MAC Facts: Reliever Airports

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) owns and operates one of the nation’s largest airport systems, including the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) and six general aviation airports. The general aviation airports are often referred to as reliever airports because they relieve air traffic congestion that would otherwise occur at MSP. The legislated purpose of the MAC is to promote efficient, safe, and economical air commerce, and develop the full potential of the twin cities region as an aviation center.

Reliever airports provide essential facilities and services for aircraft and aircraft operators that fulfill various aviation needs for recreational flying, private business travel, military operations, emergency medical transportation and flight training. Facilities include hard surface and soft surface runways, taxiways, and essential airfield infrastructure; and services for pilots and aircraft include supplies, education, aircraft storage, fuel, mechanical and airframe work and more.

More than half of all registered aircraft in Minnesota are based at the MAC's reliever airports. By providing an alternative to MSP for small aircraft and general aviation flights, the reliever airports increase the safety and efficiency of the entire airport system.

The MAC’s airports connect the region to the world and showcase Minnesota’s extraordinary culture to millions of passengers from around the globe who arrive or depart through MAC airports each year. Though a public corporation of Minnesota, the organization is not funded by income or property taxes. Instead, the MAC’s operations are funded by rents and fees generated by users of its airports. For more information, visit www.metroairports.org. 

MAC airports are essential transportation assets for local economies and employ airport workers. They also provide a base for recreation and business-related aviation activity; enable private companies to provide charter transportation services; and support other private businesses that offer services to the general aviation industry.

The MAC’s reliever airport system generates an estimated $756 million a year for the area economy and supports more than 3,600 jobs.

Airlake (LVN)

2021 marks 40 years since the MAC took over operation of Air Lake Airport (LVN) in 1981. LVN is located in the south metro, near Lakeville and Farmington. LVN is used primarily by recreational pilots, and for pilot training.

Anoka County-Blaine (ANE)

2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the air traffic control tower at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE) in 1996. ANE, also known as Janes Field, was acquired by MAC in 1950. The airport is located in the north metro area in the city of Blaine. 

General aviation flights that typically use ANE include medical helicopters, flight training aircraft, business aviation twin-engine turbo-prop aircraft and jets, vintage aircraft and experimental aircraft.

Crystal (MIC)

Crystal Airport (MIC) is located in the communities of Crystal, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. The airport was first constructed in 1946 by a private owner/operator, who opened the airport as a privately owned, public-use facility. The original tract of property was purchased for the airport by the MAC in 1948. In 1949, MAC moved forward with construction of runway improvements, followed by construction of an administration building and a crosswind runway. The airport’s most recent airfield configuration update occurred in 2020. MIC is the only MAC airport with a turf runway.

General aviation flight activity at MIC is typically conducted in medical helicopters, flight training aircraft, recreational aircraft, experimental aircraft, and twin-engine business aircraft.

Flying Cloud (FCM)

Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) is located in southern Eden Prairie just across the Minnesota River from Shakopee. The original 134 acres of FCM  was acquired by the MAC in 1947 and has been expanded to its current size of 860 acres.

FCM is the busiest flight training airport in the MAC system, but other flight activity that frequently occurs at FCM involves helicopters, and business-related twin-engine turbo-prop aircraft and jets. 

Lake Elmo (21D)

Lake Elmo Airport (21D) is located in Baytown Township in the east metro area near the communities of Lake Elmo and West Lakeland Township. The MAC constructed the airport in 1950. Today the airfield consists of approximately 640 acres. Construction of a replacement Runway 14-32 (3,500 feet) is underway in 2021 and due to be completed in 2022.

Aircraft activity at 21D includes flight training, recreational flying, and some business aviation in single-engine and twin-engine propeller-driven airplanes, and occasional helicopters.

Saint Paul Downtown (STP)

St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) is commonly referred to as Holman Field. STP provided commercial passengers services for this region and Northwest Airlines (NWA) based its operation at STP in its early years before moving to MSP.  STP boasts the longest runway in the reliever system – Runway 14-32 is 6,491 feet long.

STP is located in downtown Saint Paul --the closest airport to MSP-- and serves business aviation jets and helicopters primarily. Other types of aviation occurring at STP involves flight training and recreational flying. Be sure to stop into Holman’s Table for lunch, located in STP’s historic terminal building. 

Come see the aircraft activity of the reliever system – each airport has a public viewing area. Viewing areas locations are available by clicking on each airport name: Airlake; Anoka County-Blaine; Crystal; Flying Cloud; Lake Elmo; St. Paul Downtown.