Airport Overview
Omaha Eppley Airfield (KOMA) is the principal airport serving the Omaha metropolitan area and is owned and operated by the Omaha Airport Authority. Located just three miles northeast of downtown across the Missouri River corridor, it combines scheduled commercial service with a robust business-aviation operation, making it the default choice for private travel into eastern Nebraska and the Council Bluffs, Iowa area.
Runway Capability
With a 9,502-foot primary runway (14R/32L) plus 8,501-foot and 8,154-foot secondary runways, KOMA accommodates the entire range of business jets, from light jets to ultra-long-range aircraft, without payload or fuel penalties under normal conditions. The multi-runway layout provides excellent wind coverage, so crosswind components rarely restrict operations.
Charter Considerations
Two competing full-service FBOs, Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation, operate on the field, both open around the clock with Jet-A, ground handling, crew cars, and rental-car delivery to the ramp. Having two operators supports competitive fuel and handling pricing. The Jet Finder sources Part 135 aircraft positioned near Omaha to minimize repositioning costs.
Customs & International Arrivals
Eppley hosts an onsite U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility that clears international, charter, and private flights, so direct international arrivals are routine here rather than requiring a diversion to another port of entry. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination ahead of arrival.
Safety & Planning
KOMA is a fully towered, 24/7 airport with ILS, RNAV (GPS), and VOR approaches to its runways. At 984 feet elevation, density altitude stays manageable year-round. Flight planning should account for Berkshire Hathaway annual-meeting traffic in early May, when business-jet volume into Omaha spikes sharply and ramp and slot availability tighten.
Seasonal & Operational Factors
The Great Plains location brings cold, occasionally icy winters and hot summers with afternoon convective activity from roughly May through September. Thunderstorms and the risk of severe weather typically build after midday, so morning departures generally offer the most schedule reliability. Winter frontal passages can drop ceilings to IFR minimums for a day or two at a time.
Regional Context
Eppley is the dominant field for the region, but several smaller relievers sit nearby for repositioning or alternate planning, including Council Bluffs Municipal (KCBF, ~7 NM), Millard (KMLE, ~12 NM), and Blair Executive (KBTA, ~12 NM). For most private travelers, however, KOMA's runway length, two FBOs, and onsite customs make it the practical choice for Omaha.