Fort Benning and its Location
Fort Benning is an active military base located in Columbus, Georgia, in the southeastern United States. The base covers approximately 182,000 acres and is home to over 100,000 military and civilian personnel. Fort Benning is known as the "Home of the Infantry" due to its role as the primary training center for the United States Army Infantry. The base is also home to the United States Army Armor School and the United States Army Ranger School.
The Importance of Airports
Airports are crucial transportation hubs that connect people and goods from one place to another, locally and internationally. Airports provide a variety of services, such as air traffic control, passenger and cargo handling, and aircraft maintenance. Airports play a significant role in the economic development of a region by attracting businesses and tourists, creating jobs, and generating revenue.
Does Fort Benning Have an International Airport?
No, Fort Benning does not have an international airport. However, Columbus Metropolitan Airport, located about 10 miles east of Fort Benning, serves the city of Columbus and the surrounding region. Columbus Metropolitan Airport is a public airport and the second-busiest airport in Georgia, serving nearly 500,000 passengers annually.
The History of Fort Benning’s Airports
Fort Benning has a long history of aviation dating back to 1910 when the first military airplane was flown at the base. The base has had several airports throughout its history, including Lawson Army Airfield, which was the primary airport from 1941 to 1994. Lawson Army Airfield was closed in 1994, and Columbus Metropolitan Airport became the primary airport for the region.
Overview of Columbus Metropolitan Airport
Columbus Metropolitan Airport is a medium-sized airport with two runways and one terminal building. The airport offers a range of services, including commercial passenger flights, cargo operations, private aviation, and military flights. Columbus Metropolitan Airport is operated by the Columbus Airport Commission and serves as an important regional transportation hub.
Columbus Metropolitan Airport as an International Airport
Columbus Metropolitan Airport is not currently designated as an international airport. However, the airport has the infrastructure to accommodate international flights and has customs and immigration facilities. Columbus Metropolitan Airport has a designated international arrival gate, and passengers can clear customs and immigration at the airport.
Airlines and Destinations Served by Columbus Metropolitan Airport
Columbus Metropolitan Airport is served by two major airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. The airport offers non-stop flights to several domestic destinations, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and Houston. Columbus Metropolitan Airport also offers seasonal flights to popular vacation destinations such as Cancun and Punta Cana.
Transportation from Columbus Metropolitan Airport to Fort Benning
Several transportation options are available for passengers traveling from Columbus Metropolitan Airport to Fort Benning. The airport offers rental car services, taxi services, and shuttle services. Additionally, military personnel can take advantage of the base’s transportation services.
Other Airports near Fort Benning
Several other airports are located near Fort Benning, including Montgomery Regional Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. These airports offer additional flight options for passengers traveling to and from Fort Benning.
The Future of Airports in the Fort Benning Area
The Columbus Airport Commission is committed to expanding the services and facilities at Columbus Metropolitan Airport. The airport is currently undergoing several improvement projects, including the expansion of the terminal building, the addition of a new parking garage, and the construction of a new air traffic control tower.
Conclusion: Air Travel to and from Fort Benning
While Fort Benning does not have an international airport, Columbus Metropolitan Airport offers a range of domestic and international flight options for travelers. With its proximity to Fort Benning and the surrounding region, Columbus Metropolitan Airport serves as an important transportation hub for the area. As the airport continues to expand and improve, it will play an increasingly significant role in the economic development of the region.
References and Further Reading
- Columbus Metropolitan Airport. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://flycolumbusga.com/
- Fort Benning. (n.d.). Retrieved from
- Georgia Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Columbus Metropolitan Airport. Retrieved from
- International Air Transport Association. (n.d.). Airports in Columbus, United States (US). Retrieved from
