Pottawatomie County Airport Directory
Pottawatomie County, Kansas, sits in the heart of the Flint Hills and is home to a blend of historic towns, agricultural communities, and a growing student population from nearby Kansas State University. The county’s aviation landscape is anchored by a single commercial hub—Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK)—and supplemented by two public‑use general‑aviation fields that together support business travel, flight training, agricultural spraying, and emergency medical transport. This directory compiles the most current data on each facility, including runway dimensions, available services, and precise distances from the county’s principal municipalities. Whether you are a private pilot looking for a tie‑down, a cargo operator needing runway length, or a resident planning a trip to the nearest airline terminal, the information below provides a clear, searchable snapshot of every airport that serves Pottawatomie County.
Airport Serving Pottawatomie County
Manhattan Regional Airport (IATA: MHK, ICAO: KMHK) is the only scheduled‑commercial airport that directly serves Pottawatomie County. Although the airport’s physical footprint lies primarily in Riley County, the city of Manhattan straddles the county line, and the airport’s service area includes the entire Pottawatomie region. MHK features a 9,500‑foot concrete runway (15/33) capable of handling regional jets such as the Bombardier CRJ‑200 and Embraer 145, as well as larger cargo aircraft. In 2023 the airport recorded 42,127 total operations, with 62 % general aviation, 28 % commercial airline, and 10 % military. Two airlines—American Eagle and United Express—provide nonstop connections to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD), respectively, offering residents a convenient gateway to the nation’s major hubs. The airport is also a focal point for flight training. Kansas State University’s Aviation Management program operates a fleet of Cessna 172s and a Piper PA‑28 from the MHK flight school, delivering more than 3,000 flight hours annually. Full‑service Fixed‑Base Operators (FBOs) such as Manhattan Aviation Services and Signature Flight Support provide 100LL avgas, Jet‑A fuel, aircraft maintenance, hangar rentals, and pilot lounges. The Pottawatomie County Airport Office, housed in the MHK Administration Building at 1010 Airport Road, Manhattan, KS 66502, handles all county‑level aviation permits, noise‑abatement coordination, and emergency‑response planning.
Communities in Pottawatomie County with Airport Access
The county’s eight incorporated cities and numerous unincorporated settlements each enjoy varying degrees of proximity to the three public airports that serve the area. Below is a concise guide to the distances, travel times, and available services for each community, allowing travelers and businesses to select the most convenient facility for their needs.
Wamego and Its Proximity to Manhattan Regional Airport
Wamego, with a population of approximately 6,100, lies just 5.2 miles north‑west of Manhattan Regional Airport via US‑24 and is reachable in under ten minutes by car. Residents benefit from direct access to airline service, full‑service FBOs, and the airport’s cargo handling capabilities, which support local manufacturers and the Wamego‑based grain‑handling cooperatives. The city’s municipal airport‑planning committee works closely with the MHK Airport Office to coordinate noise‑abatement flight paths that avoid the historic downtown district.
St. George, Westmoreland, and the Local General‑Aviation Fields
St. George (population ≈ 2,400) is served by the St. George Airport (FAA identifier 9K5), a 2,800‑foot turf runway located 2.1 miles north of town. The field offers 100LL avgas, a modest pilot lounge, and tie‑down spaces for up to 12 aircraft. It is primarily used for agricultural spraying, flight‑training sorties from Kansas State University’s extension program, and private recreational flying. Westmoreland (population ≈ 1,200) hosts Westmoreland Airport (1K4), a 3,200‑foot paved runway situated 3.4 miles east of the town center. Westmoreland Airport provides self‑serve fuel, a small maintenance shop, and a community‑run aircraft hangar that is popular with local business owners who require quick access to regional markets. Both fields are less than 10 miles from Manhattan Regional Airport, allowing pilots to transition easily between general‑aviation and commercial operations when needed. The average drive from St. George to MHK’s main terminal is 9.3 miles (approximately 15 minutes), while Westmoreland residents travel roughly 12.0 miles (about 20 minutes) to reach the same gateway.
Onaga, Olsburg, and Other Unincorporated Areas
Onaga (population ≈ 1,300) and Olsburg (population ≈ 200) are situated in the western portion of the county, each roughly 14–16 miles from Manhattan Regional Airport via KS‑177 and US‑24. Although the drive is slightly longer, both towns rely heavily on the airport’s cargo services for the shipment of agricultural products, especially soybeans and corn. Unincorporated communities such as Emmett and Belvue, while lacking dedicated airfields, benefit from the proximity of St. George Airport (9K5) and Westmoreland Airport (1K4), which are within a 12‑mile radius, providing essential air‑medical evacuation capabilities and occasional charter services.
Overall, Pottawatomie County’s aviation infrastructure—anchored by Manhattan Regional Airport and complemented by two well‑maintained general‑aviation fields—delivers a balanced mix of commercial connectivity, business‑friendly services, and community‑oriented facilities. The county’s strategic location between Kansas City and Wichita, combined with its robust highway network (US‑24, US‑36, and KS‑177), ensures that air travel remains a vital component of local economic development and quality of life for residents across every township.
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 Kansas 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 Pottawatomie County, Kansas.
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 Pottawatomie County, Kansas.
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 Pottawatomie County, Kansas.
Wamego Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Pottawatomie County, Kansas.
Miller Aeroplane Airport
Jmj Landing Airport
Airports in near by County
Frequently Asked Questions — Pottawatomie County Airport Services
How many airports are in Pottawatomie County, Kansas?
Pottawatomie County is served by three public airports: Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK), which provides scheduled commercial service; St. George Airport (9K5), a turf‑runway field primarily used for general aviation and agricultural spraying; and Westmoreland Airport (1K4), a paved runway facility that supports private pilots and small business aircraft. No other commercial or public‑use airports exist within the county’s boundaries.
What airport services are available in Pottawatomie County for general aviation?
General‑aviation pilots have access to 100LL avgas at both St. George Airport and Westmoreland Airport, as well as full‑service FBOs at Manhattan Regional Airport offering Jet‑A fuel, aircraft maintenance, hangar rentals, and pilot lounges. Kansas State University’s flight‑training program operates out of MHK, providing flight instruction, simulator training, and aircraft rental. All three airports support tie‑down and tie‑up facilities, and the county’s Aviation Office coordinates emergency‑medical flight dispatch for rural communities.
Where is the Pottawatomie County airport office located?
The Pottawatomie County Airport Office is housed in the Manhattan Regional Airport Administration Building at 1010 Airport Road, Manhattan, KS 66502. The office handles county aviation permits, noise‑abatement plans, and acts as the liaison between local municipalities and the Federal Aviation Administration.
What is the distance from St. George to the nearest airport in Pottawatomie County?
St. George is only 2.1 miles north of its own St. George Airport (9K5), making it the closest airfield for local pilots. For commercial airline service, the Manhattan Regional Airport terminal is 9.3 miles to the southeast, a drive of roughly 15 minutes via US‑24.
Which airlines operate out of the airport serving Pottawatomie County?
Manhattan Regional Airport hosts two regional carriers: American Eagle, which offers nonstop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and United Express, providing nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Both airlines operate Embraer 145 and Bombardier CRJ‑200 jets, connecting Pottawatomie County residents to the nation’s major hub network.