Burlington Regional Airport and Aviation Along the Mississippi in Des Moines County, Iowa
Des Moines County occupies Iowa's southeastern corner along the Mississippi River, where the Des Moines River merges with the Mississippi at Burlington — one of Iowa's oldest river cities. Burlington Regional Airport (BRL) serves the county from its location northwest of downtown Burlington, providing general aviation and limited charter services for the tri-state area encompassing southeastern Iowa, western Illinois, and northeastern Missouri. BRL's primary runway 12/30 spans 6,100 feet and sits at an elevation of 698 feet MSL on a plateau above the Mississippi River bluffs. The county's topography is notably varied compared to central Iowa's flat plains — steep wooded bluffs, the Snake Alley historic district in Burlington, and the broad Mississippi floodplain create an aviation environment with interesting visual landmarks. Des Moines County's economy revolves around manufacturing (Case IH agricultural equipment operations), healthcare, retail services for the tri-state region, and Mississippi River commerce including barge traffic.
For commercial travel, Des Moines County residents typically drive to Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) in Moline, Illinois, approximately 55 miles north, which offers American, Delta, United, and Allegiant service. BRL itself focuses on general aviation, agricultural application staging, and private charter operations. Aerial applicators working Des Moines County's corn and soybean fields along the Mississippi bottomlands use BRL as a base, particularly for operations in the flat alluvial bottomland areas near the river. The airport's instrument approach procedures handle Iowa's challenging autumn and winter fog patterns that develop in the Mississippi River valley with regularity.
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 Iowa 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 Des Moines County, Iowa.
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 Des Moines County, Iowa.
Southeast Iowa Regional Airport
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 Des Moines County, Iowa.
Burlington Municipal Airport - Brl
Local Airports
There are 3 Local Airport in Des Moines County, Iowa.
Ancam Antique Airport
Sharar Airport
Mccoy Airport
Airports in near by County
Frequently Asked Questions: Airports in Des Moines County, Iowa
What is Burlington Regional Airport's IATA code and does it have commercial flights?
Burlington Regional Airport uses the IATA code BRL. The airport does not currently operate scheduled commercial airline service. Travelers in Des Moines County seeking commercial flights typically drive to Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) in Moline, Illinois, about 55 miles north — roughly a 55-minute drive. MLI offers American, Delta, United, and Allegiant connections. Alternatively, some travelers drive to Des Moines International (DSM), about 165 miles northwest, for a broader selection of nonstop destinations.
Why is there an airport named Burlington in Iowa's Des Moines County rather than in the city named Des Moines?
Iowa's Des Moines County was named after the Des Moines River — the same river that flows through the county — well before the city of Des Moines was established in Polk County to the northwest. Burlington is the county seat of Des Moines County and has been a significant Mississippi River port city since Iowa's territorial period. The naming creates understandable geographic confusion, but Burlington Regional Airport serves this southeastern Iowa county rather than Iowa's capital city, which has its own Des Moines International Airport in Polk County.
What agricultural aviation activity occurs at Burlington Regional Airport?
Des Moines County's agricultural production — corn, soybeans, and some specialty crops in the Mississippi bottomlands — supports aerial application operations staged from BRL. The flat alluvial soils of the Mississippi floodplain within the county are particularly productive and suited to aerial application. Operators typically run spring and summer campaigns for herbicide and fungicide applications. The airport's 6,100-foot runway handles agricultural aircraft at maximum weight easily, and BRL's fuel services support multi-day application operations across the county and into adjacent Lee County to the south.