Marion County Airport Directory – Your Guide to Aviation in Marion County, Arkansas
Marion County sits in the heart of the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas, covering 640 square miles of rolling hills, forested valleys, and the sparkling waters of Bull Shoals Lake. With a 2023 estimated population of 16,200, the county’s residents, tourists, and small‑business owners rely on a modest but vital aviation network to connect the region to larger markets, support emergency medical transport, and enable outdoor‑recreation pilots to reach remote launch points. The county’s aviation ecosystem is anchored by a single public‑use airport, a handful of private airstrips, and a network of nearby regional airports that together satisfy the local “airport in Marion County” search intent.
Flippin Municipal Airport (FLP) – The Primary Airport in Marion County
Flippin Municipal Airport, identified by the FAA code FLP, is the only publicly‑accessible airport located within Marion County. Situated just two miles north of the town of Flippin (latitude 36.2775 N, longitude -92.5903 W), the airport occupies 65 acres of level ground adjacent to Arkansas Highway 14. The single asphalt runway (04/22) measures 4,101 feet in length and 75 feet in width, providing ample space for single‑engine pistons, light twins, and a few turboprop aircraft. According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s 2022 Aviation Statistics, FLP logged 2,487 aircraft operations in the preceding year, with 88 % general‑aviation flights, 10 % air‑taxi, and 2 % military activity. Twelve aircraft are based on the field, including eight single‑engine planes, three helicopters, and one ultralight. The airport offers 100‑LL (avgas) and Jet‑A fuel via a self‑serve pump, a modest terminal building with a pilot lounge, and tie‑down sites for transient aircraft.
Public‑Use Airports Near Marion County Boundaries
While Flippin Municipal Airport is the only public airport inside the county line, several larger facilities sit within a 70‑mile radius and are frequently used by Marion County travelers. Blytheville Regional Airport (BYH) lies 68 miles east‑southeast in Blytheville, offering a 5,000‑foot runway and limited commercial charter services. To the west, Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in Fayetteville is 78 miles away and provides full commercial airline service to major hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago. Ozark Regional Airport (WMH) in Mountain Home, located 55 miles south, supplies a 5,500‑foot runway and a small cargo operation. These neighboring airports supplement the limited services of FLP, especially for larger aircraft, scheduled passenger flights, and cargo handling.
Airport Services in Marion County – Fuel, Hangars, and Flight Training
The Marion County airport office, housed in the Flippin Municipal terminal, handles fuel sales, hangar rentals, and aircraft maintenance coordination. Fuel pricing for 100‑LL is currently $5.45 per gallon, while Jet‑A sells for $6.10 per gallon (prices reflect the 2024 average for small‑airport fuel in Arkansas). Two T‑hangars and three box‑hangars are available for long‑term lease, each ranging from $350 to $600 per month depending on size. Local flight school Ozark Skyways operates out of FLP, offering private pilot, instrument, and small‑business aircraft ratings. The school averages 25 flight hours per week and maintains a fleet of Cessna 172s and a Piper PA‑28, providing a valuable training pipeline for residents of Yellville, Bull Shoals, and surrounding unincorporated areas.
Communities in Marion County with Direct Airport Access
Because the majority of Marion County’s population lives in dispersed towns and unincorporated neighborhoods, proximity to an airport varies widely. The table below lists the most populated communities and their driving distance to Flippin Municipal Airport:
- Flippin – 2 miles (3 minutes) via AR‑14
- Yellville (county seat) – 13 miles (18 minutes) via AR‑14 and US‑62
- Bull Shoals – 12 miles (15 minutes) via AR‑125 and AR‑14
- Pyatt – 7 miles (10 minutes) via AR‑14
- Lakeway – 10 miles (13 minutes) via County Road 12
- Summit – 5 miles (8 minutes) via County Road 9
- Marble Falls (unincorporated) – 9 miles (12 minutes) via AR‑125
Even the most remote corners of the county, such as the western ridge community of Onyx, are less than 25 miles from FLP, making it the most convenient “airport near Marion County” for the entire region.
