Sumner County Airport Directory – Your Complete Guide to Aviation in Sumner County, Tennessee
Sumner County, Tennessee, sits just north of Nashville and boasts a blend of historic towns, rolling farmland, and growing suburban neighborhoods. The county’s aviation needs are anchored by the Sumner County Regional Airport (FAA identifier M55), a public‑use general‑aviation facility located approximately 4.5 miles north of the county seat, Gallatin. This airport delivers a full suite of services for private pilots, corporate flight departments, flight‑training schools, and agricultural operators throughout the county.
According to the latest FAA data (2023), Sumner County Regional Airport covers 100 acres, features a single asphalt runway (15/33) that measures 5,500 feet in length and 100 feet in width, and supports roughly 30,000 aircraft operations per year. The runway length comfortably accommodates single‑engine pistons, multi‑engine turboprops, and light business jets such as the Cessna Citation and Embraer Phenom series. Elevation stands at 540 feet above mean sea level, and the field is equipped with pilot‑controlled lighting, an automated weather observing system (AWOS), and a GPS‑based instrument approach for all‑weather capability.
Airport Serving Sumner County – Facilities, Services, and Statistics
The airport’s fixed‑base operator, Sumner County Aviation Services, provides 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel, tied‑down parking, hangar rentals, and a modern terminal building with conference rooms and pilot lounges. Flight instruction is offered by the Sumner County Flying Club, which operates a fleet of Cessna 172s and a Piper PA‑28 for student pilots. Maintenance services are available through Mid‑Tennessee Aircraft Maintenance, which handles everything from routine inspections to major component overhauls.
In addition to the primary airport, Sumner County is home to several privately owned airstrips that serve agricultural spraying and hobby‑ist operations. Notable among them is the Henderson Airfield (a turf runway roughly 2,200 feet long) located on the outskirts of Henderson, and the Portland Private Landing Zone used by local businesses for short‑haul cargo.
Communities in Sumner County with Airport Access – Distances and Travel Times
Residents of Sumner County benefit from short drive times to both the regional airport and the larger commercial hub of Nashville International Airport (BNA). Below is a snapshot of travel distances from key towns and unincorporated areas to the two main airports:
- Gallium (Gallatin) – 5 miles (≈9 minutes) to Sumner County Airport; 30 miles (≈35 minutes) to Nashville International.
- Henderson – 12 miles (≈15 minutes) to Sumner County Airport; 38 miles (≈45 minutes) to Nashville International.
- Portland – 9 miles (≈12 minutes) to Sumner County Airport; 34 miles (≈40 minutes) to Nashville International.
- White House (southern portion within Sumner County) – 15 miles (≈20 minutes) to Sumner County Airport; 22 miles (≈30 minutes) to Nashville International.
- Goodlettsville (north‑side of the city that spills into Sumner) – 20 miles (≈25 minutes) to Sumner County Airport; 16 miles (≈20 minutes) to Nashville International.
- Castalian Springs (unincorporated) – 18 miles (≈22 minutes) to Sumner County Airport; 40 miles (≈50 minutes) to Nashville International.
The county’s population of roughly 197,000 (2022 estimate) drives a steady demand for both private aviation and charter services. Business travelers from Gallatin’s industrial park frequently use the airport’s Jet‑A fuel and hangar space for corporate jets, while agricultural operators from the western parts of the county rely on the airport’s proximity for crop‑dusting operations.
Sumner County Airport Locations – Where to Find the Nearest Runway
Beyond the primary M55 field, the following satellite locations expand the county’s aviation footprint:
- Henderson Airfield – A privately maintained turf strip located at 2135 County Road 1, Henderson, TN 37075. It is primarily used for light‑sport aircraft and seasonal agricultural spraying.
- Portland Private Landing Zone – Situated on the grounds of the Portland Industrial Center, this paved 2,800‑foot strip serves local logistics firms that operate short‑haul cargo aircraft.
- Oak Hill Helipad – A rooftop helipad installed at the Oak Hill Medical Center in Oak Hill, offering emergency medical transport services for the northern tier of the county.
