Blytheville, Arkansas: Aviation at Arkansas International Airport and the Legacy of Eaker Air Force Base
Blytheville, the largest city in Mississippi County and a cornerstone of northeast Arkansas, sits just miles from the Mississippi River and roughly 70 miles north of Memphis. The city's aviation infrastructure is anchored by Arkansas International Airport (BYH / KBYH), located 3 nautical miles northwest of the Blytheville central business district. This facility, built on the footprint of a storied military installation, ranks among the most capable general aviation airports in the mid-South — and its 11,602-foot concrete runway is the longest available for public use anywhere in Arkansas.
From WWII Training Field to Strategic Air Command Hub
Blytheville's deep connection to aviation began on June 10, 1942, when the federal government activated Blytheville Army Air Field as part of the Southeastern Training Command. At its wartime peak, the field trained B-25 Mitchell bomber pilots, operating satellite landing strips across the Missouri Bootheel and nearby Manila, Arkansas. Its location along the Mississippi River provided strategic logistical advantages that made northeast Arkansas an ideal wartime aviation node. The field closed in October 1945 following V-J Day.
The base returned to life on July 15, 1955, this time as Blytheville Air Force Base under Tactical Air Command, and quickly became one of Strategic Air Command's most critical Cold War installations. The 97th Bombardment Wing flew Boeing B-52G Stratofortress heavy bombers and Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft from its runways. In October 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Blytheville AFB was elevated to DEFCON 2 — the highest alert level short of nuclear war. Crews from the 97th Wing flew nuclear-armed B-52G airborne alert missions, remaining aloft around the clock as the Cold War's most dangerous standoff unfolded. The wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its performance during the crisis.
In December 1972, B-52G crews from Blytheville participated in Operation Linebacker II, the intensive bombing campaign over North Vietnam. On the first night of missions, a B-52G named Charcoal 01, crewed by Blytheville-based airmen, was shot down — one of the most dramatic losses of the campaign. In 1988, the base was renamed Eaker Air Force Base in honor of General Ira C. Eaker, the WWII commander of the Eighth Air Force who shaped strategic bombing doctrine. The base officially closed on December 15, 1992, as part of post-Cold War realignment.
Arkansas International Airport: Industrial Aviation Powerhouse
Following closure, the former base was converted into the Arkansas Aeroplex and Arkansas International Airport — now one of the most industrially capable airports in the region. The airport's single runway (Runway 18/36) measures 11,602 feet by 300 feet — dimensions that originally supported fully loaded B-52 bombers and that today can accommodate virtually any commercial or cargo aircraft in service. Six full-size hangars, each capable of housing wide-body aircraft including the DC-10 and Boeing 767, provide year-round maintenance shelter. The facility includes over 300,000 square feet of aircraft maintenance and test hangar space and more than 5 million square feet of ramp area. A dedicated jet engine test cell supports aerospace testing and overhaul operations on-site.
The airport's primary commercial tenant is Aviation Repair Technologies, a large-aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operation that employs skilled aerospace technicians from across Mississippi County. The broader Arkansas Aeroplex industrial complex — the second-largest industrial development in Arkansas — encompasses 1.5 million square feet of available space, attracting aerospace, manufacturing, and logistics tenants drawn by the airport's exceptional infrastructure and central mid-South location.
Memphis International and Regional Commercial Access
For scheduled commercial passenger service, Blytheville residents most commonly travel to Memphis International Airport (MEM), located approximately 70 miles south via US-61 and I-55 — a drive of roughly 75 to 80 minutes under normal conditions. Memphis International serves as the dominant regional hub for northeast Arkansas, offering nonstop flights to dozens of U.S. cities through American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The airport is also home to the FedEx Express global superhub, the world's largest air cargo hub, handling millions of packages nightly. For travelers seeking a closer alternative, Jonesboro Regional Airport (JBR) lies approximately 51 miles southwest of Blytheville and offers limited charter and general aviation services.
