Mississippi operates 7 commercial service airports with over 1.3 million passengers annually. Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN) serves as the state's primary hub, complemented by regional airports across the Magnolia State.
Mississippi's two primary commercial airports serve over 1.3 million passengers annually, connecting the state to major hubs across the United States.
100 International Drive, Jackson, MS 39208
Mississippi's largest and busiest airport, serving over 1.29 million passengers in 2023, representing a 5.1% increase over 2022 and the highest passenger count in over 15 years. The airport is the primary gateway to the state's capital region.
14035 Airport Road, Gulfport, MS 39503
The second-largest airport in Mississippi, serving the Gulf Coast region with nearly 800,000 travelers annually. GPT provides convenient access to the coastal tourism destinations of Gulfport and Biloxi.
Mississippi airports collectively serve over 1.3 million passengers annually. Here's how the state's commercial airports rank by passenger volume and performance metrics.
| Airport Name | Code | Annual Passengers | National Rank | Arrival Performance | Departure Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International | JAN | 1,290,000 | 128 | 80.05% | 81.96% |
| Gulfport-Biloxi International | GPT | 800,000 | 155 | 78.61% | 85.44% |
| Golden Triangle Regional | GTR | 46,246 | 292 | 82.27% | 86.88% |
| Key Field (Meridian Regional) | MEI | 19,332 | 331 | 75.41% | 74.11% |
| Tupelo Regional | TUP | 13,557 | 387 | N/A | N/A |
| Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional | PIB | 9,813 | 385 | 70.92% | 83.54% |
| Greenville Mid-Delta | GLH | 5,634 | 455 | N/A | N/A |
Mississippi airports are served by major carriers connecting passengers to hubs across the United States.
| Airport | Code | Airlines | Destinations | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Triangle Regional | GTR | Delta Connection (Endeavor Air) | Atlanta (ATL) | CRJ900 jets |
| Meridian Regional (Key Field) | MEI | United Express (SkyWest) | Houston (IAH) - 2x daily | Essential Air Service |
| Tupelo Regional | TUP | Contour Aviation | Dallas-Fort Worth, Nashville | ERJ14X aircraft |
| Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional | PIB | United Express (SkyWest) | Houston (IAH) | Essential Air Service |
| Greenville Mid-Delta | GLH | Essential Air Service provider | Connecting flights | Subsidized service |
Five Mississippi airports offer TSA PreCheck expedited security screening. TSA PreCheck members enjoy shorter wait times and don't need to remove shoes, belts, or laptops.
| Airport Name | Code | TSA PreCheck Available | Terminal/Checkpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi Regional | GPT | Available | GPT-A Terminal |
| Golden Triangle Regional | GTR | Available | GTR-A Terminal |
| Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International | JAN | Available | West and East Terminals |
| Key Field (Meridian Regional) | MEI | Available | MEI-A Terminal |
| Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional (Pine-belt) | PIB | Available | Main Terminal |
| Tupelo Regional | TUP | Not Available | N/A |
| Greenville Mid-Delta | GLH | Not Available | GLH-A Terminal |
TSA PreCheck enrollment is available at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport and at a downtown Jackson location.
Additional services available: TWIC cards and Hazmat endorsement assessments.
In addition to commercial airports, Mississippi operates 80 public-use airports and over 100 private facilities, supporting general aviation, business travel, and emergency services across the state.
Location: 2080 Airport Road, Columbus, MS 39701
Serves: Columbus, Starkville, West Point (Golden Triangle region)
Location: 3 miles from downtown Meridian
Serves: East Mississippi and West Alabama
Location: 4 miles southwest of Tupelo
Serves: Northeast Mississippi
Location: Between Hattiesburg and Laurel, off Interstate 59
Serves: Ten-county region in South Mississippi
Location: 5 miles northeast of downtown Greenville, Washington County
Serves: Mississippi Delta region
Location: Bay St. Louis, MS
Proximity: 57 miles from New Orleans, 93 miles from Mobile
Mississippi operates 80 public-use airports statewide, including:
Mississippi airports offer convenient parking options and ground transportation services for travelers.
| Parking Option | First Hour | Daily Rate | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking Garage | $5 | $19/day | First 10 minutes free, closest to terminal |
| Surface Lot | $5 | $17/day | First 10 minutes free, short walk to terminal |
| Long-Term Parking | N/A | $13/day | Shuttle service included (every 15 minutes) |
| Cell Phone Lot | FREE | For pickup waiting, no time limit | |
Location: All major companies located at baggage claim (no shuttle required)
Advantage: On-site rentals eliminate waiting for off-site shuttles
Jackson Airport Services:
Parking available close to terminal
All Mississippi commercial airports offer:
Find answers to common questions about flying in and out of Mississippi airports.
