Tupelo Regional Airport

Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) is a compact and welcoming air gateway in the northeast of Mississippi, in the USA. For many travellers, their introduction to the birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, begins right here, giving the airport a special atmosphere. Despite its modest size, it plays an important role in the region's transport system, offering passengers convenient and quick flights without the hustle and bustle typical of major aviation hubs. The airport serves both private aviation and scheduled commercial flights, connecting Tupelo with other cities.

The main advantage of Tupelo Airport is its convenience and friendly atmosphere. The small terminal allows for pre-flight formalities to be completed quickly and without stress, and free parking makes the journey even more economical. Currently, Contour Aviation is the sole scheduled passenger carrier, operating flights to Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW). In addition to commercial flights, the airport hosts an aviation unit of the Mississippi National Guard with AH-64 Apache and UH-72 Lakota helicopters.

Below you will find contact information for Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential issues.

• Official Website: www.flytupelo.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (662) 841-6570
• Airport Address: 101 Lemons Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address. For communication, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on its official Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your belongings were lost on board the aircraft or in checked baggage, you should contact your airline's representative directly. Regarding items left in the terminal building, please contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and answers to general questions, please use the airport information desk phone number.

Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) is conveniently located just a few kilometres west of the city centre of Tupelo, making the journey there quick and simple. Although the airport is small, it offers several convenient transfer options.

Taxi and Ride-sharing — the most popular and comfortable way to get from the airport to the city. In this region of the USA, services such as Uber and Lyft operate actively, and you can also use local taxi services. The trip to the centre of Tupelo usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes, and the estimated cost is $15-25. This is an ideal choice for those who value their time.

Car Rental — an excellent option for travellers wishing to explore not only Tupelo but also its picturesque surroundings. Several rental company counters are available at the airport. Having your own car gives you complete freedom of movement, allowing you to visit places like the birthplace of Elvis Presley or drive along the famous Natchez Trace Parkway. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season.

For those arriving at the airport by private transport, convenient parking is available within walking distance of the terminal. One of the main advantages of Tupelo Airport is that parking here is free, for both short-term and long-term stays, which distinguishes it favourably from most major airports.

It is important to note that there is no direct public transport connection, such as city buses, to Tupelo Airport. This is typical for many small regional airports, so it is worth planning your route in advance using a taxi or a rental car.

If you are looking for more flight options, you can consider alternative airports in the region. The largest of these is Memphis International (MEM) in the city of Memphis, located approximately 140 km away. Also nearby are Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) (92 km) and McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport (MKL) (149 km). From these airports, it is most convenient to reach Tupelo by rental car.

Tupelo Airport (TUP) is a compact regional airport serving the city of Tupelo and its surroundings. It consists of one passenger terminal, which is used for both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to its small size, the airport offers a very simple and clear structure, making it convenient for travellers.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Immediately after entering the building, you find yourself in a general hall where airline check-in counters and car rental desks are located. All key zones — check-in, security screening, the departure lounge, and baggage claim — are within walking distance of each other, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

Since the airport has only one terminal, transfers between terminals are not required. The departure and arrival zones are functionally separated but located in the same building. After check-in, passengers pass through the single security checkpoint and enter a small waiting area with the boarding gate. The baggage claim area for arriving passengers is also located in the main hall, near the exit.

One of the main advantages of Tupelo Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Check-in and security procedures usually take minimal time due to the low passenger flow. As a rule, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before a domestic flight, which is more than enough for a calm passage through all stages.

Navigation in Tupelo Airport requires no special recommendations — it is practically impossible to get lost here. All signs are clearly visible, and staff are always ready to help. Travel through this airport is generally quick and stress-free, making it a convenient choice for trips to this region.

The history of Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) is closely linked not only to the development of aviation in the state of Mississippi but also to the life of one of the greatest icons of world music. The airport was opened in 1938 as Tupelo Municipal Airport, becoming an important transport hub for the region. From the very beginning, it played a key role in connecting the city of Tupelo with other parts of the USA.

A significant stage in the airport's development occurred during World War II. During this period, it was transferred to the US Army Air Forces and used as an auxiliary airfield for pilot training. After the war ended, the airport returned to civil control and continued its development, gradually expanding its route network and improving infrastructure for passenger service.

