Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport-Forney Field

Waynesville - St. Robert Regional Airport (IATA: TBN) sits three miles southwest of Fort Leonard Wood, a major U.S. Army training installation in the Missouri Ozarks. The airport handles both military and civilian traffic, with daily commercial flights from United Express to Chicago O'Hare. With a single runway and a compact terminal, it functions as the primary air gateway for the surrounding region, which includes the towns of Waynesville and St. Robert. While small, the airport meets the needs of travelers heading to or from the base and offers straightforward access to the Mark Twain National Forest and the Lake of the Ozarks.

Getting There

The airport is located at 5536 Earl A. Nance Drive, Waynesville, MO. From Fort Leonard Wood's main gate, the drive takes about 10 minutes via Missouri Route 28 and Airport Road. From downtown Waynesville, it's roughly 8 miles (15 minutes). From St. Robert, the airport is about 5 miles (10 minutes) west. The nearest major city is Springfield, MO, 100 miles southwest (1.5 hours by car). There is no public transit to the airport. Ride-hailing services (Uber/Lyft) are limited; it's best to arrange a taxi or a ride from someone you know. Rental cars are available at the terminal – Enterprise and Hertz have desks. Parking is free and ample, with a lot adjacent to the terminal. For those on base, the Army often provides shuttle buses for official travel, but for personal trips, you're on your own.

Inside the Terminal

The single-story terminal is small but functional. Enter through the main doors, and you'll find the check-in counters for United Airlines directly ahead. The security checkpoint is to the left. Wait times are typically short – often under 10 minutes – since the airport handles only a few flights per day. After security, the gate area has about 60 seats, a restroom (wheelchair accessible), and free Wi-Fi. There is no restaurant or café, but two vending machines offer drinks and snacks. The terminal is clean but dated, with large windows overlooking the tarmac. A few power outlets are available near the seats. The airport is wheelchair accessible throughout, with designated parking spaces, ramps, and an accessible restroom. Note that the terminal closes between flights; if your flight is delayed, you may need to wait outside. The busiest times are around noon Monday through Thursday, corresponding to peak flight schedules. Arrive 60–90 minutes early to check bags and clear security.

Waynesville - St. Robert Regional Airport and Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is not just a base – it's a community of over 60,000 people, including active-duty soldiers, civilian employees, and families. The base is the U.S. Army's primary center for military police, engineer, and chemical warfare training. Its sprawling 63,000 acres include training ranges, a hospital, housing, and schools. The airport is named after the region but is essentially the base's front door for air travel. However, the area lacks the infrastructure of a major city: don't expect many entertainment options. What the area offers is quiet Ozark countryside, hiking and fishing in the Mark Twain National Forest, and the massive Lake of the Ozarks about 30 miles north. The lake is a popular summer destination with boating, resorts, and golf. History buffs can visit the Pulaski County Museum in Waynesville, which covers local and military history. The base itself has a museum (the U.S. Army Military Police Museum, open to the public), though access requires stopping at the visitor center. The surrounding towns – Waynesville and St. Robert – have chain hotels, fast food, and a few local diners. If you're visiting someone on base, make sure your host adds you to the visitor list or get a pass at the gate. The airport's proximity to the base means many passengers are in uniform, and the atmosphere is businesslike. Overall, this airport serves a specific purpose – connecting soldiers and their families to the rest of the country – but it also gives civilian travelers a no-fuss entry to the Missouri Ozarks.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24/7; its hours correspond to flight schedules. Typically it opens about two hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Call ahead (+1 573-329-4216) or check the website (flyflw.com) for current hours. The phone number reaches the airport manager's office, not the airline. For flight bookings and status, contact United Airlines (or check their app). Parking is free and no reservation needed. The terminal has no ATM, so bring cash if needed. The nearest gas stations are on Highway 28. If you're flying out, remember the small size means no restaurants after security – eat before you arrive. One concrete piece of advice: if you're traveling to Fort Leonard Wood for official business, coordinate with your sponsor for ground transportation, because ride-hailing is unreliable and taxis must be booked in advance.