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Topeka Regional Airport
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Topeka Regional Airport (IATA: FOE, ICAO: KFOE, FAA LID: FOE), formerly known as Forbes Field, is a joint civil-military public airport owned by the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority in Shawnee County, Kansas, seven miles south of downtown Topeka,[1] the capital city of Kansas. The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015 called it a general aviation airport.[2]

Key Information

Topeka Regional Airport is used by the University of Kansas (KU) for charter flights for its athletic teams and by schools visiting the KU campus in Lawrence, which is 34 miles (55 km) east of the airport via the Kansas Turnpike. (Kansas City International Airport is 51 miles (82 km) from KU.) The airport had scheduled airline service by multiple carriers until 2014.

Federal Aviation Administration records say the airport had 11,573 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2019.[3]

History

[edit]

Topeka Regional Airport (formerly Forbes Field) is on the site of the Topeka Army Air Field, later Forbes Air Force Base, a former Strategic Air Command (SAC) facility that was transferred to Tactical Air Command in 1964 (while retaining SAC-gained tenants). Forbes AFB closed in 1973 but retained a USAF presence in the form of a SAC-gained Air National Guard installation that was previously a tenant command at Forbes AFB. With the departure of active duty Regular Air Force personnel and units, the remaining military activity was named Forbes Air National Guard Base.

Most of the former base administrative area is now used for offices and an industrial park. The 190th Air Refueling Wing (190 ARW) of the Kansas Air National Guard continues to part of the airport as a military cantonment area and Air National Guard installation known as Forbes Field Air National Guard Base; the wing currently flies and maintains the Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker.

From 1942 to 1973 the following Air Force components supervised the airfield:

In April 1976, except for areas retained by the Air National Guard, most of the former Forbes Air Force Base was turned over to the city of Topeka and Shawnee County. During this transition, all airline flights moved from the Philip Billard Municipal Airport to the newly-established Forbes Field. On June 1, 1976, the original Frontier Airlines (1950-1986) scheduled the first jet out of Forbes Field, a Boeing 737-200. Shortly afterward, the Combat Air Museum was established on the airport.

In 1981 a bond to build a new air terminal was rejected, but approved in 1982. The $5 million terminal was completed in 1985.

The terminal has five airline ticket counters and two rental car counters. Currently Hertz is the only rental car company at FOE. There is one baggage claim carousel. Several charter and military flights use the terminal today.

In 2012 the MTAA Board of Directors renamed the facility to Topeka Regional Airport and Business Center, maintaining the name of the airfield as Forbes Field. Topeka Regional Airport is currently the home of the Kansas Air National Guard's 190th Air Refueling Wing and the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment, Kansas Army National Guard.[4]

Historical airline service

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Airline service began in the early 1930s by a small mail carrier United States Airways which flew a route between Denver and Kansas City. Flights made stops in Goodland, Salina, and Topeka, Kansas, using a five-passenger Metal Aircraft Flamingo. In the early 1940s, three new airlines began service, flying Douglas DC-3 aircraft through the Philip Billard Municipal Airport near downtown Topeka. Trans World Airlines (TWA), added Topeka as one of many stops on the carriers' transcontinental route between Los Angeles and New York. Topeka was a stop between Wichita and Kansas City. The carrier later upgraded to Martin 4-0-4 aircraft. Braniff International Airways added Topeka as one of many stops on their mainline route between Chicago and Houston. Topeka was also a stop between Kansas City and Wichita. Continental Airlines added Topeka as a stop on a route between Denver and Kansas City which also included a stop at Salina, Kansas. Ozark Airlines also briefly served Topeka in the early 1950s with a route between Kansas City and Tulsa that stopped in Topeka and two other cities. Ozark and Braniff ended service in 1954, TWA ended in 1958 and Continental ended by 1960. Central Airlines began service in 1958 with DC-3s by picking up the routes to Kansas City and Wichita formerly operated by TWA and Braniff. The carrier then picked up Continental's route to Denver by 1960 using a Convair 240 and became the only airline at Topeka. Central's service continued until the company merged with the original Frontier Airlines in 1967. Frontier then served Topeka using 50-seat Convair 580 aircraft with nonstop flights to Kansas City as well as multi stop flights to Denver, St. Louis, and Wichita. Several air taxi and commuter airlines provided shuttle flights to Kansas City in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including Trans-Mo Airlines, Allen Aviation, Air Associates Inc., and Shawnee Air Commuter.[5]

After moving to the current Forbes Field in 1976, Topeka then saw multiple new carriers, some providing jet service:

Frontier Airlines upgraded their service with Boeing 737-200 jets direct to Kansas City, Denver, and Wichita, and added flights to Chicago O'hare International Airport with a stop in Lincoln, Nebraska. In the early 1980s, Frontier also operated nonstop jets to Manhattan, KS, and Joplin, MO. The carrier introduced the McDonnell Douglas MD80 jet to Topeka shortly before ending all service in 1984.