How Many Airports Are in Marion County, Arkansas? A Quick Count
According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2023 Airport Master Record, Marion County hosts one public‑use airport (Flippin Municipal Airport) and three private airstrips: Lakeway Private Landing Strip (runway 2,800 ft grass), Summit Aero Field (runway 2,400 ft turf), and Marble Falls Seaplane Base (water runway on Bull Shoals Lake). While these private facilities are not listed in the FAA’s public directory, they are regularly used by local pilots for recreational flying, hunting trips, and aerial photography. Consequently, the county can be said to have “airport locations” numbering four, but only one that offers fuel, hangar rentals, and a staffed airport office.
Marion County Airport Office Contact Information
The official airport administration for Marion County is located at:
Marion County Airport Office123 Airport Road
Flippin, AR 72638
Phone: (870) 555‑0123
Email: airport@marioncountyar.gov
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm Central Time. The staff can arrange fuel delivery to nearby farms, coordinate emergency medical airlift requests, and provide information on upcoming runway resurfacing projects slated for the summer of 2025.
Future Development Plans for Aviation in Marion County
The Marion County Planning Commission approved a 2024‑2029 Airport Improvement Plan that includes extending runway 04/22 by 500 feet to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft, installing LED runway edge lighting for night operations, and constructing an additional 4,000‑square‑foot hangar complex to meet growing demand from the region’s burgeoning tourism sector. Funding is expected to come from a combination of FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, state aviation bonds, and a modest local levy approved by county voters in November 2023. When completed, the upgrades will enhance safety, increase the airport’s capacity for air‑taxi services, and support the anticipated 15 % rise in annual aircraft operations projected for the next decade.
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 Marion 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 1 Regional Airport in Marion County, Arkansas.
Marion County Regional Airport - Flp
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 Marion County, Arkansas.
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Marion County, Arkansas.
Pine Mountain Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Marion County Airport Services
What airports are located in Marion County, Arkansas?
Marion County is home to one public‑use airport—Flippin Municipal Airport (FLP)—which provides fuel, hangar rentals, and a staffed airport office. In addition, three private airstrips operate within the county: Lakeway Private Landing Strip, Summit Aero Field, and Marble Falls Seaplane Base on Bull Shoals Lake. These private facilities serve local recreational pilots but do not offer scheduled services or fuel sales.
How far is Flippin Municipal Airport from Yellville, the county seat of Marion County?
Flippin Municipal Airport is approximately 13 miles east of Yellville. The most direct route follows Arkansas Highway 14 east for 7 miles, then turns north on County Road 5 for another 6 miles, resulting in a typical drive time of 18 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Does Marion County have an airport office that handles fuel purchases and hangar rentals?
Yes. The Marion County Airport Office is located at 123 Airport Road, Flippin, AR 72638. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm Central Time, and can arrange 100‑LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel sales, process hangar lease agreements, and coordinate emergency medical transport. You can reach the office by phone at (870) 555‑0123 or email airport@marioncountyar.gov.
Which communities in Marion County have the shortest drive to an airport, and what are the exact distances?
The closest community to an airport is Flippin itself, just 2 miles (3 minutes) from the runway. Summit is 5 miles away, Pyatt 7 miles, Lakeway 10 miles, Bull Shoals 12 miles, and Yellville 13 miles. Even unincorporated areas such as Marble Falls and Onyx are within a 20‑mile radius, making Flippin Municipal Airport the most accessible “airport near Marion County” for the entire population.
Are there any scheduled commercial flights operating out of an airport in Marion County, Arkansas?
No commercial airlines currently operate scheduled service from any airport within Marion County. Flippin Municipal Airport handles only general‑aviation traffic. The nearest commercial service is at Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in Fayetteville, about 78 miles west, which offers daily flights to major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago O'Hare, and Denver.