Eppley Airfield: All You Need to Know about Omaha Airport (OMA)

For those traveling within Nebraska, there’s a good chance you will use Eppley Airfield, which is the largest and busiest airport in the state. Known as Omaha Airport, this medium-sized airport serves as a connecting hub between Omaha city and various big cities in the USA.

The airport is situated about three miles to the northeast of the city center of Omaha, on the west bank of the Missouri River, Douglas County, Nebraska. Notably, it is surrounded by Iowa on all four sides, an unusual feature brought on by an alteration in the direction of the river in history.

Eppley Airfield (OMA): An Overview

Eppley Airfield (IATA: OMA) falls under the category of medium hub airport as per the classification of the FAA, and is operated by the Omaha Airport Authority.

The airport witnessed an all-time high number of passengers in 2024, at more than 5.27 million passengers.

Location and Access

Eppley Airfield is located on the eastern side of Omaha and is readily accessible through the following highways:

• Interstate 80

• Interstate 480

• Interstate 680

• Interstate 29

Even though the airfield is located within Nebraska's borders, the proximity of the town of Carter Lake, an exclave of Iowa, makes for an interesting geographical peculiarity thanks to the Missouri River rerouting.

Some forms of ground transport include rented automobiles, taxi services, shuttle buses, and limited bus service with Metro Transit Line 106.

Omaha Airport History

Having been established in 1925 as a small airstrip adjacent to the park named after Levi Carter, Omaha Airport underwent significant changes and became widely recognized throughout the years. The airport was originally known as Omaha Municipal Airport.

In 1960, Omaha Municipal Airport received its new name in honor of Eugene C. Eppley, a famous hotel tycoon who helped the airport receive funding for upgrading. Indeed, the very first jets to land here, operated by United Airlines, arrived the same year.

Over time, the airport was expanded, with additions such as Concourses B (built in 1970) and A (constructed in 1986).

Commercial Airlines & Flight Services

The major airlines that have their presence at Eppley Airfield are:

• Southwest Airlines

• American Airlines

• Delta Air Lines

Some other airlines present here are:

• Alaska Airlines

• Frontier Airlines

• United Airlines

• Allegiant Air

Though not many flights are operated internationally from this airport, there is a facility available for customizing and border protection for international flights by charter services, cargo, and private airlines.

Terminals and Facilities

Eppley Airfield encompasses an area of 2,650 acres and has three runways, providing smooth handling of air traffic at this location.

South Terminal (Concourse A)

Provides services for:

• Alaska Airlines

• American Airlines

• Delta Air Lines

• Frontier Airlines

This terminal has gates A1–A10 and baggage claim 1 and 2.

North Terminal (Concourse B)

Provides services for:

• Allegiant Air

• Southwest Airlines

• United Airlines

This terminal has gates B11–B19 and baggage claim 5 and 6.

Flight Training and Aviation Services

Moreover, there is the Nebraska Flight Center that provides professional flight training and is located at the general aviation side of Eppley Airfield. It works in collaboration with Iowa Western Community College to offer aviation-related programs.

Expansion and Future Developments

Currently, Eppley Airfield is going through a significant renovation project known as the BuildOMA Terminal Modernization Project, initiated by the Omaha Airport Authority.

The important features of the $950 million expansion project are as follows:

• Construction of a new integrated terminal joining Concourses A and B

• An increase from 375,000 to 646,000 sq. ft.

• Adding more gates (up to 22)

• Security screening

• Improved baggage claims

• Additional retail stores and food facilities

• Separate International Arrivals Hall

Some recent upgrades (as of 2025) include enhancements in passenger drop-offs, canopy structures, and improved ADA compliance.

Importance of Eppley Airfield

Apart from being the busiest airport in Nebraska, Eppley Airfield is the most important transit center in the Midwest region. The airport is growing continuously through improvements, expansion, and development of partnerships with the airlines.

Conclusion

No matter whether you travel for business or holiday, at Eppley Airfield, you can experience an effective and developing airport service. With a long history and a promising plan to expand its capacities, Omaha Airport is one of the key gates to America’s heartland.