Wichita Falls Municipal Airport

Wichita Falls Regional Airport (SPS) is not just a civil airport, but a unique transport hub that shares its infrastructure with Sheppard Air Force Base. This proximity gives it a special status and makes it an important gateway to North Texas for both ordinary travellers and military personnel. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in the region's transport network, providing residents and visitors with a reliable connection to one of the world's largest hubs.

The main advantage of Wichita Falls Airport lies in its compactness and convenience. Travellers will not have to spend much time on check-in and security screening, making the start and end of the journey calmer and more predictable. The airport is served by a single airline — American Eagle, a regional branch of American Airlines, which operates daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This air artery is vital as it opens access to an extensive network of routes worldwide through one of the busiest airports in the USA.

Thanks to its location and well-organised operations, Wichita Falls Airport is an excellent choice for those who value efficiency and the absence of hassle inherent in large aviation hubs. All basic services necessary for a traveller are available in the terminal, including car rental counters, allowing you to comfortably set off to explore the city and its picturesque surroundings immediately upon arrival.

To obtain current information about the operation of Wichita Falls airport, flight schedules, and services provided, you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: You will find all the latest information, including flight status and passenger rules, on the official airport section of the city website: wichitafallstx.gov/492/Airport-SPS.
• Information Desk Phone: For prompt consultation on general questions, schedules, and terminal services, call: (940) 855-3621.
• Address: The airport is located at: 4000 Armstrong Drive, Wichita Falls, TX 76305, USA.
• Email: For written enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact forms on the official website, as a separate public email for general questions is not provided.
• Social Media: Important updates and airport news may be published on the official social media pages of the City of Wichita Falls. You will find links to them on the website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you should primarily contact the Lost & Found service of your airline. For items left within the terminal, please contact the airport administration at (940) 855-3621.
• Passenger Support Service: For questions related to the maintenance and infrastructure of the airport itself, you can contact the main information service at (940) 855-3621.

Getting to Wichita Falls Regional Airport (SPS) from the city centre of Wichita Falls is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres north of the business district. Depending on the chosen method, the journey will take little time, making it easily accessible for travellers.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services. The fastest and most convenient way to get to the airport is by taxi or ride-ordering apps such as Uber and Lyft, which are widely used in the USA. A trip from the city centre usually takes 10–15 minutes, and the cost is approximately $20–30. This is an ideal option if you are travelling with luggage or value comfort. For additional convenience, a private transfer can be booked in advance.

Car Rental. If you plan to explore the surroundings or need freedom of movement, renting a car will be an excellent solution. Counters of several major rental agencies are located in the airport terminal. It is recommended to book a car online in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure the best choice and more favourable rates. The drive from the centre to the airport is very straightforward and does not take much time.

Public Transport. The Falls Ride city bus system currently does not offer a direct route to the airport. The nearest bus stops may be at a significant distance from the terminal, making this option inconvenient for most tourists, especially those with luggage. It is worth checking current information on the transport service's official website before travelling, but generally, it is better to consider other methods.

Airport Parking. For those arriving at the airport in a private or rented car, both short-term and long-term parking zones are provided. The cost varies depending on the duration of parking. This is a safe and convenient way to leave your vehicle during your absence.

It is worth noting that Wichita Falls Regional Airport primarily serves regional destinations. For long-haul and international flights, travellers often use larger aviation hubs, such as Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City, which can be reached by car in 2-3 hours.

Wichita Falls Airport (SPS) is a compact regional airport that also shares runways with the US Air Force Sheppard Base. Its structure is extremely simple and focused on passenger convenience, making navigation very easy.

Single Passenger Terminal. The airport operates with just one terminal, which handles all commercial flights — both departures and arrivals. This completely eliminates confusion and the need to move between different buildings. Thanks to this, it is practically impossible to get lost here.

Layout and Terminal Zones. The terminal building is designed as logically as possible. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the single security screening point. Immediately behind it is a small but comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival area with the baggage claim belt is also located in the same building and is clearly marked with signs.

Processing Time. One of the main advantages of Wichita Falls Airport is the speed of service. Due to low passenger traffic, passing through check-in and security screening usually takes minimum time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before departure. This time will be more than enough to drop off luggage, pass control, and reach your boarding gate without rushing.

Navigation Recommendations. Simply follow the standard signs: "Departures" will lead you to the check-in counters and security check, and "Baggage Claim" to the area for meeting passengers. All key points — from the entrance to the boarding gate — are within a few minutes' walk of each other, making the journey through SPS as comfortable and predictable as possible.

The history of Wichita Falls Regional Airport (SPS) is a fascinating narrative of the transformation of a modest airfield into an important transport hub with a rich military heritage. The airport was founded in 1928 as Wichita Falls Municipal Airport and initially served sparse mail and passenger flights, becoming one of the pioneers of aviation in North Texas.