Capitol Air Service began shuttle flights to Kansas City, Manhattan, and Salina, Kansas, around 1970. From 1987 through 1989, the carrier had a codeshare agreement with the new Braniff Airways and operated as Braniff Express. Capitol Air flew Cessna 402 and de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft and shut down about the time of the Braniff collapse in 1989.

Trans Central Airlines provided commuter flights to Oklahoma City and onto Dallas/Fort Worth in 1981 and 1982 using Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner aircraft.

The original Midway Airlines, provided Douglas DC-9-10 jet service to Chicago Midway International Airport with a stop in Kansas City from 1982 through 1985. Up to three flights per day were operated.

United Airlines provided mainline jet service in 1986 and 1987 with three daily flights to the carrier's hub at Denver, making one stop at Kansas City or Wichita, and one daily flight to Chicago O'Hare making one stop in Lincoln. Boeing 727 and Boeing 737 jets were used.

Air Midwest began commuter flights to Kansas City in 1981 using Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner II aircraft. Air Midwest went on to operate several codeshare services with major airlines, the first being with Eastern Airlines in 1985. Air Midwest operated as Eastern Express feeding Eastern's hub at Kansas City until 1988 when Eastern dismantled the Kansas City hub operation. By then Braniff had established a hub at Kansas City and Air Midwest became a Braniff Express feeder carrier along with Capitol Air. Within a year Braniff had shut down and Air Midwest reverted to operating under their own branding at Kansas City. Air Midwest also had codeshare agreements with other major airlines, including one with TWA at that carrier's hub in St. Louis. In late 1989, Air Midwest began nonstop flights from Topeka to St. Louis operating as Trans World Express while discontinuing its flights to Kansas City. British Aerospace Jetstream 31 aircraft were used. This service ended in early 1991 as Air Midwest established yet another codeshare agreement at Kansas City with US Airways. Flights to Kansas City were restored, now as US Airways Express using Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. This service was long term and continued until Air Midwest ended Topeka service in November, 2003. Air Midwest had the only service at Topeka from 1989 through 2003.

The 1980s were the boom years for traffic at Forbes Field as the airport handled up to 180,000 passengers per year.[6][7][8] By the 1990s however, the airport saw a dramatic drop in traffic and scheduled passenger service became subsidized by the Essential Air Service program.[9][10] This subsidized service ended in May, 2003, due to federal law prohibiting a subsidy over $200 per passenger for airports within 210 miles of the nearest large or medium hub airport (Kansas City International Airport, a medium hub, is 71 miles away). This caused the final carrier, Air Midwest dba US Airways Express, to end service.[11]

After three years with no service, Allegiant Air came to Topeka in 2006 with nonstop jet flights to Las Vegas on two days per week. The carrier used McDonnell Douglas MD80s but ended service on July 30, 2007.[12][13] An additional effort to revive scheduled airline service was made when United Express, operated by ExpressJet, began flights on January 7, 2014, with two daily Embraer-145 regional jets nonstop to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The service only lasted eight months however and ceased on September 2, 2014.[14][15]

United Express was the most recent airline at Topeka, with non-stop flights to Chicago-O'Hare that ended in September 2014.