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) is the largest and busiest airport in Mississippi. Located approximately 6 miles east of downtown Jackson in Rankin County, JAN served 1.29 million passengers in 2023, representing a 5.1% increase over 2022 and the highest passenger count in over 15 years. The airport is situated in the Central part of the state and serves the Capital region of Jackson.
JAN handles close to six of every ten passengers boarding at the seven commercial airports in Mississippi, making it the dominant aviation hub in the state. The airport offers 10 non-stop destinations served by four major airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, and United.
Mississippi has four airports designated as international airports, though they primarily serve domestic flights with customs facilities available for international charter and private aircraft:
While these airports carry the "international" designation, scheduled commercial service is currently limited to domestic destinations within the United States. International travelers typically connect through major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, or Houston to reach international destinations.
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) is served by four major airlines offering connections to 10 non-stop destinations:
The most popular routes from Jackson are Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston. The longest flight from Jackson is the Southwest Airlines service to Las Vegas at 1,451 miles, taking approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Yes, five Mississippi airports offer TSA PreCheck expedited security screening:
TSA PreCheck enrollment is available in Jackson at two locations: at the airport itself and at 201 S. President Street (next to City Hall) in downtown Jackson. The downtown location operates from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Appointments can be made at identogo.com, though walk-ins are also welcome. The enrollment fee is $78-$85 for five years of membership.
TSA PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening without removing shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, or compliant liquids, with average wait times under 5 minutes at dedicated PreCheck lanes.
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport updated its parking rates effective June 3, 2024:
Accessible parking spaces are available in all parking areas including the garage, surface lot, and long-term lot to accommodate passengers with disabilities. For real-time parking information and availability, call 601-360-8690.
Most other Mississippi commercial airports offer free parking, including Meridian Regional (free during day, $2/night), Hattiesburg-Laurel, Tupelo Regional, Golden Triangle, and Greenville Mid-Delta.
The Essential Air Service (EAS) program is a federal subsidy program designed to guarantee that small communities maintain scheduled commercial airline service to major hubs. The program was established in 1978 as part of airline deregulation to ensure rural and smaller communities wouldn't lose air service when airlines gained freedom to choose their routes.
Several Mississippi airports receive Essential Air Service subsidies to maintain commercial operations:
The EAS program is vital for these communities as it maintains economic development opportunities, supports business travel, provides access to medical facilities, and connects residents to the national air transportation network who might otherwise face hours of driving to reach larger airports.
Recommended arrival times vary based on the airport size and whether you have TSA PreCheck:
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN) - Largest Airport:
Gulfport-Biloxi International (GPT) - Medium Airport:
Regional Airports (GTR, MEI, PIB, TUP, GLH) - Smaller Airports:
Additional considerations: Account for parking time (15-20 minutes for lots with shuttles), checking bags (add 15-20 minutes), and rental car returns (add 20-30 minutes). During peak holiday travel periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break), add at least 30 minutes to all recommended times. If you're unfamiliar with the airport, arrive on the earlier side of these recommendations.
Yes, rental cars are available at all of Mississippi's commercial airports, with the most convenient service at Jackson and Gulfport-Biloxi.
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN):
All major rental companies are located on-site at the terminal near baggage claim, eliminating the need for off-site shuttle transportation:
Other Mississippi Airports:
Car rental services are available at Gulfport-Biloxi (GPT), Golden Triangle Regional (GTR), Meridian Regional (MEI), Hattiesburg-Laurel (PIB), and Tupelo Regional (TUP). Some locations may have limited hours or require advance reservations, especially at smaller regional airports.
It's recommended to reserve your rental car in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons, college football weekends (Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss games), and major events. Compare rates online before arriving, as advance reservations typically offer better pricing than walk-up rentals.
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) is the best choice for visiting Mississippi's Gulf Coast beaches, casinos, and coastal attractions. The airport is strategically located to serve the entire Gulf Coast region.
Advantages of flying into GPT:
Alternative Options:
For most Gulf Coast visitors, GPT offers the best combination of convenience, reasonable flight options, and proximity to beach destinations. The airport provides free WiFi, car rentals, and easy highway access to coastal communities.
Mississippi airports offer a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience:
Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN):
Gulfport-Biloxi International (GPT):
Meridian Regional (MEI):
Stennis International (HSA):
Accessibility: All commercial Mississippi airports provide accessible parking, wheelchair assistance (request 48 hours in advance through your airline), ADA-compliant facilities, and accessible restrooms. For special assistance needs, call JMAA Operations at 601-664-3506 (Jackson) or contact your specific airport directly.
Explore airport information for all 50 states:
Check current flight delays and airport conditions at the FAA Flight Delay Information website. For airline-specific flight status, visit your carrier's website or contact them directly.
Last updated on November 29, 2025