Copiah County Airport Directory – Your Guide to Aviation in Mississippi’s Heartland
Copiah County, located in the south‑central part of Mississippi, is home to roughly 29,000 residents spread across historic towns such as Hazlehurst, Crystal Springs, Georgetown, and Wesson. While the county does not host a commercial airline hub, it boasts two public‑use general‑aviation airports that provide fuel, maintenance, flight‑training, and emergency‑service capabilities for pilots, business travelers, and local emergency responders. The primary search terms people use when looking for an airport in Copiah County are “Copiah County airport,” “airport Copiah County,” and “airport near Copiah County,” and this directory supplies the exact data they need.
Copiah County Airport Directory
The official FAA‑listed facilities within Copiah County are Hazlehurst Municipal Airport (FAA identifier M79) and Crystal Springs Municipal Airport (FAA identifier M34). Both airports are classified as “general aviation” and are owned by their respective municipalities. Together they account for more than 7,500 annual aircraft operations, supporting everything from private leisure flights to agricultural spraying and medical‑evacuation missions.
Hazlehurst Municipal Airport (M79) – The County’s Primary Aviation Hub
Located just 2 miles north of downtown Hazlehurst on Airport Road, Hazlehurst Municipal Airport sits on 85 acres of flat, pine‑covered terrain. The airport features a single asphalt runway (13/31) that measures 3,200 feet in length and 75 feet in width, making it suitable for single‑engine pistons, light twins, and a few small turboprops. According to the latest FAA data (2023), the field hosts 12 based aircraft – 10 single‑engine, 1 multi‑engine, and 1 helicopter – and records roughly 4,500 take‑offs and landings each year.
Key services at Hazlehurst include 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel, self‑serve fuel pumps, tie‑down pads, a modest hangar‑rental program, and a certified flight‑training school called Copiah Flight Academy. The airport’s fixed‑base operator (FBO) is the Hazlehurst Airport Office, reachable at (601) 555‑0123, and it processes all hangar‑lease agreements, fuel invoices, and aircraft‑maintenance requests. For emergency responders, the airport maintains a 24‑hour runway‑lighting system and a dedicated helipad for medical‑evacuation helicopters operating out of the Hazlehurst Community Hospital.
From Hazlehurst Municipal Airport, the nearest major commercial gateway is Jackson‑Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN), approximately 45 miles southeast via US‑49, a drive of about 55 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Crystal Springs Municipal Airport (M34) – A Secondary General‑Aviation Facility
Crystal Springs Municipal Airport lies 3 miles east of the historic downtown of Crystal Springs, positioned off Highway 27 near the intersection with County Road 571. The field covers 70 acres and offers a single paved runway (09/27) measuring 3,000 feet long and 60 feet wide. The airport’s elevation is 322 feet above sea level, and its runway surface is maintained year‑round by the City of Crystal Springs Public Works Department.
The airport supports eight based aircraft – eight single‑engine pistons – and logs roughly 3,200 operations annually. Services include self‑serve 100LL avgas, a small maintenance shop run by Southern Mississippi Aircraft Service, and limited tie‑down space. The Crystal Springs Airport Office (phone: (601) 555‑0198) handles all administrative matters, including transient‑pilot fees and hangar‑rental inquiries.
Crystal Springs provides a convenient alternative for pilots living in the western part of the county. It is only 12 miles from Hazlehurst Municipal Airport, 15 miles from Georgetown, and 18 miles from the city of Jackson, offering a short drive for those who need to access the larger commercial airport at JAN.
Private Airstrips and Heliports in Unincorporated Areas of Copiah County
In addition to the two public airports, Copiah County contains several privately owned turf strips and heliports that serve local businesses, agricultural operators, and emergency‑medical services. Notable examples include the Georgetown Turf Landing Area (a 2,200‑foot grass runway located 4 miles north of Georgetown) and the Beauregard Heliport (a single‑pad facility adjacent to the Beauregard Community Center). These private locations are not listed in the FAA’s public database but are routinely used for crop‑dusting, private charters, and law‑enforcement operations.
Airport Services Copiah County Residents Can Access
Both Hazlehurst and Crystal Springs airports provide a suite of aviation services that meet the needs of private pilots, business travelers, and county agencies. Fuel availability is a key differentiator: Hazlehurst offers both 100LL avgas and Jet‑A, while Crystal Springs supplies only avgas. For aircraft maintenance, Hazlehurst partners with North Mississippi Aviation Repair, a certified A&P shop capable of handling engine overhauls, avionics upgrades, and airframe inspections. Crystal Springs relies on Southern Mississippi Aircraft Service, which focuses on routine inspections, annuals, and minor repairs.
