Airports in Bentonville, Arkansas
Bentonville, Arkansas serves as the commercial hub of Northwest Arkansas, home to Walmart's global headquarters and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The region is served by two airports: Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), Arkansas's busiest commercial airport, and Bentonville Municipal Airport (VBT), a historic general aviation field named after one of aviation's pioneering women.
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA/KXNA)
Northwest Arkansas National Airport, located 8.3 miles from central Bentonville, opened in November 1998 and has grown into Arkansas's premier commercial airport. Spanning 2,680 acres with two 8,800-foot runways capable of handling wide-body aircraft, XNA served 2,524,256 passengers in 2025—a 10% increase over the prior year and the highest passenger count in the airport's history. XNA now ranks as the busiest airport in the state of Arkansas.
The airport's growth directly reflects the economic boom driven by Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville, which draws corporate travelers, suppliers, and executives from across the country and around the world. Corporate demand has made XNA one of the fastest-growing regional airports in the South.
Airlines and Destinations
American Airlines dominates the XNA market with a 49.8% market share, operating frequent daily service to its hubs. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and Breeze Airways round out service to over 23 nonstop destinations. Recent route expansions underscore XNA's rising profile: Philadelphia International Airport service launched in December 2024, Detroit Metropolitan Airport began service in November 2024, and Salt Lake City International Airport flights commenced in February 2025.
| Airline | Market Share / Notes |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | 49.8% market share — hub connections to DFW, CLT, ORD, PHL |
| Delta Air Lines | Service to Atlanta (ATL) and Detroit (DTW, from Nov 2024) |
| United Airlines | Service to Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Chicago (ORD) |
| Allegiant Air | Leisure routes to Florida and Las Vegas |
| Frontier Airlines | Ultra-low-cost service to major metros |
| Breeze Airways | Point-to-point routes to underserved markets |
Ground Transportation from XNA
Travelers from XNA to Bentonville have several reliable ground transportation options. Ambassador Transportation Services, Jim's Express Shuttle & Taxi, and Pinnacle Car Service all offer scheduled and on-demand rides between the airport and Bentonville; typical fares range from $25 to $70 depending on destination and service level. Rental cars are available from Budget, Enterprise, Avis, and National, with rates starting around $43 per day. Uber and Lyft both operate at XNA and offer an affordable alternative for solo travelers. The airport authority can be reached at 479-205-1000.
Bentonville is approximately a 15-minute drive from Rogers, 19 km from Springdale, and 28 km from Fayetteville, making XNA a convenient gateway for the entire Northwest Arkansas metro corridor.
- IATA / ICAO: XNA / KXNA
- Distance to Bentonville: 8.3 miles
- Opened: November 1998
- Acreage: 2,680 acres
- Runways: 2 × 8,800 ft
- 2025 Passengers: 2,524,256
- Nonstop Destinations: 23+
- Phone: 479-205-1000
- IATA / ICAO: VBT / KVBT
- Official Name: Louise M. Thaden Field
- Distance to Downtown: 2 miles south
- Acreage: 140 acres
- Elevation: 1,296 ft MSL
- Use: General Aviation
Bentonville Municipal Airport — Louise M. Thaden Field (VBT/KVBT)
Just 2 miles south of downtown Bentonville, Louise M. Thaden Field is the city's general aviation airport, covering 140 acres at an elevation of 1,296 feet above mean sea level. The airport was named in honor of Louise McPhetridge Thaden, born in Bentonville in 1905, who became the 4th woman in the United States to earn a transport pilot license. Thaden was a pioneering aviator who broke altitude, endurance, and speed records during the golden age of American aviation. VBT serves corporate jets, private aircraft, flight training operations, and charter services—making it an important complement to XNA for the region's robust business travel community, including executives and suppliers associated with Walmart's global headquarters.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Arkansas Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 1 Regional Airport in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport - Xna
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 1 Municipal Airport in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Bentonville Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 4 Local Airport in Bentonville, Arkansas.