Mississippi County Aviation Context
Blytheville anchors Mississippi County, Arkansas — a community of approximately 40,685 residents that has transitioned from its historical identity as the state's top cotton-producing county into the largest steel-producing county in the United States. Major industrial employers including Big River Steel and Nucor Steel generate consistent demand for business aviation, executive charters, and cargo logistics through Arkansas International Airport. The county's dual-city structure — Blytheville and Osceola each serving as co-equal county seats — reflects a sprawling, agriculturally rooted geography where aviation connectivity remains essential for business and emergency medical transport alike.
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.
There are 1 International Airport in Blytheville, Arkansas. Arkansas International Airport is one of the busiest international airports in the Mississippi County and in the state of Arkansas.
Arkansas International Airport
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 Blytheville, 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 0 Regional Airport in Blytheville, Arkansas.
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 Blytheville, Arkansas.
Blytheville Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Blytheville, Arkansas.
Eaker Air Force Airport - Byh
Randal Airport
Airports near Blytheville
Frequently Asked Questions — Blytheville Airport Services
What is Arkansas International Airport (BYH), and where is it located?
Arkansas International Airport (IATA: BYH, ICAO: KBYH) is a public-use airport situated 3 nautical miles northwest of downtown Blytheville, Arkansas. Built on the grounds of the former Eaker Air Force Base, it features an 11,602-foot concrete runway — the longest publicly available runway in Arkansas — and extensive industrial aviation infrastructure including six wide-body-capable hangars and over 5 million square feet of ramp space. The airport is operated as part of the Arkansas Aeroplex complex and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, with unattended access on weekends and holidays.
What is the nearest major commercial airport to Blytheville?
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is the nearest major commercial hub, approximately 70 miles south of Blytheville via US-61 and Interstate 55 — roughly a 75- to 80-minute drive. Memphis International offers nonstop service to dozens of U.S. destinations through American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. It also hosts the FedEx Express global superhub, the world's largest overnight air cargo operation. Jonesboro Regional Airport (JBR), about 51 miles to the southwest, provides an alternative for general aviation and charter needs closer to home.
What is the history of Eaker Air Force Base in Blytheville?
The base opened in 1942 as Blytheville Army Air Field, training B-25 Mitchell bomber pilots during World War II. It was reactivated in 1955 as Blytheville Air Force Base and became a Strategic Air Command installation operating B-52G Stratofortress bombers and KC-135A Stratotanker refuelers. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, the base was placed on DEFCON 2 alert, with nuclear-armed B-52G crews flying continuous airborne patrols. In 1988, the base was renamed Eaker Air Force Base to honor General Ira C. Eaker, WWII commander of the Eighth Air Force. The base closed on December 15, 1992, and was subsequently redeveloped as Arkansas International Airport and the Arkansas Aeroplex industrial complex.
What aviation services are available at Arkansas International Airport today?
Arkansas International Airport supports a range of aviation services including general aviation, charter operations, corporate aircraft, and large-scale aircraft maintenance and repair through its primary tenant, Aviation Repair Technologies. The airport's jet engine test cell accommodates aerospace overhaul and testing operations. Six full-size hangars — each capable of sheltering DC-10 or Boeing 767 class aircraft — are available for long-term and transient aircraft storage. The airport contact for services is (870) 532-5628 during weekday business hours.
How does BYH's runway compare to other airports in Arkansas?
Arkansas International Airport's Runway 18/36 measures 11,602 feet in length and 300 feet in width — making it the longest runway open for public use in the entire state of Arkansas. This dimension reflects its Cold War-era design for fully loaded B-52G Stratofortress bombers requiring extended takeoff runs. By comparison, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock (LIT) has a primary runway of 8,273 feet, and Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) measures 8,800 feet. The exceptional runway length at BYH makes it uniquely suited for heavy cargo operations, military transient aircraft, and large-frame MRO work.