Tangipahoa County Airport Directory
Tangipahoa County, situated in the southeastern portion of Louisiana, is home to a blend of historic towns, thriving university communities, and sprawling pine forests. According to the 2023 U.S. Census estimate, the county’s population stands at roughly 134,000 residents, with Hammond serving as the county seat and the largest city. The county’s transportation network is anchored by Interstate 55, U.S. Highway 51, and a growing network of state highways that feed directly into the region’s primary aviation hub, Northshore Regional Airport (FAA identifier HDC). This airport directory compiles every public‑use airfield that serves Tangipahoa County, providing precise distances, services, and operational statistics for pilots, businesses, and travelers.
Northshore Regional Airport, formerly known as Hammond Airport, is the only publicly‑accessible airport located within the borders of Tangipahoa County. Positioned just 2 miles southeast of downtown Hammond at 1600 Airport Road, the facility occupies 300 acres of flat, low‑lying terrain at an elevation of 45 feet above mean sea level. The airport features a single asphalt runway—14/32—measuring 5,999 feet in length and 150 feet in width, which comfortably accommodates single‑engine pistons, turboprops, light jets, and a modest number of corporate aircraft. In 2022 the airport logged 30,214 aircraft operations, averaging 83 movements per day, with 92% attributed to general aviation, 6% to air taxi, and 2% to military activity.
Airport Serving Tangipahoa County
The Northshore Regional Airport (HDC) is managed by the Tangipahoa Parish Airport Authority, which maintains a full‑service Fixed‑Base Operator (FBO) called Southern Louisiana Flight Center. The FBO offers 100‑octane avgas, Jet‑A fuel, 24‑hour self‑serve pumps, aircraft maintenance, hangar rentals, and a pilot lounge equipped with Wi‑Fi and flight planning resources. Flight training is available through the airport’s own flight school, which provides private pilot, instrument, and commercial certificate courses. While no scheduled commercial airline service operates out of HDC, the airport serves as a critical gateway for corporate travelers, medical evacuation flights, and agricultural spray operations that support the county’s extensive sugarcane and soybean farms.
For passengers seeking commercial airline options, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) lies approximately 25 miles west of Hammond, reachable via I‑55 and LA‑16 in roughly 30‑35 minutes by car. New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) is situated about 60 miles south, offering a broader array of domestic and international flights. Both airports are listed in this directory under “nearby major airports” because they frequently serve Tangipahoa County residents who require airline service, cargo handling, or customs clearance.
Communities in Tangipahoa County with Airport Access
Because Tangipahoa County is a patchwork of incorporated towns, census‑designated places, and unincorporated communities, the distance to the nearest airport varies considerably. Below is a concise table of the most populated locales and their driving distance to Northshore Regional Airport:
- Hammond – 2 miles (3.2 km) via Airport Road.
- Ponchatoula – 7 miles (11.3 km) north on US‑51.
- Amite – 12 miles (19.3 km) west on LA‑16.
- Independence – 15 miles (24.1 km) southwest via LA‑1065.
- Kentwood – 18 miles (29.0 km) northwest on US‑51/LA‑1065.
- Natalbany – 5 miles (8.0 km) east on LA‑1065.
- Tickfaw (unincorporated) – 22 miles (35.4 km) south‑west via LA‑22.
- Lake Pontchartrain (unincorporated) – 9 miles (14.5 km) east.
These distances translate to typical drive times ranging from 5 minutes in Hammond to 30‑35 minutes in Tickfaw, underscoring the airport’s central role for both business and personal aviation throughout the county.
Tangipahoa County Airport Locations and Services
Beyond the primary runway, Northshore Regional Airport hosts a range of ancillary facilities that cater to diverse aviation needs. The airport’s terminal building houses the Tangipahoa County Airport Office, where visitors can obtain flight‑plan filing assistance, rental car reservations, and information on local aviation regulations. Adjacent to the FBO, a 10‑bay hangar complex provides storage for private aircraft, while a newly‑constructed 5‑bay corporate hangar accommodates jet‑type aircraft used by regional businesses such as Catawba Energy and Global Medical Transport.
Ground transportation options include a shuttle service operated by the Hammond Transit System that runs twice daily between the airport and downtown Hammond, as well as ride‑share pickups at the designated curbside zone. For cargo needs, the airport’s cargo handling facility processes an average of 1,200 pounds of freight per month, primarily agricultural produce, medical supplies, and small‑scale e‑commerce shipments.
How Many Airports Are in Tangipahoa County?
Officially, Tangipahoa County contains one public‑use airport—Northshore Regional Airport (HDC). In addition, the county hosts a handful of private airstrips used for personal recreation and agricultural spraying, such as the small grass field located near the community of Natalbany. However, these private facilities are not listed in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport/Facility Directory and therefore are excluded from this public directory.
Airport Services Tangipahoa County Residents Rely On
General aviation pilots benefit from 24‑hour runway lighting, a GPS‑based instrument approach (RNAV (GPS) RWY 14), and a weather observation system (ASOS) that provides real‑time METAR data. The airport also supports a volunteer Civil Air Patrol squadron that conducts search‑and‑rescue drills, youth aerospace education, and community outreach programs. Emergency medical transport is facilitated through a dedicated helipad adjacent to the main runway, which is used by Life Flight Services to evacuate patients from the region’s hospitals, including the North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond.
Overall, the Tangipahoa County Airport Directory serves as a comprehensive reference for anyone seeking to navigate the county’s aviation landscape—whether you are a private pilot planning a cross‑state flight, a business executive arranging a corporate jet, or a local farmer arranging a crop‑dusting operation. By consolidating accurate distance metrics, facility details, and service offerings, this directory empowers users to make informed decisions about air travel within and beyond Tangipahoa County.
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 Louisiana 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 Tangipahoa County, Louisiana.
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 Tangipahoa County, Louisiana.
Hammond Northshore 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 Tangipahoa County, Louisiana.
Hammond Municipal Airport - Hdc
Local Airports
There are 3 Local Airport in Tangipahoa County, Louisiana.
Spring Airport
Stevens Airport
Shaw Crop Service Airport
Airports in near by County
Frequently Asked Questions — Tangipahoa County Airport Directory
What airport in Tangipahoa County provides the most general aviation services?
Northshore Regional Airport (HDC), located 2 miles southeast of downtown Hammond, offers the most comprehensive general aviation services in Tangipahoa County, including 100‑octane avgas, Jet‑A fuel, full‑service FBO amenities, flight training, and a 5,999‑foot runway capable of handling light jets and turboprop aircraft.
How far is Northshore Regional Airport from Ponchatoula, Louisiana?
Northshore Regional Airport is approximately 7 miles (11.3 km) north of Ponchatoula via US‑51, translating to a typical driving time of 12‑15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Where is the Tangipahoa County airport office located?
The Tangipahoa County Airport Office is housed inside the terminal building at 1600 Airport Road, Hammond, LA 70403, directly adjacent to the Southern Louisiana Flight Center FBO.
Are there any commercial airline flights operating from an airport in Tangipahoa County?
No scheduled commercial airline service operates out of any airport within Tangipahoa County; the nearest commercial airports are Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), about 25 miles west, and New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY), roughly 60 miles south.
Which nearby airports are recommended for cargo shipments serving Tangipahoa County businesses?
For larger cargo operations, businesses in Tangipahoa County often use Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) because of its dedicated cargo facilities and 30‑minute proximity to Hammond, while Northshore Regional Airport (HDC) handles smaller, time‑critical freight such as agricultural produce and medical supplies through its on‑site cargo handling area.