Airports Serving Benton, Kansas
Benton is a small city in Butler County, Kansas, with a population of approximately 943 residents. Located about 9 miles northeast of Wichita, Benton occupies a unique position in the regional aviation landscape — it is home to its own general aviation facility while also sitting within easy reach of one of Kansas's busiest commercial airports. Whether you're a private pilot, a frequent business traveler, or planning a family trip, understanding the airport options serving Benton helps you make the most of your travel plans.
Lloyd Stearman Field Airport (1K1) — Benton's Local Airport
Lloyd Stearman Field Airport, with the FAA identifier 1K1, is located directly within Benton, Kansas. This public-use general aviation airport is named in honor of Lloyd Stearman, the legendary aviation pioneer who was born in Emerald, Kansas, and whose Stearman Aircraft Company became famous for producing the PT-13 and PT-17 biplane trainers used extensively during World War II. The airport is a fitting tribute to Stearman's legacy in a state deeply connected to aircraft manufacturing history.
Lloyd Stearman Field serves private pilots, recreational flyers, flight training operations, and light charter activities in the Benton area. The field provides a convenient local option for Butler County residents who own or operate small aircraft. While it does not offer scheduled commercial passenger service, it plays a meaningful role in the regional general aviation network around the greater Wichita metropolitan area.
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) — Primary Commercial Hub
For commercial air travel, Benton residents rely primarily on Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, commonly known as ICT, located approximately 26 miles southwest of Benton. Eisenhower National is the largest commercial airport in Kansas and serves as the main gateway for the Wichita metro area, which has a population exceeding 650,000 in its metropolitan statistical area.
ICT offers nonstop service to major hub airports including Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver International (DEN), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), and Charlotte Douglas (CLT), among others. Airlines operating at ICT include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport features two terminals with full amenities including TSA PreCheck lanes, rental car facilities, on-site parking, and dining options.
The drive from Benton to ICT typically takes 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and your specific route. US-54 westbound from the Andover area connects travelers efficiently toward Wichita and the airport corridor. Rideshare services, taxis, and shuttle services are available to and from ICT for Benton-area travelers who prefer not to drive.
Colonel James Jabara Airport — Regional General Aviation
Colonel James Jabara Airport, located approximately 6 nautical miles from Benton in the northeastern Wichita area, is another important general aviation facility for Butler County residents. Jabara Airport (FAA identifier AAO) is a reliever airport for ICT and supports a range of general aviation operations, corporate aviation, and flight training. It is named after Colonel James Jabara, the first American jet ace, who achieved this distinction during the Korean War and was a native Kansan born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, who grew up in Wichita.
Other Nearby Airports
Augusta Municipal Airport sits approximately 7 nautical miles from Benton and serves the Augusta, Kansas community with basic general aviation facilities. Captain Jack Thomas El Dorado Airport, located about 14 nautical miles to the east, provides another regional general aviation option for eastern Butler County. McConnell Air Force Base, approximately 12 nautical miles from Benton, is a military installation and is not available for civilian passenger operations.
For travelers willing to drive further, Salina Regional Airport (SLN) lies approximately 97 miles north of Benton and offers limited commercial service, while Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) is about 117 miles to the north. Kansas City International Airport (MCI), some 195 miles northeast, provides a significantly larger selection of nonstop destinations and may be worth considering for international travel or routes not served from ICT.
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 Georgia 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 Columbus, Georgia.
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 Columbus, Georgia.
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 Columbus, Georgia.
Local Airports
There are 3 Local Airport in Columbus, Georgia.