Airport Overview
Midland International Air & Space Port (KMAF) is the principal commercial and business-aviation airport for the Permian Basin, located in Midland, Texas, roughly midway between downtown Midland and Odessa. Owned by the City of Midland, it combines scheduled airline service with substantial corporate and charter traffic. In 2014 it became the first airport in the United States licensed by the FAA as both a commercial airport and a spaceport, hence the 'Air & Space Port' name.
Runway Capability
The field has four asphalt runways. The 9,501 ft primary runway (16R/34L) and the 8,302 ft crosswind runway (10/28) give KMAF true heavy-jet capability with wide performance margins, even on hot, high-density-altitude summer days at the 2,872 ft field elevation. Light, midsize, super-midsize, and large-cabin jets all operate here routinely without runway-length restrictions.
Permian Basin & Charter Considerations
KMAF is the closest major airport to the heart of the Permian Basin, the most productive oil-and-gas region in the United States. That drives heavy corporate-flight-department and on-demand charter demand — King Airs, Citations, Falcons, and large-cabin jets are common sights. The Jet Finder sources Part 135 aircraft positioned near KMAF, comparing repositioning fees and hourly rates to match the right aircraft to your Permian Basin mission.
FBO & Ground Services
Signature Aviation is the single FBO on the field, handling fueling (Jet-A and 100LL), hangar and ramp parking, and passenger/crew amenities. As a U.S. Customs user-fee airport, KMAF supports international arrivals with advance CBP coordination — useful for cross-border energy-sector and corporate travel. Call ahead to arrange customs, hangar space, and fuel for larger aircraft.
Safety & Planning
KMAF is a towered airport (Midland Tower 118.7) with an ILS to Runway 10, RNAV (GPS) approaches to most runway ends, and VOR/TACAN procedures, supporting reliable instrument operations. Charter flights operate IFR under Part 135 regardless of weather. The multiple-runway layout provides excellent wind coverage, so crosswinds rarely limit operations.
Seasonal & Operational Factors
West Texas brings hot summers, occasional blowing dust, and strong spring winds. Density altitude rises on hot afternoons but remains manageable given the long runways and moderate elevation. Convective storms and dust can reduce visibility seasonally; morning departures generally offer the smoothest conditions. Winter icing is infrequent but possible, occasionally requiring de-icing.
Regional Context
KMAF sits about 11 miles from downtown Midland and serves both Midland and Odessa, eliminating long drives to Dallas or Houston for Permian Basin travelers. Nearby general-aviation alternates include Midland Airpark (KMDD) and Odessa Schlemeyer Field (KODO), but KMAF's runway length, customs, tower, and full FBO make it the preferred choice for jet operations in the region.