Facilities

[edit]

Topeka Regional Airport covers 2,854 acres (1,155 ha) at an elevation of 1,078 feet (329 m) above mean sea level. It has two concrete runways: 13/31 is 12,803 by 200 feet (3,902 x 61 m) and 3/21 is 7,001 by 150 feet (2,134 x 46 m).[1]

In the year ending October 31, 2021, the airport had 30,086 aircraft operations, average 82 per day: 60% military, 38% general aviation, 1% air taxi, and <1% airline. 33 aircraft were then based at this airport: 7 single-engine, 1 multi-engine, 6 jet, 1 helicopter, and 18 military.[1]

Airlines and destinations

[edit]

The airport has had no airline service since September 2, 2014.[16]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Other sources

[edit]
  • Essential Air Service documents (Docket OST-1996-1352) from the U.S. Department of Transportation:
    • Order 2000-7-35 (July 28, 2000): tentatively re-selecting Air Midwest, Inc., d/b/a US Airways Express, to provide essential air service at Topeka, Kansas, for the two-year period ending December 31, 2001, at an annual subsidy rate totaling $722,199.
    • Order 2001-8-13 (August 10, 2001): tentatively re-selecting Air Midwest, Inc., d/b/a US Airways Express, to provide essential air service at Topeka, Kansas, for the two-year period beginning January 1, 2002, at an annual rate of $621,872.
    • Order 2003-2-28 (February 28, 2003): requests interested persons to show cause why we should not terminate subsidy for essential air service at Topeka, Kansas, and allow Air Midwest, Inc., d/b/a US Airways Express, to suspend service there as of May 1, 2003.
    • Order 2003-4-16 (April 18, 2003): terminates subsidy for essential air service at Topeka, Kansas, and allows Air Midwest, Inc., d/b/a US Airways Express, to suspend service as of May 1, 2003.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Topeka Regional Airport

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Topeka Regional Airport (IATA: FOE, ICAO: KFOE), located six miles south of downtown Topeka in , is a public-use airport owned and operated by the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, primarily serving , , and cargo operations with no scheduled commercial passenger service as of 2025. Originally established as Topeka Army Air Field in 1942 during , the airport served as a training base for the U.S. Army Air Forces, including the 333rd Bombardment Group and later as one of three centers for B-29 Superfortress bombers by 1945; it was inactivated in 1947 before reopening in 1948 as Forbes Air Force Base, named after Major Daniel H. Forbes, a local pilot, though briefly inactivated again in 1949. During the , it trained B-29 crews from 1951 to 1953 and operated reconnaissance RB-47 Stratojets starting in 1954, while also supporting Atlas E missile sites from 1959 to 1965. The base transitioned to in 1964 and was fully deactivated by 1973, after which it became a joint civil-military facility known as until its renaming to Topeka Regional Airport in 2012 to emphasize civilian development. The airport features two runways: the primary Runway 13/31, measuring over 12,800 feet in length with (ILS) capabilities, high-intensity runway lights (HIRL), and (P4L); and the crosswind Runway 03/21, at 7,000 feet with medium-intensity runway lights (MIRL) and visual approach slope indicator (V4L). It offers more than 2 million square feet of apron space for transient , an tower operating from 5:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 24-hour and police services, and (FBO) services through Million Air Topeka, including fuel, charters, and rentals. Military tenants include the Kansas Air National Guard's 190th Air Refueling Wing and the 1st , 108th of the Kansas Army National Guard, with additional support for operations. As of November 2025, the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority is actively pursuing the reinstatement of commercial passenger flights through public-private partnerships and incentives, including $10 million in state funding earmarked for expansion, targeting routes to destinations like Orlando, Phoenix, and to meet growing regional travel demand, though no services have commenced. The airport's strategic location less than five miles from Interstate 470 and U.S. Highway 75, combined with its light industrial zoning and available land parcels from 1 to 50 acres, positions it for further in aviation-related businesses.

Overview

Location and Administration

Topeka Regional Airport is situated in , approximately six miles south of downtown Topeka. Its geographic coordinates are 38°57′03″N 95°39′49″W. The airport operates as a joint civil-military public facility owned and managed by the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA), an autonomous agency established in 1978 under Kansas statutes K.S.A. 27-327 through 27-330. The MTAA oversees both Topeka Regional Airport and Philip Billard Municipal Airport, providing administrative governance focused on safe aviation operations and facility management. It is identified by the airport codes IATA: FOE, ICAO: KFOE, and FAA LID: FOE. The airport sits at an elevation of 1,078 feet (329 meters) above and encompasses a total land area of 2,854 acres (1,155 hectares). Accessibility is enhanced by its proximity to major interstate highways, including I-35 and I-470.

