Eppley Airfield (OMA) – Omaha's Commercial Aviation Gateway
Eppley Airfield (OMA) is Nebraska's busiest airport and one of the most significant commercial aviation facilities between Chicago and Denver, serving approximately 5 million passengers annually. Named after Eugene Eppley, the Omaha-born hotelier and philanthropist, the airport sits on the Missouri River bluffs in north Omaha with a view across to Council Bluffs, Iowa. OMA is served by major carriers including United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Frontier, with direct flights to over 30 cities including Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Denver International (DEN), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and both Los Angeles International (LAX) and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). The airport's two parallel runways—13L/31R and 14R/32L—accommodate the full range of commercial aircraft from regional jets to Boeing 737 MAXs and Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Eppley's strategic location makes it the aviation anchor for Nebraska's largest metropolitan area of approximately 1 million people and the primary gateway for the state's agricultural exports, corporate travel, and tourism industry. The airport's Class C airspace extends over a significant portion of eastern Douglas County, coordinating traffic with Offutt AFB's Class D airspace to the south and the multiple general aviation airports distributed across the metro. The Nebraska Department of Aeronautics and the FAA Central Region have invested substantially in OMA's infrastructure, including a federal inspection station for international arriving passengers. Eppley Airfield is named for a native son whose philanthropic legacy is matched by the airport's legacy as Nebraska's connection to the world's airline network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines serve Eppley Airfield (OMA)?
United, American, Delta, Southwest, Frontier, and several regional carriers including United Express and American Eagle operate scheduled service at OMA, offering connections to major hubs across the United States.
How far is Eppley Airfield from downtown Omaha?
OMA is approximately 3 miles northeast of downtown Omaha, accessible via Abbott Drive/Locust Street or I-480, making it one of the more conveniently located major airports relative to its city center in the United States.
Does OMA have international flights?
Eppley Airfield has a federal inspection station and has historically offered seasonal international charter service. Most international travel from Omaha connects through Chicago O'Hare, Denver, or Dallas/Fort Worth hubs.
How do general aviation pilots operate near OMA?
General aviation pilots must contact Omaha Approach Control on the published frequencies before entering OMA's Class C airspace. Most GA traffic is directed to alternative airports including North Omaha Airport, Millard Airport, or Plattsmouth Municipal (PMV).
What ground transportation is available from Eppley Airfield?
OMA offers rental car services from all major companies, taxi and rideshare pickup, and shuttle services. The airport's ground level provides convenient access for private vehicle pickup and drop-off.
Eppley Airfield Airport - OMA Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Omaha, Nebraska.
| Name | Eppley Airfield Airport - OMA |
| Address | 4501 Abbott Drive, Omaha NE 68110 Map |
| Phone | (402) 661-8017 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Eppley Airfield Airport - OMA
Airports near Omaha
Eppley Airfield: Nebraska's Gateway to the National Air Transportation System
Eppley Airfield (OMA) anchors the Nebraska aviation system, handling a passenger volume that dwarfs all other Nebraska airports combined. The airport's economic impact on the Omaha metropolitan area is estimated at several billion dollars annually, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs in aviation, hospitality, logistics, and commerce. The airport's cargo facilities handle significant freight volumes for companies including Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, reflecting Omaha's growing role as a Great Plains distribution hub. Union Pacific's railroad headquarters and several major agricultural commodity trading operations depend on OMA's connectivity for their global operations.
Aviation history at OMA stretches back to the 1920s when Omaha was a stop on early transcontinental air mail routes. The airport grew significantly during World War II as a logistics hub for military aviation, and the nearby presence of Offutt AFB—home to the Strategic Air Command's successors—has maintained Omaha's aviation significance through the Cold War and into the current era of global military operations. Today's Eppley Airfield bears little resemblance to those early facilities, having been rebuilt and expanded multiple times to accommodate the growth of commercial aviation and the demands of a modern regional hub serving the central Great Plains.