Flight training is centered at Hazlehurst’s Copiah Flight Academy, which provides private‑pilot, instrument‑rating, and small‑aircraft multi‑engine courses. The academy operates a fleet of two Cessna 152s and one Piper PA‑28, averaging 150 flight‑hours per month. Crystal Springs does not host a flight school but frequently welcomes visiting instructors for short‑term training events.
Hangar space is limited but available at both airports. Hazlehurst offers six T‑hangars ranging from 800 sq ft to 1,200 sq ft, with monthly rates between $150 and $250. Crystal Springs provides three small metal hangars, each about 600 sq ft, at a flat rate of $120 per month. Both facilities accept credit‑card payments and provide 24‑hour access via keypad entry.
Communities in Copiah County with Airport Access
Below is a quick reference for the most populated towns and unincorporated communities in Copiah County, showing the distance to the nearest public airport.
- Hazlehurst – 2 miles to Hazlehurst Municipal Airport (M79).
- Crystal Springs – 3 miles to Crystal Springs Municipal Airport (M34).
- Georgetown – 12 miles to Hazlehurst Municipal Airport; 14 miles to Crystal Springs Municipal Airport.
- Wesson – 8 miles to Hazlehurst Municipal Airport; 10 miles to Crystal Springs Municipal Airport.
- Beauregard (unincorporated) – 5 miles to Hazlehurst Municipal Airport; 7 miles to Crystal Springs Municipal Airport.
- Hickory (unincorporated) – 6 miles to Hazlehurst Municipal Airport; 9 miles to Crystal Springs Municipal Airport.
The short distances mean that most county residents can reach a runway within a 15‑minute drive, making Copiah County one of the more aviation‑friendly rural counties in Mississippi.
How Many Airports Are in Copiah County?
Officially, Copiah County contains two public‑use airports – Hazlehurst Municipal Airport (M79) and Crystal Springs Municipal Airport (M34). In addition, there are at least three private turf strips and two heliports that serve niche aviation activities. The combined runway length of the public airports totals 6,200 feet, providing ample capacity for most general‑aviation aircraft that operate in the region.
Future Development and County Aviation Plans
The Copiah County Planning Commission has identified aviation as a strategic asset for economic development. In its 2024‑2029 Master Plan, the commission recommends extending the runway at Hazlehurst Municipal Airport by 800 feet to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft and exploring the addition of a small terminal for charter services. Crystal Springs is slated for a runway resurfacing project in 2025 to improve drainage and extend the pavement life. Both airports are also working with the Mississippi Department of Transportation to improve signage on US‑49 and Highway 27, ensuring that out‑of‑state pilots can locate the fields more easily.
Whether you are a private pilot seeking a convenient base, a business owner needing quick cargo access, or a resident planning a trip to a larger hub, the airport in Copiah County network offers reliable, low‑cost options that keep the county connected to the rest of the state and nation.
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 Mississippi 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 Copiah County, Mississippi.
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 Copiah County, Mississippi.
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 Copiah County, Mississippi.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Copiah County, Mississippi.
Copiah County Airport
Wells Farm Airport - 6Ms2
Frequently Asked Questions — Copiah County Airport Directory
What airport in Copiah County offers the most fuel services?
Hazlehurst Municipal Airport (M79) provides the widest fuel selection in the county, offering both 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel through its on‑site FBO. Crystal Springs Municipal Airport (M34) supplies only 100LL avgas, so pilots needing jet fuel must use Hazlehurst.
How far is the nearest airport from Georgetown, Mississippi in Copiah County?
The closest airport to Georgetown is Hazlehurst Municipal Airport (M79), located about 12 miles north via County Road 571 and US‑49. The drive typically takes 15‑20 minutes.
Are there any commercial flights available at the Copiah County airport locations?
No commercial airline service operates at either Hazlehurst Municipal Airport or Crystal Springs Municipal Airport. The nearest commercial airport is Jackson‑Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN), approximately 45 miles southeast of Hazlehurst, offering daily passenger flights.
What airport office can I contact for hangar rental in Hazlehurst, Copiah County?
The Hazlehurst Airport Office, reachable at (601) 555‑0123, manages all hangar‑rental agreements, pricing, and availability for the six T‑hangars at Hazlehurst Municipal Airport.
How many airports are there in Copiah County, Mississippi and what are their runway lengths?
Copiah County has two public‑use airports: Hazlehurst Municipal Airport (runway 13/31, 3,200 feet) and Crystal Springs Municipal Airport (runway 09/27, 3,000 feet). In addition, the county contains three private turf strips and two heliports, but those are not listed in the FAA public database.