Airport Overview
Houma-Terrebonne Airport (KHUM) is a public-use, towered general aviation airport owned by Terrebonne Parish, located about three miles southeast of downtown Houma, Louisiana. The field sits at roughly 9 feet above sea level on the Gulf Coast and is one of the busiest energy-support airports in the region, with substantial helicopter traffic ferrying crews to offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico alongside fixed-wing business and general aviation.
Runway Capability
The primary Runway 18/36 runs about 6,500 feet of grooved concrete with a full ILS, while the crosswind Runway 12/30 adds roughly 5,000 feet. That combination handles light jets through most super-midsize aircraft with margin, and the near-sea-level elevation keeps takeoff performance strong year-round. Heavy and ultra-long-range jets are feasible for lighter loads but warrant full balanced-field calculations given the 6,500-foot primary.
Charter Considerations
KHUM is served by full-service FBOs Apex Jet Center and Simon Aviation Services, both offering Jet-A, ramp and hangar parking, and ground handling. Locally based fixed-wing jet inventory is limited, so charter aircraft are often repositioned from New Orleans (KMSY/KNEW) or Baton Rouge; The Jet Finder identifies the nearest available aircraft to keep positioning costs down.
Customs & International
Houma-Terrebonne holds customs landing-rights status, meaning international arrivals can clear CBP by prior arrangement rather than relying on a permanently staffed port of entry. Operators planning an international leg should coordinate clearance in advance; for time-critical international traffic, New Orleans offers a full-service port of entry as an alternative.
Safety & Planning
The control tower operates daytime hours (approximately 0600-1900 local) on 125.3; outside those hours the field reverts to non-towered procedures, with clearances available through New Orleans Approach. Gulf moisture frequently produces low ceilings, fog, and reduced visibility, making the ILS to Runway 18 a valuable asset. Warm-season afternoon thunderstorms build quickly, so morning departures offer the most reliable scheduling.
Regional Context
Houma anchors the heart of Louisiana's offshore energy corridor, and KHUM functions as a working aviation hub for that industry rather than a resort gateway. The surrounding GA network includes Thibodaux Municipal and South Lafourche (Galliano) nearby, with New Orleans serving as the primary airline and customs alternative roughly 50 miles to the northeast.