Airports Serving Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Lino Lakes, a growing community of approximately 21,000 residents in Anoka County, sits about 20 miles north of Minneapolis along the I-35W corridor. While the city itself is home to Lino Air Park, a small general aviation facility used primarily by local pilots and recreational flyers, residents and businesses in Lino Lakes have convenient access to a robust network of airports spanning general aviation fields to a major international hub. Whether you're a private pilot based in Anoka County, a corporate traveler, or a family planning a vacation flight, understanding the airport options available to Lino Lakes residents helps you choose the right facility for your specific needs.
Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE) — Your Closest Regional Airport
Located approximately 9 miles southwest of Lino Lakes, Anoka County-Blaine Airport (FAA identifier: ANE, commonly known as Janes Field) is the nearest full-service general aviation airport for most Lino Lakes residents. Operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), ANE serves as a key reliever airport for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport system. The airport features two paved runways — Runway 9/27 measuring 5,000 feet by 100 feet and Runway 18/36 at 4,855 feet by 100 feet — capable of accommodating a wide range of piston aircraft, turboprops, and light jets.
Anoka County-Blaine Airport boasts the largest and most diverse aircraft fleet among all six MAC reliever airports, with more than 365 based aircraft. This fleet includes vintage warbirds, experimental homebuilts, recreational ultralights, corporate turbines, and everything in between. For Lino Lakes pilots seeking hangar or tiedown space, ANE offers competitive rates and a welcoming aviation community deeply rooted in Anoka County. The airport's fixed-base operators provide fuel, maintenance, flight instruction, and charter services, making it a practical hub for general aviation activity throughout the northern Twin Cities suburbs.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) — The Region's Major Hub
For commercial airline travel, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (IATA: MSP) is the primary gateway for Lino Lakes residents. Located approximately 28 to 30 miles south of Lino Lakes via I-35W — typically a 33-minute drive under normal conditions — MSP ranks among the top 20 busiest airports in the United States by passenger volume. The airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and serves dozens of additional carriers including United, American, Southwest, Alaska, Sun Country, and Spirit.
MSP offers nonstop service to more than 150 domestic and international destinations, including direct routes to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Seattle, and international cities such as Amsterdam, London, Tokyo, Cancún, and Reykjavik. The airport's two terminals — the Lindbergh Terminal (Terminal 1) and the Humphrey Terminal (Terminal 2) — provide Lino Lakes travelers with efficient check-in, TSA PreCheck lanes, and a broad range of dining and retail options. Parking at MSP includes short-term, long-term, and economy ramp options, and the airport connects directly to the METRO Blue and Green light rail lines for travelers who prefer transit over driving from park-and-ride locations along the I-35W corridor.
Crystal Airport (MIC) — General Aviation Northwest of Minneapolis
Crystal Airport (IATA: MIC), situated approximately 16 to 18 miles south-southwest of Lino Lakes in the northwest Minneapolis suburbs, is another MAC reliever airport option for Lino Lakes pilots. Located 10 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis, MIC provides a convenient base for general aviation users in the northern metro area. The airport supports piston singles and twins, flight training operations, and smaller charter aircraft, rounding out the general aviation infrastructure available to Anoka County pilots.
Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) — The Busiest MAC Reliever
Flying Cloud Airport (IATA: FCM), located in Eden Prairie about 24 miles from Lino Lakes, is the busiest general aviation airport in the MAC system, recording more than 100,000 takeoff and landing operations annually. While it sits on the opposite side of the metro from Lino Lakes, FCM is a popular destination for corporate jet travel and flight training, and Lino Lakes business aviation users occasionally route through FCM for fuel, maintenance, or charter connections when itineraries warrant.
St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) — Corporate Aviation Hub
St. Paul Downtown Airport (IATA: STP), about 22 miles southeast of Lino Lakes, features the longest runway among MAC's reliever airports at 6,941 feet, making it the preferred base for larger corporate jets and turboprops in the Twin Cities. STP is located just across the Mississippi River from downtown St. Paul and serves as the home base for numerous Midwest-based corporate flight departments. For Lino Lakes businesses with flight department needs or executives chartering corporate aircraft, STP's runway capability and downtown proximity make it a strong option.
Planning Your Trip from Lino Lakes
Lino Lakes residents traveling commercially should plan on MSP as their primary departure airport, building in adequate drive time along I-35W, particularly during weekday rush hours when the corridor sees heavy congestion between Lino Lakes and the airport. For early morning departures, the 33-minute average drive can often be completed closer to 25 minutes. Private pilots based in the area benefit from ANE's proximity and diverse FBO services, while pilots needing longer runways for jet operations may position to STP or MSP's general aviation facilities. The MAC's network of six reliever airports ensures Lino Lakes has comprehensive general aviation coverage within a 25-mile radius.
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 Minnesota 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 Lino Lakes, Minnesota.
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 Lino Lakes, Minnesota.
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 Lino Lakes, Minnesota.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Lino Lakes, Minnesota.
Surfside Airport - Mn24
Surfside Seaplane Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Airports Near Lino Lakes, Minnesota
The closest full-service airport to Lino Lakes is Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE), also known as Janes Field, located approximately 9 miles southwest of Lino Lakes in Blaine, Minnesota. Operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission, ANE has two runways (5,000 feet and 4,855 feet) and is home to more than 365 based aircraft — the largest fleet of any MAC reliever airport. For commercial airline service, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the nearest option, located about 28 to 30 miles south of Lino Lakes via I-35W.
Under normal traffic conditions, the drive from Lino Lakes to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) takes approximately 33 minutes via I-35W South. The distance is roughly 28 to 30 miles. However, I-35W through the northern Twin Cities suburbs can experience significant congestion during weekday morning rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m.) and afternoon rush hours (4–6 p.m.), which can extend the drive time to 45 minutes or more. Travelers with early morning flights departing before 6 a.m. often complete the drive in under 25 minutes. MSP offers both short-term and long-term parking on-site, and the airport connects to Metro Transit light rail for commuters using park-and-ride facilities along the I-35W corridor.
Yes. Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE) is one of the most popular general aviation bases in the northern Twin Cities, and private pilots from Lino Lakes regularly base aircraft there given its proximity — roughly a 10-minute drive from most parts of Lino Lakes. The airport already hosts more than 365 based aircraft spanning vintage planes, experimental homebuilts, recreational light sport aircraft, and corporate turboprops, making it the most fleet-diverse airport in the MAC system. Hangar and tiedown availability varies seasonally, and interested pilots should contact the airport's fixed-base operators directly to inquire about current space and rates. Flight instruction, maintenance, and fuel services are all available on-field.
Lino Lakes is home to Lino Air Park, a small private general aviation airstrip used primarily by local recreational and sport pilots. It is not a public-use commercial airport and does not offer scheduled airline service, FBO fuel sales to the general public, or commercial charter operations. Residents and businesses in Lino Lakes who need general aviation services — including fuel, maintenance, hangars, and flight instruction — typically use nearby Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE), approximately 9 miles away, which is publicly accessible and fully staffed.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), the primary commercial airport for Lino Lakes travelers, is served by more than a dozen airlines. Delta Air Lines operates the largest presence at MSP and uses it as a major domestic and international hub, offering nonstop flights to over 150 destinations including New York-JFK, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle, Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita, and Cancún. Other major carriers serving MSP include United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Air Canada. International routes also connect MSP to Reykjavik via Icelandair. Lino Lakes travelers should check MSP's current route map for the latest nonstop options, as schedules and carriers shift seasonally.