Which Major US Commercial Airports Have The Shortest Runways?

Summary Landing at small airports with short runways requires pilots to master short-field landing techniques and precisely consider environmental factors like wind. Small airports like John Wayne in Orange County serve unique destinations with short commercial runways, even if they can accommodate jetliners. Key West and Hilton Head airports have short runways under 5,100 feet, requiring precise takeoffs with full flaps and maximum braking.

The United States is home to some of the biggest and busiest airports on the planet. While we might think that these airports are iconic in their own way, let's consider those that are actually small but mighty and have some of the shortest runways on the continent. Not all runways are built the same; some are short, and some are long.

They can be built of asphalt, concrete, dirt, or even reclaimed riverbeds. Arriving and departing on a short runway requires some airlines to have short take-off and landing capabilities ( STOL ), and pilots need to be well-versed in basic short-field techniques. These include precise control of airspeed, an adequate approach, and consistently utilizing the touchdown point.

In addition to these operational expectations, pilots usually need to add environmental factors into play, such as wind, which can then require precise maneuvering. In some cases, pilots are specialized in training and follow strict weight limits. However, despite the challenges, arriving and departing at short runways can be breathtakin.