Missoula International Airport

Missoula Aviation History
We have assembled a detailed Missoula
aviation chronology from the late 1800's to the
present.

Current Airport Expansion Projects
MSO continues to be one of the regions
fastest growing airports. Find out what we're
doing to expand our runways and facilities.

Location and Directions to MSO
We're not hard to find, but we have a few maps
and directions to help you get to and from the
Airport.

General Aviation Information & Services
Missoula International Airport is always ready
to roll out the red carpet for the general
aviation community. Click here to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions
From carry-on luggage to Missoula
International Airport's runways, you've got
questions, we've got answers.

Contact Missoula Intl. Airport
We are always looking for ways to serve you
better. That’s why we’re here. Contact us today.

Welcome to Missoula International Airport

Missoula International Airport is actually the city's third airport. In 1938, President Roosevelt authorized WPA funds for the construction of the Missoula County Airport to be located on 1300 acres west of Missoula. When the airport opened in 1941, it boasted the longest runways in the region and plenty of room for future growth. A new passenger terminal was constructed in 1954, and in 1961, the new control tower began providing air traffic control services to aircraft flying in and out of the Missoula valley.

In honor of two of Missoula's most well known aviation pioneers, Bob Johnson, and Harry Bell, the Missoula County Airport was officially named Johnson-Bell Field on a warm Memorial Day afternoon in 1968. Today, a bronze plaque honoring their service and contributions is located in the main terminal at the Missoula International Airport.

As one of the fastest growing airports in the northwest, MSO continues to experience significant growth in passenger statistics. To help accommodate these increasing passenger numbers, MSO has embarked on a major expansion program. To date, expansion efforts at MSO have yielded increased parking spaces, new taxiways and ramps, advanced lighting and navigation systems, and a new terminal roadway. In 1994, the main passenger terminal was renovated and doubled in size, and in 1998, the Airway Boulevard interchange was completed, providing a direct link from Interstate 90 to the airport. Current projects at MSO include a multi-phase terminal expansion, an advanced new air traffic control tower, and new passenger loading bridges. The Airport is also planning for a new parallel runway, capable of accommodating the increasing numbers of quiet and efficient regional jets that are currently in use by many of the airlines serving Missoula.

MSO averages several hundred operations a day from airlines, corporate, general aviation and aerial fire fighting aircraft, cargo flights, and Missoula’s two medical helicopters, Care Flight from Community Medical Center, and Life Flight, based at St. Patrick's Hospital and Health Sciences Center. MSO is the home to the largest aerial fire fighting depot in the United States, as well as the Museum of Mountain Flying, located east of the main terminal on Aviation Way. The museum is the only one of its kind in the nation, complete with a fully restored Douglas C-47 located inside their spacious new building.

Once again, we would like to welcome you. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact us today and we'll respond to you as quickly as possible.