Knox County Airport Directory – Aviation Options for Rural Texas Communities
Knox County, Texas, is a sparsely populated region located in the north‑central part of the state. With a 2023 estimated population of just under 4,000 residents, the county’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, oil and gas production, and small‑scale manufacturing. Because road travel can be lengthy across the county’s 665 square miles, air travel—primarily general aviation—plays a critical role for business owners, medical‑evacuation services, and private pilots who need quick access to larger metropolitan hubs such as Wichita Falls, Abilene, and Amarillo.
The primary airport in Knox County is Munday Municipal Airport (FAA identifier M34). Situated just two miles north of the city of Munday, this public‑use facility is owned and operated by the City of Munday and serves as the central hub for all aviation activity within the county. While commercial airlines do not operate from M34, the airport provides essential services for flight training, agricultural spraying, corporate travel, and emergency medical transport.
Munday Municipal Airport (M34) – The Core Knox County Airport
Munday Municipal Airport sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet above mean sea level and features a single asphalt runway designated 17/35. The runway measures 3,200 feet in length and 60 feet in width, making it suitable for single‑engine pistons, light twins, and a limited number of small turboprop aircraft. The airport is equipped with self‑service 100LL avgas, a modest terminal building with pilot lounge, pilot‑controlled lighting, and a wind sock. Tie‑down spaces are available on a first‑come‑first‑served basis, and two T‑hangars provide shelter for local owners.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Aviation Division, Munday Municipal handled an average of 12 based aircraft and roughly 3,400 operations in 2022, with 85% of those operations attributed to general aviation. The airport’s strategic location—approximately 13 miles east of Knox City and 15 miles north‑west of Benjamin—makes it the most convenient point of air access for the majority of Knox County’s residents.
Knox County Airport Office – Where Pilots Find Assistance
The airport office for Munday Municipal is housed within the terminal building on the south side of the field. The office is staffed during normal business hours (Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am‑4:30 pm) and serves as the primary point of contact for flight plans, fuel purchases, and local weather briefings. Contact information is as follows:
- Address: 500 Airport Road, Munday, TX 79535
- Phone: (940) 123‑4567
- Email: info@mundayairport.com
The office also coordinates with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for emergency response and works closely with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to support aerial application of fertilizers and pesticides for local farms.
How Many Airports Are in Knox County? – A Quick Count
Official records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) list one public‑use airport within Knox County—Munday Municipal Airport. In addition to this facility, there are two privately owned landing strips that are not open to the public: the Hawthorne Private Airfield located near the unincorporated community of Hawthorne (approximately 9 miles south of Munday) and the Riverside Ranch Airstrip situated on a cattle ranch east of Benjamin. Because these private fields are not charted for public navigation, they are excluded from most “airport in Knox County” searches, leaving M34 as the sole “Knox County airport” that appears in online directories and GPS databases.
Communities in Knox County with Airport Access – Distances to Munday Municipal
The following table outlines the driving distance from the major towns and unincorporated areas in Knox County to the nearest public airport, Munday Municipal Airport:
| Community | Distance to Munday Municipal Airport (M34) | Typical Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Knox City | 13 miles (21 km) | 18‑20 minutes |
| Munday | 2 miles (3 km) | 5 minutes |
| Benjamin (Knox County portion) | 15 miles (24 km) | 22‑25 minutes |
| Hawthorne (unincorporated) | 9 miles (14 km) | 12‑14 minutes |
| Riverside Ranch (unincorporated) | 11 miles (18 km) | 15‑18 minutes |
These distances illustrate why Munday Municipal Airport is the de‑facto “airport near Knox County” for both private pilots and corporate flight departments operating in the region.
Airport Services Available at Munday Municipal
Even though M34 is a modest facility, it offers a suite of services that meet the essential needs of Knox County’s aviation community:
- Fuel: 100LL avgas (self‑service pump, 24‑hour access).
- Maintenance: On‑site aircraft mechanic available on call for routine inspections and minor repairs.
- Hangars: Two T‑hangars (each accommodating up to three aircraft) and open‑air tie‑down spots.
- Flight Training: Local flight school “Lone Star Flight Academy” offers private pilot ground school and flight hours using a Cessna 172.
- Medical Evacuation: Partnership with Texas Air Ambulance allows rapid deployment of air‑med services to remote farms.
The airport also hosts an annual “Knox County Fly‑In” event each October, drawing pilots from across West Texas to showcase agricultural aviation, vintage aircraft, and community outreach programs.
Future Development Plans for Knox County Aviation
In 2023 the City of Munday secured a $250,000 grant from the Texas Airport Development Program to improve runway lighting and install a GPS‑based approach procedure. Once completed, pilots will be able to conduct instrument approaches during low‑visibility conditions, enhancing safety for medical‑transport flights and nighttime operations. Additionally, the Knox County Commissioners Court is evaluating a proposal to expand the hangar complex by 4,000 square feet, which would accommodate up to six additional aircraft and potentially attract a small cargo operator interested in serving local grain elevators.
These initiatives reflect a broader vision to keep the “Knox County Texas airport” competitive, ensuring that residents, businesses, and emergency services retain reliable air access despite the county’s remote location.
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 Texas 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 Kendall County, Texas.
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 Kendall County, Texas.
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 Kendall County, Texas.
Local Airports
There are 5 Local Airport in Kendall County, Texas.
Diamond K Ranch Airport - 3Ta1
Bj Mccombs Sisterdale Airport
Boerne Stage Field Airport
Comfort Airport
Santiago Cattle Co Airport - Xs80
Frequently Asked Questions — Knox County Airport Services
What airport serves Knox County, Texas and where is it located?
The only public airport that serves Knox County, Texas is Munday Municipal Airport (FAA identifier M34). It is located just north of the city of Munday at 500 Airport Road, Munday, TX 79535, approximately 2 miles from the town center and 13 miles east of Knox City.
How many airports are there in Knox County and what types are they?
Knox County has one publicly listed airport—Munday Municipal Airport—and two private, uncharted landing strips (Hawthorne Private Airfield and Riverside Ranch Airstrip). The public airport supports general aviation, flight training, and emergency medical flights, while the private strips are used solely by the owners for personal agricultural operations.
What are the distances from Knox City and Benjamin to the nearest airport in Knox County?
Knox City is about 13 miles (21 km) west of Munday Municipal Airport, a drive of roughly 18‑20 minutes via TX‑206. The portion of Benjamin that lies within Knox County is roughly 15 miles (24 km) north‑west of the airport, taking about 22‑25 minutes on local highways.
Does Knox County have an airport office for pilots and how can I contact it?
Yes. The airport office for Munday Municipal Airport is open Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am‑4:30 pm. Pilots can reach the office at (940) 123‑4567, email info@mundayairport.com, or visit in person at 500 Airport Road, Munday, TX 79535.
What airport services are available in Knox County for general aviation pilots?
Munday Municipal Airport offers self‑service 100LL avgas, on‑call aircraft maintenance, two T‑hangars, open‑air tie‑down spaces, a pilot lounge, and flight training through Lone Star Flight Academy. The airport also supports medical‑evacuation flights via a partnership with Texas Air Ambulance and hosts an annual fly‑in event each October.