Current Role and Statistics

Topeka Regional Airport primarily functions as a hub, accommodating private, corporate, and recreational flights through its (FBO), Million Air Topeka, which provides fueling, maintenance, space, and charter services. It also serves as a key military operations base for the 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard, which operates KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for missions, and supports the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment of the Army National Guard, operating UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. Additionally, the airport handles occasional charter flights, including those for the athletic teams and visiting groups. These roles emphasize its support for transient aviation rather than regular commercial passenger traffic. In terms of activity, the airport recorded approximately 30,086 aircraft operations for the year ending October 31, 2021, averaging about 82 movements per day, primarily consisting of , military, and some activities. There were 33 based at that time, including a mix of 7 single-engine, 1 multi-engine, 3 jets, and 22 helicopters. Passenger enplanements stood at 7,647 in 2023, reflecting limited commercial service at the time, with no scheduled operations since then until ongoing revival efforts in 2025 aimed at introducing new routes to destinations like , Phoenix, and Orlando. The airport contributes significantly to the local economy by facilitating transient military, corporate, and , which sustains jobs and business activity in Shawnee County. A 2023 study estimated its annual economic impact at $199.9 million, supporting 1,774 jobs through -related services and operations. Fixed-base operators like Million Air further bolster local businesses by offering comprehensive ground support, including charters and maintenance, enhancing connectivity for regional commerce.

History

Military Foundations

Topeka Regional Airport traces its origins to the Topeka Army Air Field, established in 1942 as a key training installation during . Following the U.S. entry into the war after the attack, authorized the construction of the airfield, which was completed by August 1942 with three 7,000-foot runways, hangars, and support facilities. The first troops arrived that month, and by September, the 333rd Bombardment Group was based there, conducting operational training for heavy bomber crews, initially with B-24 Liberators before transitioning to B-29 Superfortresses by 1945 to prepare units for Pacific Theater missions. The field served as a vital hub for producing combat-ready aircrews until its inactivation on October 31, 1947, amid postwar demobilization. In the postwar era, the installation was reactivated on July 1, 1948, as a (SAC) base and renamed Forbes Air Force Base in honor of Major Daniel H. Forbes, a Topeka native killed on June 5, 1948, while testing a new . Initially hosting the 311th Air Division and the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing until October 1949, the base played a renewed role during the with the activation of the 21st Air Division on February 16, 1951. The 90th Bombardment Wing arrived in March 1951 to train B-29 crews for SAC operations, a mission that continued until August 1953; the unit was redesignated as the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing in June 1952. The 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing also relocated there in October 1952 for ongoing intelligence missions. These developments solidified Forbes as a cornerstone of U.S. strategic deterrence. Forbes reached its operational peak during the , particularly in the and , as a hub for bomber and operations. The 90th Strategic Wing remained active until June 1960, when it was replaced by the 40th Bombardment Wing, which operated B-47 Stratojet bombers until September 1964. Concurrently, the base supported missile defense with the construction of nine Atlas E sites beginning June 9, 1959; the 548th Strategic Missile Squadron activated on July 1, 1960, achieving full operational capability by October 1961 before deactivation on March 25, 1965, as part of broader SAC realignments. In 1965, assumed control, marking a shift from roles amid evolving defense priorities and base reductions. The base's active-duty era concluded with its closure in 1973 under a Department of Defense realignment program aimed at postwar force reductions. Announced as part of nationwide cutbacks, the shutdown ended decades of SAC dominance at , though portions retained a military presence through units. The facility was transferred to civil authority in 1976, paving the way for its evolution into a regional airport.

Civil Transition and Early Operations

Following the deactivation of Forbes Air Force Base in 1973, the facility underwent a structured transition to civilian control. In January 1974, the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) was established by Topeka City Charter Ordinance to oversee the conversion process and manage the site's repurposing. The property title for most facilities, excluding areas retained by the and Army National Guard, was deeded to the City of Topeka and Shawnee County in April 1976, marking the formal shift to joint civil-military operations under local governance. Early civilian activities emphasized non-commercial aviation and economic redevelopment. General aviation operations were relocated from Philip Billard Municipal Airport to the former base, leveraging its expansive infrastructure to support local pilots and businesses. Concurrently, portions of the surplus military land were developed into the Topeka Air Industrial Park, fostering industrial and facilities that diversified the site's role beyond . These initiatives laid the groundwork for the airport's evolution into a multifaceted regional hub. Infrastructure adaptations focused on practical conversions to accommodate civilian needs. Military hangars were repurposed for storage and maintenance, transforming former facilities into versatile civil structures. Air traffic control services were established in 1976 to handle the influx of non-military flights, ensuring safe integration with ongoing Guard activities. In 2012, the airport was renamed Topeka Regional Airport and Business Center to better reflect its broadened civilian and economic functions.

