Greene County Airport Directory – Comprehensive Guide to Local Aviation
Greene County, Arkansas, sits in the foothills of the Ozark Plateau and is anchored by the city of Paragould, the county’s largest municipality with a 2023 population of roughly 28,800. Aviation in this part of the state is centered on one public-use facility – Paragould Municipal Airport (PGU) – which lies just 4 miles southeast of downtown Paragould along County Road 618. The airport’s FAA identifier is PGU, its ICAO code is KPGU, and it operates a single asphalt runway (18/36) that measures 5,001 feet long and 75 feet wide. According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2022 data, the field handled 22,140 aircraft operations, averaging 61 movements per day, and hosts 31 based aircraft, a mix of single‑engine planes, a few helicopters, and a light twin‑engine jet.
Airport Serving Greene County: Paragould Municipal Airport (PGU)
Paragould Municipal Airport is owned and operated by the City of Paragould under a lease agreement with Greene County. The airport’s terminal building offers a pilot lounge, free Wi‑Fi, and conference facilities that local businesses frequently use for regional meetings. Fuel services include 100LL avgas and Jet‑A, supplied by a self‑serve pump that operates 24 hours a day. Maintenance is provided on‑site by Delta Aviation Services, a certified repair station that handles everything from routine inspections to airframe work on piston and turbine aircraft. The airport also supports a modest air cargo operation, primarily agricultural products shipped to nearby Memphis and Little Rock hubs.
Greene County Airport Locations and Their Proximity to Communities
While PGU is the sole public‑use airport in Greene County, several private airstrips and turf fields serve specific farms and recreational pilots. The most notable is Hickory Grove Airpark, a 2,200‑foot grass strip located near the unincorporated community of Gibson, roughly 12 miles south of PGU. Another small facility, Oak Grove Landing Area, sits on the outskirts of the Oak Grove community, about 10 miles west of the municipal airport. These private fields are not listed in the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems but provide valuable access for local crop‑dusting operations and hobbyist flyers.
Communities in Greene County with Airport Access and Travel Times
Travel distances from the county’s major towns to Paragould Municipal Airport illustrate the convenience of air travel for residents across Greene County. Paragould itself is only 4 miles from the runway, a typical 10‑minute drive via County Road 618. Marmaduke, a historic railroad town 20 miles east of PGU, reaches the airport in about 30 minutes via AR‑34 and US‑49. Lafe, positioned 15 miles northwest of the field, enjoys a 22‑minute drive on AR‑90. The unincorporated community of Delaplaine lies roughly 25 miles north, requiring a 35‑minute trip on AR‑34 and County Road 150. Residents of Juniper, located about 18 miles south, can expect a 28‑minute drive using County Road 618 and US‑412. These travel times make the municipal airport a realistic option for business travel, medical evacuations, and private recreation throughout the county.
Airport Services in Greene County: Fuel, Maintenance, and Flight Training
Paragould Municipal Airport’s fuel farm supplies both 100LL and Jet‑A, with daily inventory reports posted on the airport’s website. The self‑serve avgas pump is calibrated for precision, and a full‑service option is available during staffed hours (7 AM–5 PM). Maintenance services are anchored by Delta Aviation Services, which holds an FAA Part 145 repair station certificate. In addition to line maintenance, the shop offers avionics upgrades, engine overhauls, and winterization services for aircraft based at PGU and surrounding private strips. Flight training is provided by Delta Flight Academy, offering private pilot, instrument, and commercial ratings. In 2023, the academy graduated 12 new pilots, many of whom now work for regional carriers or operate their own charter services.
Economic Impact of the Greene County Airport on Local Business
The presence of a functional public airport has measurable economic benefits for Greene County. According to a 2022 impact study commissioned by the Greene County Economic Development Commission, the airport contributes approximately $7.4 million annually to the local economy. Direct employment includes 22 full‑time staff members at the airport, plus an additional 15 at Delta Aviation Services and 8 at the flight academy. Indirectly, the airport supports over 150 jobs in hospitality, transportation, and manufacturing, as companies rely on quick air access for parts delivery and executive travel. The airport also hosts an annual “Fly‑In” event that attracts over 500 pilots from neighboring counties, boosting tourism revenue for local hotels and restaurants.
Greene County Airport Office and Community Outreach Programs
The Greene County Airport Office is located in the terminal’s administrative wing, staffed by an airport manager, an operations supervisor, and a community liaison. The office coordinates with the County Sheriff’s Office for safety briefings, and it runs a “Young Aviators” program in partnership with the Paragould School District. Each summer, students ages 12‑17 receive introductory flight lessons, classroom instruction on aerodynamics, and a tour of the maintenance hangar. The program has been credited with increasing youth interest in STEM careers, with three participants enrolling in aviation‑technology degree programs at Arkansas State University in recent years.
Future Development Plans for the Greene County Airport
Looking ahead, the City of Paragould and Greene County have approved a master‑plan update that envisions extending runway 18/36 by 1,000 feet to accommodate larger business jets. The plan also includes a new parallel taxiway, upgraded lighting for night operations, and the construction of a 5,000‑square‑foot hangar designed to attract corporate aircraft. Funding for the first phase—runway extension and lighting—has been secured through an FAA Airport Improvement Program grant of $2.3 million, slated for completion in 2025. These improvements aim to enhance the airport’s capacity, safety, and attractiveness to regional carriers, solidifying Greene County’s role as a transportation hub in northeastern Arkansas.
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 Greene 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 Greene 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 0 Municipal Airport in Greene County, Arkansas.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Greene County, Arkansas.
Kirk Airport
Quinn Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Greene County Airport Services
What airport serves Greene County, Arkansas and how far is it from Paragould?
Greene County is served by Paragould Municipal Airport (PGU), the only public‑use airport in the county. The field is located approximately 4 miles southeast of downtown Paragould, a 10‑minute drive via County Road 618.
How many airport facilities are located within Greene County, Arkansas?
There is one public‑use airport—Paragould Municipal Airport (PGU)—and two privately owned airstrips: Hickory Grove Airpark near Gibson (about 12 miles south of PGU) and Oak Grove Landing Area near the community of Oak Grove (roughly 10 miles west of PGU).
What are the nearest airport options for residents of Marmaduke, Greene County?
Residents of Marmaduke, located 20 miles east of PGU, typically use Paragould Municipal Airport. The drive takes about 30 minutes via AR‑34 and US‑49. The next closest public airport is Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR), about 55 miles north, but PGU remains the most convenient choice.
Does Greene County airport provide fuel and hangar services for private pilots?
Yes. Paragould Municipal Airport offers 24‑hour self‑serve 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel, along with full‑service fueling during staffed hours (7 AM–5 PM). The airport features six T‑hangars and two box‑hangars that accommodate single‑engine aircraft, light twins, and a few helicopters. Additional tie‑down spaces are available on the ramp.
What flight training schools operate out of the Greene County airport near Paragould?
Delta Flight Academy is the primary flight training provider at Paragould Municipal Airport. The academy offers Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi‑Engine ratings. In 2023, the school graduated 12 pilots, many of whom have gone on to fly for regional airlines or start their own charter services.