However, worldwide fame came to the airport through its most famous passenger — Elvis Presley. It was from here in 1948 that the young Elvis flew to Memphis with his family, beginning a new phase of his life that eventually led him to the summit of the musical Olympus. In 1956, already a superstar, he triumphantly returned to his hometown for two concerts, landing at this very airport. This event turned Tupelo Airport into a destination for fans of the King of Rock and Roll from all over the world.

Throughout its history, the airport has been modernized repeatedly. In the 1970s, a new, more modern passenger terminal was built to meet the growing needs of air travel. In subsequent decades, work was carried out to update the runway and navigation equipment. Today, Tupelo Airport continues to serve regional flights, remaining not only an important transport facility but also a living monument to history, inextricably linked with the legacy of Elvis Presley.

Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) is a small but functional aviation hub, providing passengers with a basic set of amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is important to understand that, being a compact airport, it offers a limited range of services compared to large international hubs.

Within the terminal, you will not find a wide variety of restaurants and shops. Generally, passengers have access to a small cafe where one can have a snack or coffee, and vending machines with snacks and drinks. Full-scale shopping or a wide selection of dining establishments are not provided here. There are no specialized VIP lounges at the airport.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal building, allowing you to stay connected. There are also power outlets for charging electronic devices located in the departure lounge. Banking services or currency exchange points are not provided at Tupelo Airport. It is recommended to perform all financial transactions, including currency exchange, in advance at banks in the city of Tupelo.

The airport is fully equipped for passengers with disabilities in accordance with USA standards. There are ramps, accessible restrooms, as well as the ability to request a wheelchair and assistance through your airline representative. For travellers with small children, changing tables are provided in the restrooms. There are no specialized play areas. Medical assistance is limited to first aid provided by airport staff; there is no permanent medical centre.

There are no hotels, business centres, or conference halls within the airport itself. However, many hotels of various price categories are located a few minutes' drive from the terminal, in the city itself. You can easily find a suitable option for rest before or after your flight by using a taxi or renting a car.

When planning your trip through Tupelo Airport (TUP), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport. Consequently, dining options directly inside the terminal building are extremely limited and not comparable to the assortment at major air hubs. Here you will not find a variety of restaurants, cafes, or bars.

Inside the terminal, passengers can mainly rely on vending machines offering a standard set of snacks (chips, chocolate) and soft drinks. Sometimes a small kiosk with a basic assortment may operate, but its opening hours are usually tied to the schedule of the few flights. Specialized dietary options, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are not available at the airport.

Given this, travellers are strongly recommended to eat in advance before arriving at the airport or to plan a meal after arrival, in the city itself. In Tupelo, located just a few minutes' drive away, you will find many options to suit any taste and budget — from fast food establishments to cosy restaurants where you can try Southern cuisine of the USA.

Thus, for a quick snack at the airport, you can use the machines, but for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to look for establishments in the city. This will allow you to enjoy quality food without haste and stress before departure or immediately after arrival.

To ensure your journey through Tupelo Airport goes as smoothly as possible, use these proven tips. The small size of this airport makes it quite convenient for passengers, but good preparation is never superfluous.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights from Tupelo Airport, it is recommended to arrive 90 minutes before departure. This time is usually sufficient to complete all procedures without haste. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website and print your boarding pass or save it on your phone.

Security and Hand Luggage: Security checkpoints at regional airports are generally less busy. Nevertheless, standard security rules apply here as well. Remember the liquids rule: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics will need to be placed in a separate tray. Do not put sharp objects or other prohibited items in your hand luggage.

Seat Selection on the Plane: If you want to admire the views, choose a window seat. If you plan to get up often or want to be the first to exit after landing, your ideal seat is on the aisle. Seats in the front of the cabin are usually the quietest, and those at emergency exits have extra legroom (but with certain restrictions).

Passengers with Connections: Tupelo Airport is not a major transfer hub. If your route starts here and a connection awaits you at a larger airport, study its layout in advance. Ensure you have enough time between flights — for large hubs, it is recommended to allow at least 1.5–2 hours.

Customs Control: Tupelo Airport serves only domestic flights, so passing through customs and border control here is not required. All procedures related to international flights will be completed at the airport from which your international flight departs.

Saving Time and Money: The simplest way to save is to book tickets in advance and monitor baggage allowance fees. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security, and light snacks to avoid paying premium prices.

Flight Delays: In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative at the check-in counter. Depending on the reason and duration of the delay, you may be offered vouchers for food or accommodation. We recommend installing your airline's app on your smartphone to receive prompt notifications regarding changes in flight status.