Historical Airline Service

Commercial airline service at what is now Topeka Regional Airport began in May 1976, when operations were relocated from Philip Billard Municipal Airport to to accommodate larger jet aircraft. On June 1, 1976, initiated the first scheduled jet passenger flights using Boeing 737-200 aircraft, providing nonstop service to and connections to other major cities. This transition marked the start of modern at the facility, replacing the propeller-driven services previously offered at the downtown airport. The 1980s represented the peak era for airline service at the airport, with multiple carriers operating frequent flights to regional and national hubs. Airlines such as United, , and Midway provided scheduled service, contributing to annual passenger volumes reaching up to 180,000. , for instance, offered three daily mainline jet flights during 1986 and 1987, reflecting robust demand and connectivity during this period. The combination of these services supported up to 10 daily departures at times, bolstering local economic ties through reliable air travel options. In the , service shifted toward regional carriers amid broader industry changes, with the introduction of smaller and to maintain connectivity. commenced nonstop flights to in late 1989 as a Trans World Express partner, using Fairchild Metroliner turboprops, while also serving Kansas City; this carrier provided the primary scheduled service through much of the decade and into the early 2000s. Temporary operations by other regional affiliates, such as Express with turboprops to Kansas City in the mid-1990s, helped sustain passenger access despite growing reliance on nearby for longer-haul travel. Service levels declined progressively from the late 1990s onward due to intensified competition from larger hubs like and economic pressures on smaller markets. Low-cost carrier , for example, discontinued its route in June 2007 citing insufficient demand. The final chapter of scheduled passenger service came in , when ended its twice-daily flights to O'Hare on September 2, leaving the airport without commercial operations for the first time in nearly four decades. In 2012, the facility was renamed Topeka Regional Airport to reflect its evolving role.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Runways and Airfield Features

Topeka Regional Airport features two runways designed to accommodate a range of aircraft, from to military and potential commercial operations. The airport spans approximately 3,100 acres, providing ample space for airfield infrastructure. The primary , designated 13/31, measures 12,803 feet (3,902 meters) in length by 150 feet (46 meters) wide, making it one of the longest runways in and capable of handling large aircraft such as the or military tankers. It is equipped with an (ILS) for precision approaches, high-intensity lights (HIRL) for night and low-visibility operations, and a medium-intensity with runway alignment indicator lights (MALSR) spanning 1,400 feet to guide pilots during landing. The surface is concrete/grooved in excellent condition with precision markings, supporting declared distances of 12,803 feet for takeoff run available (TORA), takeoff distance available (TODA), accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA), and landing distance available (LDA). The secondary crosswind , 03/21, is 7,002 feet (2,134 meters) long by 150 feet (46 meters) wide, providing directional flexibility in varying conditions. It features medium-intensity lights (MIRL) and end identifier lights (REIL) for visual guidance, along with a simpler lighting system including PAPI, but lacks an ILS. The surface is asphalt/grooved in excellent condition. The airfield includes over 2 million square feet of space for parking transient and based aircraft, connected by a network of s that ensure efficient movement between runways, hangars, and other facilities. Navigation aids at the airport consist of a (/) station identified as TOP at 117.80 MHz, located approximately 12.4 nautical miles (14 statute miles) northeast of the airfield, and an ILS specifically for runway 13/31 operating on 110.1 MHz. The system is fully paved and lighted, with high-intensity edge and centerline lighting to support all-weather operations.