A turning point in the airport's development was World War II. In 1941, the facility was transferred to the US government and became part of a large Army Air Forces training complex. During this period, it was known as Kell Field, named after local businessman Frank Kell. It was then that powerful infrastructure was created, including runways that are still used jointly with the neighbouring Sheppard Air Force Base today.

After the war, the airport resumed commercial transport, but its close tie with the military remained. The unique joint-use agreement with Sheppard Air Force Base is a key feature of the airport today. This means that civilian flights are operated from the same runways as military aircraft flights, creating a unique atmosphere. Throughout its history, the airport has hosted flights from major carriers such as Braniff International and Continental Airlines.

Significant modernisation occurred in the airport's recent history. In 2014, a new, modern passenger terminal was opened. This building replaced the old one, built back in the 1960s, and offered passengers a significantly higher level of comfort, spacious waiting lounges, and modern service equipment.

Interestingly, the airport's IATA code — SPS — comes not from the city name but from the name of Sheppard Air Force Base. For many travellers, the opportunity to see the takeoff or landing of military training aircraft becomes an unexpected and memorable bonus during their trip, vividly demonstrating the unique dual role of this historic aviation facility.

Wichita Falls Airport (SPS) offers all necessary services to make your wait for a flight as comfortable as possible. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-equipped for the needs of modern travellers. Here you will find a cosy café-restaurant where you can have a snack or drink coffee, as well as a small shop for buying souvenirs, press, and travel goods.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or handle work matters. Stations for charging electronic devices are equipped for passenger convenience. Although there are no dedicated VIP lounges at the airport, the general waiting areas are sufficiently comfortable and spacious. regarding access to lounges provided by airlines, it is recommended to contact your carrier directly.

ATMs are installed in the terminal for cash withdrawals. Please note that currency exchange points are generally absent in small regional airports, so it is better to take care of money exchange in advance. Regarding medical assistance, although there is no full-scale medical centre at the airport, staff can provide first aid and promptly call emergency services if necessary. For passengers with small children, there are changing tables in the restrooms. The airport is fully equipped to serve travellers with disabilities: ramps and specially equipped toilets are available. If necessary, an escort service can be requested through your airline.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport territory, there are many hotels for every taste and budget located just a few minutes' drive away, many of which offer transfers for their guests. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are not provided at the airport, however, the availability of free Wi-Fi allows for comfortable work in the waiting lounges before departure.

When planning a trip through Wichita Falls Airport (SPS), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport with a limited but functional selection of dining establishments. Passengers can comfortably have a snack or drink coffee while waiting for their flight, however, it is worth planning time for this in advance.

The main place for dining at the airport is the café located in the main terminal. Key point: the establishment is located in the public zone, before passing security control (landside). This means that after you pass the screening and enter the departure zone, you will no longer have access to the café. Therefore, if you plan to eat, it is strongly recommended to do so beforehand.

The café menu features standard American cuisine dishes: here you can order coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The assortment is excellent for a quick snack or a simple lunch. It is unlikely you will find unique local delicacies here. Prices, as in most airports, are slightly higher than the city average.

The establishment's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, so it is open during the airport's busiest periods. Passengers with strict dietary requirements (such as Halal, vegan, or gluten-free diets) are recommended to bring food with them, as specialised dishes may not be available on the menu. The choice for vegetarians may be limited to simple vegetable salads or sandwiches.

Travelling through the airport of Wichita Falls city can be easy and pleasant if you prepare in advance. Here are some useful tips that will help you save time, money, and nerves, making the start of your trip as comfortable as possible.

Arrival and Check-in. Wichita Falls Airport is small and convenient, so huge queues are rare here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure for a domestic flight. This time is enough to calmly drop off luggage, pass security control, and walk to the boarding gate. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure.

Security and Hand Luggage. The screening procedure at USA airports is standard. Prepare your passport and boarding pass in advance. In hand luggage, all liquids (shampoos, gels, perfumes) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be placed in a separate bin for scanning. Do not put sharp objects, weapons, or other prohibited items in your hand luggage to avoid delays.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If possible, choose a seat on the plane during online check-in. A window seat will offer beautiful views, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. If you have a connecting flight, ensure there is enough time between flights (at least 1-1.5 hours), especially if the transfer is at a major hub. Wichita Falls Airport is not international, so customs and border control are not passed here. If you are arriving in the USA from another country, you will undergo these procedures at the first airport of arrival.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, first contact your airline's counter at the airport or call their support service. Staff will provide current information and offer possible options: rebooking on another flight or compensation in accordance with the carrier's rules. Stay calm and keep all documents at hand.