Desha County Airport Directory
Desha County sits in the Arkansas Delta, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and characterized by fertile farmland, historic towns, and a modest population of roughly 12,000. Aviation plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural commerce, medical transport, and private travel across the county’s scattered communities. The county’s flat terrain and central location within the state make it an ideal hub for general‑aviation pilots seeking quick access to the Delta’s grain elevators, cotton gins, and river ports. As a result, Desha County hosts two public‑use airports that together handle more than 15,000 aircraft operations each year.
Airport Serving Desha County – Dumas Regional Airport (DUM)
Dumas Regional Airport, located three miles north of the city of Dumas (population ≈ 4,500), is the primary Desha County airport. It features a 5,000‑foot by 100‑foot asphalt runway (13/31) that can accommodate midsize turboprop cargo aircraft, corporate jets, and air‑ambulance helicopters. The airport is owned by the City of Dumas and operates a fixed‑base operator (FBO) that provides 100LL aviation gasoline, self‑serve Jet‑A fuel, hangar rentals, and a modest maintenance shop. In 2023 the airport recorded 9,800 general‑aviation operations and supports a fleet of 15 based aircraft, including single‑engine pistons and a few light twins.
Airport Serving Desha County – McGehee Municipal Airport (2M2)
McGehee Municipal Airport lies about five miles west of downtown McGehee (population ≈ 3,500). Its single runway 17/35 measures 3,200 feet long and 60 feet wide with an asphalt surface, suitable for single‑engine and light twin aircraft. The airport is operated by the City of McGehee and offers 100LL fuel, tie‑down spots, and a small terminal building that houses a pilot lounge and flight‑planning facilities. Annual operations exceed 5,000, driven largely by agricultural spray flights, flight‑training activities, and private cross‑country trips.
Private Airfield Near Arkansas City – Arkansas City Airfield
Just outside the limits of Arkansas City (population ≈ 2,000) a privately owned turf airstrip, known locally as Arkansas City Airfield, provides a landing site for light sport aircraft and ultralights. The 2,200‑foot grass runway is maintained by a local flying club that offers seasonal hangar space and occasional community fly‑ins. While not a public‑use facility, it adds valuable runway capacity for pilots residing in the unincorporated eastern portion of Desha County.
Desha County Airport Office and Contact Information
The administrative office for Dumas Regional Airport – the de‑facto Desha County airport office – is located at 1900 Airport Road, Dumas, AR 72330. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and handles aircraft registration, fuel billing, and coordination of air‑show events. McGehee Municipal Airport’s office can be reached at 123 Airport Drive, McGehee, AR 71654, where staff assist with hangar leases, pilot certifications, and local weather briefings.
Communities in Desha County with Airport Access
Each incorporated town and many unincorporated communities benefit from proximity to at least one airport. Dumas residents enjoy a three‑mile drive to Dumas Regional Airport, while McGehee locals travel roughly five miles to their municipal field. Arkansas City is about 12 miles east of Dumas Regional Airport, making it the nearest public airport for that community. Smaller settlements such as Tillar (population ≈ 200) and Dermott (population ≈ 1,800, located just across the county line) rely on Dumas Regional Airport, which is less than 20 miles away for most residents. The average driving time from any point in Desha County to a public airport is under 30 minutes.
Airport Services and Economic Impact in Desha County
Both Dumas Regional and McGehee Municipal airports support the county’s agricultural economy by facilitating aerial application of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides over the extensive rice and soybean fields. Seasonal cargo flights from Dumas Regional transport harvested grain to regional distribution hubs, contributing an estimated $4 million annually to the local economy. The airports also host occasional air‑shows, pilot training programs, and medical evacuation flights that provide critical services to remote farms and nursing homes throughout Desha County.
Future Development Plans for Desha County Airports
The Arkansas Department of Aeronautics has approved a $1.2 million improvement plan for Dumas Regional Airport, slated for 2025. The project includes resurfacing Runway 13/31, adding LED runway lighting, and expanding the tie‑down area to accommodate an additional 10 aircraft. McGehee Municipal Airport is pursuing a grant to extend its runway by 600 feet, which would allow larger twin‑engine planes to operate safely during hot summer months. These upgrades aim to enhance safety, attract more corporate traffic, and support the county’s growing demand for air‑based logistics.
How to Find More Information About Desha County Airports
Travelers and pilots seeking up‑to‑date information on airport services, runway specifications, and contact details should visit the official websites of Dumas Regional Airport (www.dumasregionalairport.com) and McGehee Municipal Airport (www.mcgeheeairport.org). The Arkansas Department of Aeronautics also publishes a quarterly airport directory that includes weather forecasts, NOTAMs, and fuel price listings for all public airports in the state, including those in Desha County.
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 Desha County, 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 Desha County, 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 2 Municipal Airport in Desha County, Arkansas.
Mcgehee Municipal Airport
Billy Free Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 0 Local Airport in Desha County, Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions — Desha County Airport Directory
What airport in Desha County provides the longest runway for commercial and cargo flights?
Dumas Regional Airport (FAA identifier DUM) offers the longest paved runway in the county—Runway 13/31 is 5,000 feet long and 100 feet wide. The runway’s asphalt surface accommodates midsize turboprop cargo aircraft that transport agricultural products such as soybeans and rice to regional distribution centers. The airport also supports corporate jets and emergency medical flights, making it the primary hub for commercial‑grade operations within Desha County.
How many airports are located in Desha County, Arkansas?
Desha County has two publicly accessible airports: Dumas Regional Airport in Dumas and McGehee Municipal Airport in McGehee. In addition, there is a privately owned turf airstrip near Arkansas City that serves light sport aircraft. Together, these facilities provide runway length ranging from 2,200 feet (turf) to 5,000 feet (asphalt) and support over 15,000 annual aircraft operations.
What is the distance from Arkansas City to the nearest Desha County airport?
Arkansas City lies approximately 12 miles east of Dumas Regional Airport. The drive along Highway 165 takes about 18 minutes, making Dumas Regional the closest public‑use airport for residents of Arkansas City and the surrounding unincorporated area.
Where is the Desha County airport office located and what services does it offer?
The Desha County airport office is housed within the Dumas Regional Airport administration building at 1900 Airport Road, Dumas, AR 72330. Staff provide aircraft registration assistance, fuel billing, hangar lease negotiations, and coordination of community events such as the annual Delta Air‑Show. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Which Desha County airport offers fuel and hangar rentals for private pilots in unincorporated areas?
McGehee Municipal Airport, located five miles west of McGehee, supplies 100LL aviation gasoline through its on‑site FBO and offers several tie‑down spots and two hangars for lease. The airport’s modest terminal includes a pilot lounge and flight‑planning workstation, serving private pilots from nearby unincorporated communities such as Tillar and Dermott.