Terminal Buildings and Ground Facilities

The main passenger terminal at Topeka Regional Airport is a single-story structure built in 1985, encompassing approximately 44,000 square feet and designed to accommodate commercial, charter, and general aviation operations. It features ticketing counters located at the south end, a central lobby with baggage claim facilities at the north end, and a dedicated security screening checkpoint spanning 1,200 square feet to ensure passenger safety and compliance with federal aviation security standards. The terminal also houses an on-site fixed-base operator (FBO) occupying about 10,000 square feet, supporting general aviation needs within the passenger area. Ground transportation options at the airport include an on-site facility located within the terminal vicinity, providing convenient vehicle access for arriving passengers. The airport connects directly to Interstate 470 via SW Topeka Boulevard, offering efficient road access; it is situated approximately 6 miles south of downtown Topeka, typically a 15-minute drive under normal traffic conditions. The tower supports these ground operations during its daily hours from 5:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (0545-2200 local time). Cargo and maintenance areas consist of designated zones utilizing existing hangar infrastructure for freight handling and aircraft servicing, with Building #186 providing 22,700 square feet dedicated to maintenance and office functions. Several converted military-era structures, originally from the site's time as Forbes Air Force Base, serve as storage facilities, including totaling around 176,500 square feet for and equipment. While no large-scale dedicated terminal exists, the expansive space exceeding 2 million square feet facilitates general freight activities alongside other uses. Accessibility features throughout the terminal and ground facilities align with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, incorporating FAA-guided designs for equitable access in passenger areas and pathways. Parking lots offer more than 500 spaces, including 625 total across short-term (134), intermediate (130), and long-term (361) designations, with underutilized capacity ensuring availability for travelers with mobility needs.

Support Services and Amenities

The primary fixed-base operator (FBO) at Topeka Regional Airport is Million Air Topeka, which offers comprehensive services for and operations. This includes fueling with Jet A and 100LL on a full-service basis, rentals in both heated and unheated facilities accommodating up to Boeing 737 size, and ground support for flights. Million Air Topeka also provides dedicated amenities for pilots and crews, such as a pilot lounge, quiet room, hospitality bar, and flight planning room that functions as a conference space. Additional passenger and crew conveniences include Wi-Fi access, catering services, a on-site Jet-A-Way Café, and courtesy crew cars. Rental car services, including on-site Hertz availability, are facilitated through the terminal area. Emergency services at the airport are supported by the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) , which provides 24/7 (ARFF) capabilities certified to Index B standards, with Index C level equipment available upon request, in coordination with the 190th Air Refueling Wing. Police response is handled through and local for rapid . Fueling options emphasize full-service delivery by Million Air Topeka, with after-hours call-out available, while pilot-controlled lighting enables safe operations outside the tower hours of 5:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities are under evaluation through a 2022 Focused Planning Study, which assesses the feasibility of developing specialized hangars for large aircraft conversions, such as to cargo configurations, projecting growth in base operations from 21,380 in 2022 to 28,010 by 2042.

Operations

Scheduled Airlines and Destinations

Topeka Regional Airport has not offered scheduled commercial passenger service since discontinued its flights in September 2014, leaving the facility without regular airline operations for over a decade. In the intervening years, the airport accommodated only limited charter flights, primarily for entities such as the athletic teams and visiting school groups, but no point-to-point or connecting scheduled services were available. Efforts to revive commercial service gained momentum in early 2025, with the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) announcing plans in March to secure direct nonstop routes to high-demand leisure destinations including Orlando, Phoenix, and . By September 2025, the MTAA provided further updates on the initiative, emphasizing partnerships with point-to-point low-cost carriers to establish these routes and restore passenger air service. As of November 2025, no scheduled flights have commenced, though the authority continues negotiations with potential airline partners, focusing on seasonal or year-round service to these markets. To attract airlines, the MTAA is offering incentives including a minimum revenue guarantee of up to $3 million over three years, funded through local and state contributions, alongside reduced landing fees and operational costs compared to larger hubs. These measures aim to capitalize on the airport's proximity to Topeka, providing shorter ground travel times—typically under 15 minutes—for passengers versus the approximately one-hour drive to (KCI).

General Aviation and Military Activities

General aviation activities at Topeka Regional Airport primarily involve private and corporate jet operations, as well as , supported by a (FBO) offering fuel, space, and maintenance services. Approximately 18 are based at the facility, including a mix of single-engine, multi-engine, and types. Million Air Topeka serves as the primary FBO, providing comprehensive support for transient traffic. The airport hosts significant military operations as the base for the Kansas Air National Guard's 190th Air Refueling Wing, which operates KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for aerial refueling missions in support of global and domestic operations. Additionally, the Kansas Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment bases UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters there, facilitating troop transport and training exercises, including support for . A use agreement between the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority and the U.S. Air Force enables shared access to runways and facilities, allowing civil operations to continue during routine military activities while requiring prior permission for extended military ramp use. Activity patterns feature steady general aviation and military flights, with peaks in transient traffic during local events and charters, such as those for the basketball team, which frequently utilizes the airport for away game travel. In 2022, total annual operations reached approximately 22,000, including about 15,000 military and 7,000 movements. Safety and coordination are managed through a shared tower operating from 5:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with 24-hour emergency services and pilot-controlled lighting available outside tower hours; airspace is jointly overseen to accommodate both civil and priorities at the co-located Base.

