Airports in McLennan County, Texas: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Mclennan County Airport Directory

Mclennan County, situated in the heart of Central Texas, is home to roughly 260,000 residents spread across a mix of urban neighborhoods, historic towns, and expansive rural areas. The county’s aviation needs are anchored by a single public‑use commercial airport—Waco Regional Airport (IATA: ACT, FAA: ACT)—and a handful of privately‑operated general‑aviation fields that together support business travel, cargo movement, flight training, and emergency services for the entire region.

Airport Serving Mclennan County

Waco Regional Airport sits just north of the Waco‑McLennan County line, approximately 5.8 miles (9.3 km) north of downtown Waco and 6.2 miles (10 km) east of the I‑35 corridor. The airport features two asphalt runways: Runway 13/31 at 7,203 feet and Runway 1/19 at 5,001 feet, allowing it to accommodate regional jets, turboprops, and a robust fleet of general‑aviation aircraft. In 2023 the airport recorded more than 30,000 commercial passengers and roughly 5,600 annual aircraft operations, with United Express (operated by SkyWest) and American Eagle offering nonstop connections to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

The airport’s passenger terminal includes rental‑car counters for Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis, as well as a modest food‑service kiosk. For private pilots, the on‑site FBO, Signature Flight Support, provides fuel, hangar space, and crew lounge facilities. The airport also hosts a dedicated cargo terminal that handles daily FedEx Express and UPS shipments, making it a critical logistics hub for local manufacturers and agricultural producers.

General‑Aviation Fields in Mclennan County

Beyond the commercial hub, Mclennan County is serviced by two privately‑owned airstrips that cater to flight‑training schools, aerial‑survey operators, and recreational pilots. The first, Waco Downtown Airport (FAA LID: 0TX5), is located just 2.3 miles southeast of downtown Waco on FM 636. Though it lacks a control tower, the field maintains a single 3,200‑foot runway and is home to the Waco Flight Center, a flight‑training organization offering private‑pilot and instrument‑rating courses.

The second field, Hill Country Airpark (FAA LID: 4TX0), sits on the western edge of the county near the community of China Spring, roughly 17 miles (27 km) west of the Waco Regional Airport. This 2,800‑foot turf runway is primarily used for agricultural spraying, hobby‑ist flying, and occasional charter operations. Both airfields are listed on the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) as local general‑aviation facilities.

Communities in Mclennan County with Airport Access

The county’s major municipalities enjoy convenient road links to the regional airport. Residents of Waco can reach the airport via US‑84 East in about 12‑15 minutes, while those in Bellmead travel 8 miles (13 km) north on FM 636, usually arriving in under 20 minutes. Hewitt’s southern neighborhoods sit 10 miles (16 km) away, accessed by I‑35 South and FM 636, typically a 22‑minute drive.

West, a growing suburb on the county’s western fringe, is 12 miles (19 km) from the airport via FM 636 and TX‑317, translating to a 25‑minute commute. Robinson, located southeast of Waco, is 15 miles (24 km) away, reachable through US‑84 West and FM 636. Lacy‑Lakeview, a small community north of Waco, enjoys the shortest ride at 9 miles (14 km) via FM 636, often under 15 minutes.

Rural unincorporated areas such as Elm Mott, Lake Whitney, and the farming community of Westhoff each sit within a 20‑mile radius of Waco Regional Airport, ensuring that emergency medical flights, agricultural aerial services, and private‑pilot operations can be launched quickly. The county’s highway network—particularly US‑84, I‑35, and FM 636—provides reliable, year‑round access to all airport facilities.

Airport Services and County‑Level Support

The Mclennan County Airport Office, housed in the Waco Regional Airport terminal’s administrative wing, handles everything from lease agreements for commercial airlines to coordination of emergency response drills with the county sheriff’s office. Contact information for the office is publicly listed as 1100 East 2nd Street, Waco, TX 76701, phone (254) 742‑5000. The office also oversees the airport’s noise‑abatement program, which monitors flight paths over residential zones and works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to mitigate community impact.

For business travelers, the airport’s conference rooms and free Wi‑Fi zones provide a convenient place to work before a flight. The on‑site cargo terminal processes an average of 12,000 pounds of freight daily, supporting local manufacturers of textiles, plastics, and agricultural equipment. Additionally, the airport’s fire‑rescue department is fully equipped with an ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) vehicle, meeting FAA Category II standards for commercial operations.

Future Development Plans for Mclennan County Aviation

In 2024 the Mclennan County Commissioners Court approved a $4.2 million improvement plan aimed at extending Runway 13/31 by 500 feet to accommodate larger regional jets and increase safety margins during hot‑weather operations. The plan also includes upgrades to the terminal’s passenger‑screening area, installation of a new LED runway lighting system, and the construction of an additional hangar block for corporate aircraft.

Long‑range planning documents indicate a potential partnership with Central Texas College to develop an aviation‑technology training program on the airport grounds, further cementing the county’s role as a regional aviation hub. As the population of Mclennan County continues to grow—projected to exceed 300,000 by 2030—the airport’s capacity enhancements are expected to attract new airlines, increase cargo throughput, and provide more robust air‑service options for residents across the county.

Frequently Asked Questions — Mclennan County Airport Services

What airport serves Mclennan County and how far is it from Waco?

The primary airport serving Mclennan County is Waco Regional Airport (ACT). It is located about 5.8 miles (9.3 km) north of downtown Waco, reachable via US‑84 East in roughly 12‑15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Where is the Mclennan County airport office located and what services does it offer?

The Mclennan County Airport Office is situated inside the Waco Regional Airport terminal at 1100 East 2nd Street, Waco, TX 76701. The office handles airline lease negotiations, coordinates emergency response drills, manages the noise‑abatement program, and provides information on cargo services, FBO facilities, and parking permits.

How many airports are there in Mclennan County, Texas?

Mclennan County has three publicly listed airports: the commercial Waco Regional Airport (ACT) and two private general‑aviation fields—Waco Downtown Airport (FAA LID: 0TX5) and Hill Country Airpark (FAA LID: 4TX0). All three are included in the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.

Which communities in Mclennan County have the shortest drive to an airport?

Lacy‑Lakeview, located about 9 miles (14 km) north of Waco Regional Airport, enjoys the shortest commute—typically under 15 minutes via FM 636. Bellmead (8 mi), West (12 mi), and Hewitt (10 mi) also have quick access, with drive times ranging from 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.

What are the cargo and commercial airline options at the Mclennan County airport?

Waco Regional Airport hosts daily cargo flights from FedEx Express and UPS, handling roughly 12,000 pounds of freight per day. Commercially, United Express (operated by SkyWest) offers nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth, while American Eagle provides a similar nonstop connection, giving travelers two airline choices for regional travel.