Hinds County, Mississippi — Jackson's Dual-Airport Aviation Hub
Hinds County is Mississippi's most important aviation county, hosting both of the state capital's commercial airports: Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Hawkins Field (HKS). JAN — named for civil rights martyr Medgar Wiley Evers — serves as Mississippi's primary commercial gateway, offering nonstop flights to Atlanta (ATL) via Delta, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) via American, Houston Intercontinental (IAH) via United, Chicago O'Hare (ORD) via American, and Washington Dulles (IAD) via United. JAN handled approximately 800,000 to 1 million passengers annually in recent years and anchors the region's business and government travel ecosystem, connecting the state capital's legislature, agencies, and large employers including University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), Entergy Mississippi, and state government operations. Hawkins Field (HKS), a general aviation reliever airport on the west side of Jackson, provides corporate and charter flight alternatives to the busier commercial environment at JAN, serving law firms, lobbying groups, and medical specialists who need flexible scheduling that commercial carriers cannot accommodate. The two-airport system positions Hinds County as the undisputed aviation capital of Mississippi.
Jackson's concentration of state agencies, federal courts, the state Supreme Court, and major healthcare anchors — UMMC's transplant programs draw national specialists — creates continuous demand for the full range of aviation services that Hinds County's dual airports provide throughout the year.
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 Hinds 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 Hinds 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 1 Municipal Airport in Hinds County, Mississippi.
Jackson Municipal Airport Auth
Local Airports
There are 5 Local Airport in Hinds County, Mississippi.
Hawkins Field Airport - Hks
Hawkins Field Airport
John Bell Williams Airport
Dogwood Acres Airport
Slobovia Outernational Airport
Airports in near by County
Frequently Asked Questions: Airports in Hinds County, Mississippi
What is the difference between JAN and HKS in Jackson, Mississippi?
Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) is Hinds County's commercial passenger airport, serving scheduled airline flights by Delta, American, and United to major hubs. Hawkins Field (HKS) is a general aviation reliever airport on Jackson's west side, handling corporate jets, charter flights, and private aircraft. JAN handles the mass commercial market; HKS serves businesses, law firms, and government entities needing flexible, private aviation without commercial airline schedules.
What nonstop flights are available from Jackson-Evers International (JAN)?
JAN offers nonstops to Atlanta (ATL) via Delta, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) via American, Houston Intercontinental (IAH) via United, Chicago O'Hare (ORD) via American, and Washington Dulles (IAD) via United. These five hub destinations provide onward connections to virtually all domestic and international routes. Seasonal and promotional nonstops to additional cities may be available — check JAN's current route map before booking connections through hub airports.
Why is UMMC important for aviation demand in Hinds County?
University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson is the state's only Level I Trauma Center and hosts specialized transplant, pediatric, and oncology programs that draw patients and medical specialists from across the region. Organ procurement operations require time-critical air transport; UMMC's air transport coordinators regularly work with JAN and HKS for organ procurement flights. Medical specialists traveling from major academic centers fly into JAN, making UMMC one of the largest drivers of non-leisure aviation demand in Hinds County.