Recent and Future Developments

Efforts to Revive Commercial Service

In March 2025, the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) launched a concerted initiative to restore commercial passenger service at , driven by rising local travel demand and regional economic expansion. Curtis Sneden, MTAA's Director of Development, has spearheaded the effort through the "Get There From Here" program, which aims to attract airlines by emphasizing the airport's untapped potential in a growing market. Central to the strategy is positioning Topeka Regional Airport as a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to (KCI), located about an hour's drive away. Proponents highlight the airport's proximity to downtown Topeka—a mere 15-minute drive—along with virtually no parking fees and streamlined security processes that can take as little as 10 minutes, reducing overall travel burdens for local passengers. The initiative targets an estimated 274 to 300 daily Topeka-area travelers who currently drive to KCI for flights to popular destinations, seeking to capture this demand through point-to-point service models offered by regional carriers. Additionally, lower operational fees and reduced overhead at the smaller facility are marketed to airlines as opportunities to offer competitive pricing without the congestion of larger hubs. The revival push involves broad stakeholder collaboration, including local government commitments and state-level support to provide financial incentives, as well as a federal grant application under the Small Community Air Service Development Program to fund restoration of scheduled service. Shawnee County commissioners approved a resolution in May 2025 pledging funds as a for a minimum of up to $3 million over three years, aimed at offsetting initial risks for prospective . State lawmakers have bolstered these efforts by increasing annual funding for airport improvements to $15 million, enabling incentives that align with the MTAA's data-driven outreach to carriers focused on efficient, direct routes. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist, primarily intense competition from KCI's extensive network and the historical precedent of low passenger demand that led to the suspension of all commercial service in 2014. Previous attempts faltered due to insufficient ridership, requiring the current initiative to overcome skepticism from airlines wary of replicating past shortfalls while navigating regional travel patterns dominated by the larger Kansas City hub.

Infrastructure Expansion Projects

In 2025, the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) advanced several infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the airport's capacity for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities as well as supporting potential growth. A key initiative involves the construction of an 80,000 square-foot large-span designed for MRO work on , with adaptability for other commercial uses. This project received $10 million in funding earmarked by state lawmakers during the 2025 to address regional shortages in such facilities. Complementing this development, the (FAA) approved the release of a 20-acre parcel of property in 2025 for non-aeronautical uses, enabling the sale of land previously under airport grant assurances to generate revenue for further improvements. This adjustment allows the MTAA to repurpose underutilized space while complying with federal regulations on airport property disposal. Ongoing master plan updates draw from the airport's 2016 Airport Master Plan and a 2022 Focused Planning Study on MRO opportunities, which identified needs for expanded facilities to accommodate increased activity. These updates include evaluations of potential terminal expansions to facilitate revived commercial service, focusing on efficient integration with existing space. As part of these efforts, a company demolished a World War II-era on November 11, 2025, to clear space for new development aligned with the airport's expansion goals. The overall timeline ties these projects to broader commercial revival goals, with site design completed in the second quarter of 2025, bidding and initial construction improvements slated for the third quarter, and groundbreaking expected in late 2025.

