General Aviation Airports

2021 Annual Report

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Looking at the numbers, it would be fair to say the MAC’s six general aviation airports are experiencing a renaissance.

Collectively, operations at these airports grew by eight percent in 2021 over 2020 and experienced double-digit growth between 2019 and 2021. The total number of aircraft based at these airports has also held steady at more than 1,300. Both private business flights, and leisure and educational flight activity are fueling the growth. 

In-person events also returned in 2021, including Flying Cloud Airport’s Girls in Aviation Day and the AirExpo aircraft showcase, as well as the annual pancake breakfasts at Lake Elmo, Crystal and Airlake Airports.  

General Aviation Airport Operations 2020 vs 2021

Airlake_Airport Airlake_Airport
Airlake Airport

Located just south of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area in Lakeville, Airlake Airport (LVN) mostly serves recreational fliers but is also ideally suited for business aviation, particularly for the many local businesses situated nearby. 
- Anoka County-Blaine Airport: Clouds and buildings are reflected in the windows of the Anoka County-Blaine Airport. - Anoka County-Blaine Airport: Clouds and buildings are reflected in the windows of the Anoka County-Blaine Airport.
Anoka County-Blaine Airport

Just north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE) is home to a variety of vintage, experimental, recreational and corporate aircraft. Among the MAC's general aviation airports, ANE has the most aircraft based there – 365 – and is also among the busiest (just behind Flying Cloud Airport). 
- Crystal Airport: A small plane flies over the Crystal Airport building and runway. - Crystal Airport: A small plane flies over the Crystal Airport building and runway.
Crystal Airport

Located northwest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area in the city of Crystal, Crystal Airport (MIC) is home to a busy flight school, a nationally recognized aircraft parts and maintenance facility, and a regionally known propeller repair and overhaul facility. It also has the only turf runway within the metro area. 
- Flying Cloud Airport: A person in a safety vest directs an aircraft on the ground. - Flying Cloud Airport: A person in a safety vest directs an aircraft on the ground.
Flying Cloud Airport

Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) is the busiest airport in the MAC’s general aviation system with more than 100,000 takeoffs and landings annually. Located in the vibrant city of Eden Prairie, MN, just 10 miles southwest of Minneapolis, FCM is home base for many corporate jets and four flight schools. 
- Lake Elmo Airport: A small aircraft is positioned in front of a building offering 24/7 fuel. - Lake Elmo Airport: A small aircraft is positioned in front of a building offering 24/7 fuel.
Lake Elmo Airport

Located between the city of St. Paul to the west and the St. Croix River to the east, Lake Elmo Airport (21D) is convenient for both business and leisure flying. While LVN experiences the fewest operations of the MAC’s general aviation airports, it is still one of the top 10 busiest airports in Minnesota. 
- St. Paul Downtown Airport: The main airport building is visible in front of the downtown St. Paul skyline. - St. Paul Downtown Airport: The main airport building is visible in front of the downtown St. Paul skyline.
St. Paul Downtown Airport

Located along the Mississippi River and just south of downtown Saint Paul, the St. Paul Downtown Airport engenders a vibrancy all its own. A popular base for corporate aircraft due to its location and for having the longest runway – 6,941 feet – in the MAC general aviation airport system, the airport also offers charter services, has two fixed-base operators and is home to a five-star rated restaurant.