Marion, United States
Complete guide to Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion, including location, access, facilities, and practical information for passengers.
5 features verified at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois
Typical foot-traffic by hour, sourced from Google. Live conditions may differ.
Busiest on Mondays around 1 pm — usually busy.
While you will find plenty of issues with the flights coming and going from this airport, that isn't particularly the airport's fault as it is a regional airport. The airport itself however is staffed with pleasant people, professional grade assistance and very quick security. My only reason for such a low review is that there is nothing behind security. Nothing. In an airport of this size I would expect nothing more than a few vending machines but there truly is nothing other than a bathroom.
Its been a great airport since the rebuild, but now they've upgraded the fleet. Its wonderful to fly to Chicago since they added the bigger planes.
Beautiful facility! Nice parking lot. The only problem is their website has a contact us area for submitting questions. After getting no reply to my question, I stopped by in person and was told by a real person that they do not respond to contacts. Bizarre!
Do not fly contour airlines. Flight delayed 5 times, over an hour each time, each only 10 minutes before boarding. Flight took off over 5 hours late after keeping us inside airport all day. Staff was rude. Due to this we missed our connecting flight
Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (ICAO: KMWA, FAA LID: MWA) serves as a vital aviation hub for the southernmost region of Illinois. Located in Marion, Illinois, this regional airport primarily handles general aviation, corporate flights, and charter services. It also supports occasional commercial passenger traffic through scheduled air service, connecting travelers to larger hubs. The airport is named to honor the region's strong military heritage, reflecting the community's respect for veterans. With its modern facilities and convenient location, Veterans Airport provides an efficient alternative for travelers who prefer to avoid the congestion of major metropolitan airports like St. Louis Lambert International Airport, which lies about two hours north.
Veterans Airport is situated at 9800 Air Cargo Drive, Marion, Illinois, just off Interstate 57 at exit 54. The airport is approximately 10 minutes south of downtown Marion and 15 minutes from the city of Carbondale, home of Southern Illinois University. It lies within a rural agricultural and forested landscape, roughly 120 miles southeast of St. Louis and 60 miles north of the Kentucky border. The airport is easily accessible by car via Illinois Route 13 or Interstate 57. For those without personal vehicles, rental car agencies are available on-site, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area. The airport is about a 3.5-hour drive from Chicago, making it a convenient entry point for Southern Illinois residents and visitors exploring the region's natural attractions.
Veterans Airport offers a range of amenities designed to ensure a comfortable experience for all passengers. The terminal building is fully wheelchair-accessible, featuring wheelchair-accessible parking spaces near the entrance, a wheelchair-accessible entrance with automatic doors, and accessible toilets. Standard restrooms are also available throughout the terminal. On-site parking is provided in a dedicated lot adjacent to the terminal, with both short-term and long-term options. The airport does not currently have on-site restaurants or shops, but vending machines are available for snacks and beverages. Free Wi-Fi is offered in the terminal, allowing travelers to stay connected. For travelers needing assistance, airport staff are available during operating hours to help with baggage, wheelchair requests, and general inquiries.
Southern Illinois, often called "Little Egypt," is a region of striking natural beauty and rich cultural history. The airport sits at the edge of the Shawnee National Forest, a sprawling 280,000-acre preserve known for its rugged bluffs, hardwood forests, and scenic trails. Visitors flock to the area for outdoor recreation: hiking the River to River Trail, rock climbing at Giant City State Park, or exploring the whimsical Garden of the Gods with its dramatic sandstone formations. The region is also steeped in history, from the ancient Native American mounds at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (about two hours north) to the frontier-era forts and the birthplace of the Illinois Central Railroad. Marion itself is a small city with a historic downtown, annual events like the Williamson County Fair, and a strong coal mining heritage. The airport serves as a gateway for business travelers visiting the region's industrial parks, as well as families vacationing at the many lakes and resorts scattered across the area.
Veterans Airport is open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time, though hours may vary on holidays. The busiest periods for general aviation traffic are typically late morning (around 11 AM) and midday (around 12 PM). For specific flight information or airport services, travelers can call +1 618-993-3353 or visit the official website at http://www.veteransairport.com/. The website provides current flight schedules, parking fees, and contact details for on-site rental car agencies. As an airport serving general aviation, there are no TSA security lines; passengers flying on private charters typically check in at the terminal's front desk. Travelers arriving for commercial flights should check with their airline for specific check-in times. The airport also offers aircraft fueling, hangar rentals, and maintenance services for pilots—amenities that primarily benefit private aviation users but contribute to the airport's overall efficiency and reliability for all passengers.
Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois
A comprehensive guide to Marion Airport (MWA) in southern Illinois, including parking, accessibility, peak hours, and regional context for this reliable 24/7 hub.
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Wikipedia
More about Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois
Wikipedia
More about Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois
A comprehensive guide to Marion Airport (MWA) in southern Illinois, including parking, accessibility, peak hours, and regional context for this reliable 24/7 hub.
Everything you need to know about Perryville Regional Airport: location, terminal facilities, fuel availability, and tips for a smooth visit to this rural Missouri general aviation airport.
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