Key Airport: Aviation Access for Meridian, Mississippi
Key Airport (ID 31012) near Meridian in Lauderdale County serves Meridian's aviation community anchored by Meridian Regional Airport (MEI) and Naval Air Station Meridian (NMM), home to advanced strike fighter training for the Navy and Marine Corps. Meridian's strategic position at the I-20/I-59 crossroads makes it a natural aviation hub for east-central Mississippi. Key Airport provides additional general aviation capacity, and the Topton Air Estates community development near Meridian reflects the region's diverse aviation character. The FAA Southern Region coordinates civilian and military airspace across this complex corridor.
The MDOT Aeronautics Division supports Meridian's aviation infrastructure recognizing the city's dual role as a commercial aviation market and military training center. NAS Meridian's Training Air Wing One operates T-45C Goshawk jets for advanced strike training, creating significant military airspace activity that general aviation pilots must navigate carefully. For commercial travel, Meridian Regional Airport (MEI) offers connections via American Eagle to Dallas/Fort Worth. Mississippi State University Extension programs and agricultural industries throughout Lauderdale County also drive general aviation demand.
What is the operational status of Key Airport?
Key Airport (ID 31012) is listed in FAA records as a Mississippi aviation facility near Meridian. Verify current operational status and available services through the AOPA Airport Directory or by contacting the airport directly before planning operations.
What FAA region regulates Mississippi airports?
All Mississippi airports fall under the FAA Southern Region, which coordinates aviation safety and airspace management for Mississippi and the broader Southeast United States, including coordination with military aviation authorities at Columbus AFB, Keesler AFB, and NAS Meridian.
How does MDOT Aeronautics Division support Mississippi airports?
Mississippi DOT's Aeronautics Division administers FAA Airport Improvement Program grants, conducts airport inspections, and coordinates statewide aviation planning to support facilities like Key Airport throughout the state.
What commercial airports serve the Meridian, Mississippi area?
Depending on location, major commercial airports serving Mississippi communities include Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN), Gulfport-Biloxi International (GPT), Meridian Regional (MEI), Tupelo Regional (TUP), and Golden Triangle Regional (GTR) near Columbus.
Key Airport Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Meridian, Mississippi.
| Name | Key Airport |
| Address | 2811 U.s. 11, Meridian MS 39307 Map |
| Phone | (601) 482-0364 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Key Airport
Visitor Information for Key Airport in Meridian, Mississippi
Meridian, Mississippi, reflects the diverse character of the Magnolia State, whether situated along the Gulf Coast, in the Mississippi Delta's flat alluvial plain, in the piney woods of the south, or in the hill country of the northeast. Key Airport (ID 31012) provides aviation access for a community that may be a considerable distance from the nearest major commercial airport. Mississippi's aviation infrastructure includes Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN), the state's primary commercial hub with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines service, and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), the Gulf Coast gateway serving casino resort and beach destination visitors. The MDOT Aeronautics Division coordinates statewide airport development under FAA Southern Region oversight.
Mississippi's military aviation presence is among the most significant in the South. Columbus Air Force Base (CBM) hosts the 14th Flying Training Wing, producing hundreds of U.S. Air Force pilots annually; Keesler Air Force Base (BIX) in Biloxi anchors the 81st Training Wing with cyber, medical, and aviation training; and Naval Air Station Meridian (NMM) provides advanced strike fighter training for Navy and Marine Corps aviators. These installations create restricted airspace, Military Operations Areas (MOAs), and low-level training routes that general aviation pilots must navigate carefully throughout Mississippi. The MDOT Aeronautics Division publishes airspace guides for pilots, and the FAA Southern Region coordinates civil-military airspace integration to support safe operations at facilities like Key Airport throughout the state.