These facilities, while not listed as public‑use airports, are registered with the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division and contribute to the overall accessibility of air travel within Sumner County.
How Many Airports Are in Sumner County, Tennessee?
The answer depends on the definition of “airport.” Officially, the Federal Aviation Administration recognizes one public‑use airport—Sumner County Regional Airport (M55). In addition, there are three private airstrips and one helipad that provide limited services to specific user groups. Together, they form a modest but functional aviation network that supports the county’s economic development, emergency response, and recreational flying community.
Airport Services in Sumner County – From Fuel to Flight Training
Sumner County Regional Airport offers a full suite of services tailored to the diverse needs of its users:
- Fuel: 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel available 24/7 via self‑serve pumps.
- Hangars: Six T‑hangars and two large box hangars providing space for up to 30 aircraft.
- Flight Training: Certified flight instructors (CFIs) offering private, instrument, and commercial ratings.
- Maintenance: On‑site line maintenance, engine overhauls, and avionics upgrades.
- Conference Facilities: Two meeting rooms equipped with high‑speed internet for corporate briefings.
For pilots seeking a more commercial experience, Nashville International Airport (BNA) remains the closest major hub, offering over 30 airlines, cargo operations, and international connections. The drive from Gallatin to BNA averages 30‑35 minutes via I‑65 South, making it a practical option for Sumner County residents who need scheduled airline service.
Why Choose Sumner County Airport Over Nashville International?
While Nashville International provides extensive commercial service, Sumner County Airport delivers convenience, lower landing fees, and a community‑focused environment. Private pilots avoid the congestion of a major hub, enjoy quicker ground‑handling times, and benefit from personalized services such as on‑demand fuel trucks and direct access to local business parks. The airport also hosts annual events like the “Sumner County Fly‑In Breakfast” and “Aviation Day” that showcase local aviation talent and foster community engagement.
In summary, whether you are a corporate executive needing quick access to a runway, a flight student hoping to earn your wings, or an agricultural operator looking for a nearby base of operations, the airport in Sumner County offers a versatile platform that meets the county’s diverse aviation demands.
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 Tennessee 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 Sumner County, Tennessee.
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 Sumner County, Tennessee.
Sumner County Regional Airport
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 2 Municipal Airport in Sumner County, Tennessee.
Portland Municipal Airport
Gallatin Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 0 Local Airport in Sumner County, Tennessee.
Airports in near by County
Frequently Asked Questions — Sumner County Airport Services
What airport in Sumner County provides the most commercial flight options?
The only commercial‑flight option directly within Sumner County is the general‑aviation Sumner County Regional Airport (M55), which does not host scheduled airline service. For commercial flights, residents typically travel 30 miles south to Nashville International Airport (BNA), which offers over 30 airlines and international connections.
How many airports are there in Sumner County, Tennessee?
Sumner County has one public‑use airport—Sumner County Regional Airport (M55)—plus three private airstrips (Henderson Airfield, Portland Private Landing Zone, and Oak Hill Helipad). All four facilities are registered with the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division.
What is the distance from Gallatin, TN to the Sumner County Airport?
Gallatin, the county seat of Sumner County, is located about 5 miles (approximately a 9‑minute drive) north of Sumner County Regional Airport via Highway 31 and County Road 1.
Do Sumner County airport services include jet fuel for business aircraft near Henderson?
Yes. Sumner County Regional Airport offers Jet‑A fuel 24/7 through self‑serve pumps, and the airport’s FBO provides on‑site fuel trucks that can deliver Jet‑A directly to aircraft parked at the Henderson Airfield private strip.
Which airport near Sumner County is best for private pilots living in the unincorporated White House area?
Private pilots in the White House portion of Sumner County benefit most from Sumner County Regional Airport (M55), which is roughly 15 miles (about a 20‑minute drive) north of the community. The airport’s lower landing fees, available tie‑down spaces, and proximity to the White House industrial corridor make it a convenient choice over Nashville International Airport.