferences. A window seat will allow you to enjoy the views during take-off and landing, which is particularly beautiful in the Great Lakes region, whilst an aisle seat is convenient for those who prefer to stretch their legs. When packing hand luggage, strictly observe the rule for carrying liquids: containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml must be packed in a single transparent plastic bag with a zip fastener. Sharp objects must be left in checked baggage.

Passengers with connections should carefully check the conditions of their fare. If you have a single ticket, luggage is most often checked through to the final destination, but always clarify this point at the check-in counter. If the transfer takes place at a major international airport in the US after arriving from abroad, you will need to collect your luggage to pass through customs and check it in again. In Sault Ste. Marie itself, customs procedures are standard: declare imported valuables and remember the strict restrictions on importing food products.

To save money at the airport, we recommend bringing an empty reusable water bottle with you — you can fill it at drinking fountains after passing through the security zone. This will save you from having to buy expensive drinks in the waiting area. If your flight is delayed, first check the airline's app or your email for current information. In the event of long delays, do not hesitate to ask airline staff for meal vouchers or accommodation information, if provided for by the carrier's rules.