Dodge City Regional Airport

Navigating Growth Ahead

Steering a Clear Path Forward While Airport Projects Continue to Take Off

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Serving an area with a history that is synonymous with another mode of travel- the automobile, Dodge City Regional Airport is proving that while the car may have ruled supreme, the region’s airport is truly the economic, business, and tourist gateway.

With capital improvement projects in the pipeline and a focus on providing a welcoming landing, Dodge City Regional Airport has much to be proud of as we enter the 2026 fiscal year.

While the region may have a history deeply rooted in racing, slow and steady wins the race at this dynamic regional aviation gem, as it diligently takes all the right steps to keep pace. Firmly focused on its aviation traffic, Dodge City Regional Airport is perfectly positioned for the year ahead.

For Airport Manager Eliel Marin, the key to keeping the airport on the right aviation path is simple. “ We take pride in making sure safety is a top priority and that the airport is in top shape. My family uses the airport, and I feel blessed to serve the community.”

With all airport priorities stemming from this vision, it is not hard to see that 2026 and beyond will continue to witness growth and bear witness to the objectives in its airport layout plan taking shape.

An Airport That Provides all the Pieces

Serving a region that is home to several large food processing manufacturers, including Hilmar Cheese, and a thriving industrial area, also drives the objectives of the airport. Corporate travel is commonplace in and out of the airport, as is passenger travel.

On the commercial side, although in previous years the airport hosted several airlines, including Boutique Air, PenAir, and Great Lakes Airlines, the commercial end of its operations is now centered around its partnership with United, operating regularly scheduled SkyWest flights in and out of the airport.

“We do serve general aviation, but also have a commercial service with United. It is actually SkyWest operated, and we have two flights a day. One at 11 and one at 7 p.m. every day, except Tuesdays and Saturdays, where we only have the one scheduled flight,” Marin explains.

Marin details that despite shifting gears in the commercial service that operates out of the airport, by operating under the Essential Airline Services (EAS), which is a federally funded operation, the commercial side remains viable for what is a smaller regional airport.

Describing the capacity of the airport, Marin points out that “We have two runways that include runway 14/32, which is 6,899 feet long, and we have our runway 02/20, which is close to 5,000 feet long.”

It is runway 02/20 that is currently taking up space in Dodge City Regional Airport’s list of priorities.

“Right now, our runway 02/20 is under construction. This is our crosswind runway,” he notes.

“The runway will be constructed entirely in concrete. Previously, it was asphalt. Concrete lasts longer and is more durable,” he adds.

Although currently under a winter shutdown, Marin expects construction to pick up in March or April. He relays that he anticipates that once construction resumes, the project will wrap up fairly quickly.

Marin highlights that Dodge City Regional is fortunate to also lease to a Fixed Base Operator (FBO), Crotts Aviation Services, that provides full services for the airport and the aircraft that land at Dodge City Regional. He describes that passengers, flight crew, and airport staff benefit from such an FBO that works as a partner as the Dodge City Regional continues to make airport layout improvements.

“Crotts Aviation Services provides fuel, they have mechanics on site, and are open every day from 6 a.m. to about 10 p.m.”

“For anybody that wants to stop in, rent a vehicle, get gas, visit town, or may need parking, for example, we have all that available to them through our FBO,” Marin says.

A Gateway to Regional Tourism

“We have a lot of people that fly in for the rodeo, which is one of the main attractions here,” Marin relays.

“People also fly in to see the renowned Boot Hill Museum, and some come in for hunting.” “Dodge City is a small town, and everything is close together.”

“There are hotels and attractions within easy reach, and the Boot Hill Museum showcases a replica of our 1872 Front Street with the Long Branch Saloon, General Store, Beatty and Kelley Restaurant and Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor.  Boot Hill Museum also features a gunfight reenactment and the Long Branch Variety Show daily during the summer months.,” he adds.

Among some of the more legendary attractions, Dodge City is also home to the historic Dodge City Raceway Park, which is also a crowd-pleaser.

The Airport Layout Plan Ahead

Ensuring that passengers enjoy the very best aviation experience, Marin and his team have been busy at work with significant projects that will enhance the efficiency and overall comfort level of the airport.

A top priority on the infrastructure project list was completed recently, and represented a complete overhaul of the terminal to provide for anticipated commercial and corporate passenger growth numbers.

With projects in top focus, the airport can then turn its attention to anticipated business growth by supporting and encouraging aeronautical and non-aeronautical businesses on the airport grounds.

“We have some business out here at the airport that includes Midwest Custom Ag Aviation, which is a successful spraying company that utilizes crop duster planes, and we have a lease with them alongside our lease with our FBO,” Marin summarizes.

“We also have two air ambulance providers—EagleMed and Apollo Med—that serve the community,” he offers.

The airport is also looking to add another hangar to help facilitate its aviation growth and hopes that this can be achieved within the next few years.

“These types of projects take time, and we will be working with the FAA to address future infrastructure and terminal expansion.”

While hangar space is a future priority, the airport did recently accomplish one of its main pressing goals- a terminal upgrade that tackles key areas to accommodate additional space for its staff, passengers, and TSA operations.

“We knocked down walls to make more space. With the terminal expansion and remodel, we now have plenty of space.

The security area is now a more efficient use of space, the airport added restrooms and a mother’s room for privacy, and in the area where TSA is located, the airport added new equipment to go along with the increased room to operate seamlessly.

“It is more comfortable now. We expanded our lobby area and have a bigger baggage claim area, which provides for a nicer passenger experience,” Marin elaborates.

“There are now two computers at the ticket counter, and we will be looking at expanding the parking lot as one of our future projects on our airport layout plan, working with an engineering partner.”

The Flight Path Ahead

While parking continues to top the list of future airport projects, Marin does list other objectives that include looking at a taxiway rehab and airport fencing to increase safety.

“Also, adding an airport maintenance facility is also part of the airport layout plan moving forward, as well as new LED lighting on the crosswind runway, once complete,” Marin continues.

With the World FIFA Cup slated for this year, the airport also anticipates playing a greater role.

“A Brazilian charter operator reached out about landing here during the World Cup period,” he adds.

As for Marin, he will never take the role he plays with this dynamic airport for granted.

“I feel blessed to have this opportunity to serve the community,” he concludes.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Dodge City Regional Airport

What: A leading regional airport that is seeing passenger numbers increase while it focuses on airport projects to enhance the customer and crew experience

Where: Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas

Website: www.dodgecity.org/60/Airport