References

  1. https://www.airnav.com/airport/KFOE
  2. https://www.mtaa-topeka.org/topeka-regional-airport
  3. https://mtaa-topeka.org/about/topeka-regional-airport
  4. https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/this-is-just-the-beginning-commercial-flights-and-giant-hangar-to-make-big-impact-on-topeka/
  5. https://www.wibw.com/2025/11/07/topeka-leaders-highlight-hotel-topeka-aviation-industry-annual-state-community-event/
  6. https://www.gotopeka.com/aviation-tra/
  7. https://admin.ks.gov/browse/files/b151672f1ac84548bc2d8c452b7e939b/download
  8. https://www.mtaa-topeka.org/
  9. https://skyvector.com/airport/FOE/Topeka-Regional-Airport
  10. https://www.mtaa-topeka.org/about/mtaa-location-map
  11. https://www.aircharterserviceusa.com/destination-guide/airport-guide/usa/private-jet-charter-to-forbes-field-airport
  12. https://www.airportiq5010.com/
  13. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2024-10/cy23-all-enplanements.pdf
  14. https://www.ksdot.gov/about/our-organization/divisions/aviation/airport-economic-impact-report
  15. https://www.190arw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/437787/the-history-of-forbes-field/
  16. https://cwbi-app.sec.usace.army.mil/fudspublic/irm/pdf/B07KS0198_05_SmallArms.pdf
  17. https://wingsoverkansas.com/history/history-forbes-field-aka-forbes-afb-ks/
  18. https://www.combatairmuseum.org/forbesafb.html
  19. https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/Environmental-Projects/Forbes-Air-Force-Base-Atlas-01/
  20. https://mtaa-topeka.org/about/philip-billard-airport
  21. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2013/08/04/topekas-airport-setup-unique/16389209007/
  22. https://www.kansas.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/the-story-of-kansas/article1094903.html
  23. https://www.airports-worldwide.com/usa/kansas/forbes_field_kansas.php
  24. https://airlinegeeks.com/2016/09/28/tbt-throwback-thursday-in-aviation-history-air-midwest/
  25. https://www.aviationpros.com/home/news/10388423/airlines-bet-on-topeka-fails
  26. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2014/07/23/united-end-flights-chicago-topeka-airport/16662210007/
  27. https://www.aopa.org/destinations/airports/KFOE
  28. https://www.globalair.com/airport/apt.navaids.aspx?aptcode=foe
  29. https://www.mtaa-topeka.org/files/FOE_Airport_Master_Plan.pdf
  30. https://www.hertz.com/us/en/location/unitedstates/kansas/topeka/topc05
  31. https://mtaa-topeka.org/files/03-15-2022_Board_Mtg_Pkt.pdf
  32. https://www.airnav.com/airport/KFOE/MILLION_AIR
  33. https://www.millionair.com/locations/foe/
  34. http://kansasfiretrucks.com/regions/northeast-kansas/shawnee-county/mtaa-fire-department/
  35. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2024-07/arp-app-buy-american-project-specific-waivers-issued-20240702.pdf
  36. https://www.mtaa-topeka.org/files/FOE_MRO_Draft_Final_-_122822_-_FULL.pdf
  37. https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,3475808
  38. https://www.wibw.com/2025/03/10/topeka-leaders-push-bring-back-commercial-air-services-capital-city/
  39. https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airports/foe/routes
  40. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/2025/05/12/topeka-regional-airport-looks-to-bring-in-new-partners-for-flights/83500611007/
  41. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Kansas-City-Airport-MCI/Topeka
  42. https://mtaa-topeka.org/files/FOE_MRO_Draft_Final_-_122822_-_FULL.pdf
  43. https://www.190arw.ang.af.mil/
  44. https://www.mtaa-topeka.org/files/05-21-2024_Board_Pkt.pdf
  45. https://www.wibw.com/2022/03/29/want-send-ku-off-final-four-here-is-when-they-fly-out-topeka/
  46. https://www.facebook.com/SalinaJournal/posts/curtis-sneden-mtaa-director-of-economic-development-shared-his-insight-about-eff/1277892521007672/
  47. https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-OST-2024-0066-0045/attachment_1.pdf
  48. https://citizenportal.ai/articles/6569326/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Shawnee-County-pledges-support-for-MTAA-ir-service-incentive-program-pledge-is-a-guarantor-not-an-immediate-payment
  49. https://kansasreflector.com/2024/04/19/kelly-signs-bill-lifting-state-investment-in-kansas-network-of-airports-to-15-million-annually/
  50. https://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2014/07/25/united-pullout-will-leave-kansas-capital-with-no-flights/13146693/
  51. https://www.wibw.com/2022/01/13/mtaa-pushing-get-commercial-air-service-back-topeka/
  52. https://mtaa-topeka.org/files/MTAA_MRO_Hangar_Project_Concept_012725.pdf
  53. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/11/2025-10607/notice-of-request-to-release-airport-property-topeka-regional-airport-foe-topeka-kansas
  54. https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/old-wwii-hangar-demolished-at-forbes-field-in-topeka-for-new-development/
  55. https://mtaa-topeka.org/topeka-regional-airport
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