Jones County, Mississippi — Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB)
Jones County is South Mississippi's aviation hub, hosting Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB) — officially named Peavey Airport and serving the greater Hattiesburg-Laurel metropolitan area. PIB sits in the heart of the Piney Woods near Ellisville and has offered Essential Air Service subsidized commercial connections over the years, with American Eagle regional jets providing service to Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta during active contract periods. Jones County's economy is anchored by timber (the county was the epicenter of Mississippi's early 20th-century logging boom), oil and gas production in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale play, and healthcare services centered on South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel. The county gained cultural prominence through the HGTV series Home Town featuring Ben and Erin Napier restoring historic Laurel homes, generating significant tourism that creates demand for both commercial and charter aviation access to PIB. Ellisville sits midway between Hattiesburg (Forrest County) and Laurel (Jones County), and PIB's catchment area encompasses both cities and their respective county populations of nearly 200,000 combined. The Leaf River drainage through Jones County provides the geographic context for the county's timber operations and outdoor recreation economy.
PIB's general aviation terminal serves corporate operators, oil and gas company executives, and the healthcare sector's physician and specialist travel needs throughout South Mississippi's multi-county healthcare catchment area.
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 Jones 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 1 Regional Airport in Jones County, Mississippi.
Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport - Pib
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 Jones County, Mississippi.
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Jones County, Mississippi.
Hesler Noble Airport
Frequently Asked Questions: Airports in Jones County, Mississippi
Does Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB) have scheduled commercial service?
PIB has offered Essential Air Service subsidized commercial routes — most recently American Eagle regional jet service to Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta — but scheduled service status can change based on federal EAS contract renewals. Travelers should verify current PIB airline schedules directly through the airport or airline websites before booking. When service is active, PIB provides Jones County travelers with connections to American Airlines' full domestic and international network through DFW and ATL.
How has the Home Town TV show affected aviation traffic at PIB?
HGTV's Home Town, featuring Laurel residents Ben and Erin Napier renovating historic homes, has driven significant tourism interest in Jones County. Visitors from across the country traveling to see Laurel's Craftsman-era architecture and visit Home Town-featured shops and restaurants occasionally arrive via PIB on charter flights. The show's national audience has introduced Laurel and Jones County to a new demographic of travelers who might previously have overlooked South Mississippi as a destination.
What role does oil and gas production play in Jones County aviation?
The Tuscaloosa Marine Shale play extends through south-central Mississippi including Jones County, and oil and gas operators move exploration geologists, drilling engineers, and production managers by charter aircraft across the formation's coverage area. PIB serves as a staging point for these energy sector flights, with executives traveling between Jones County well sites and corporate offices in Houston, New Orleans, and Dallas using turboprop charter aircraft for rapid site-to-site mobility.