The hangar and offices used by the Key brothers preceding and following the flight are still in use today and are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.ĭuring World War II, the facility operated under the control of the United States Army Air Corps.ĭelta Air Lines began the first commercial air service to Meridian in 1930. įrom June 4 until July 1, 1935, the brothers flew over Meridian, a total flight time of over 27 days. They hoped that by breaking the standing flight endurance record of 23, days they would focus worldwide attention on Meridian and its airport. The Key Brothers, devised a scheme to keep the airport operating. Airmail deliveries tapered off, and few people could afford to take commercial flights or pay for flying lessons. With the onset of the Great Depression, the City of Meridian considered abandoning the airport because of the cost of maintenance. The brothers maintained their flying school at the new field as well as their other duties, such as selling commercial airline tickets, operating the terminal and hangar, and handling airmail delivery schedules. Meridian city officials asked Al and Fred Key, who operated the Key Brothers' Flying School at Bonita, to co-manage the new facility. Meridian Regional Airport was established in 1928 and opened in November 1930 with the completion of the terminal, hangar, powerhouse, and a graded and packed dirt runway. The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015 categorized it as a primary commercial service facility. It is mostly used for general aviation and military traffic, but it is also served by one commercial airline with scheduled passenger service subsidized by the Essential Air Service program.Īccording to the Federal Aviation Administration, this airport had 19,599 passenger boarding (enplanements) in the calendar year 2008, 18,560 in 2009, and 16,871 in 2010.
At 10,003 feet (3,049 m), Key Field is home to the longest public use runway in Mississippi. The Meridian Airport Authority owns the airport. It is located 3 nautical miles (5.6 km 3.5 mi) southwest of Meridian, a city in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, United States. Meridian Regional Airport ( IATA: MEI, ICAO: KMEI, FAA LID: MEI) is a joint civil-military public use airport located at Key Field, a joint-use public/military airfield.
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