McAllen International Airport is in McAllen, in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States.
The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2017–2021 categorized it as a small hub primary commercial service airport.
Runways
McAllen International Airport covers 370 acres (150 ha) at an elevation of 107 feet (33 m). It has two asphalt runways: 14/32 is 7,120 by 150 feet (2,170 x 46 m) and 18/36 is 2,639 by 60 feet (804 x 18 m). In November 2015, runway 13/31 was redesignated 14/32 and an EMAS, engineered materials arrestor system, was installed at the runway 14 approach end.
In the updated 20-year Master Plan for MFE, runway 14/32 will be extended to 10,000 ft and a parallel runway will be added. An expanded cargo apron will be on the south side of the airport.
Runway 14/32 is the primary runway, used by all the airlines and most of the business flights. 3,000 feet will likely be added to Runway 14/32 to allow larger aircraft (Moultan, 2012). Runway 18/36 does not intersect Runway 14/32 so controllers can use both runways if needed. The departure end of Runway 18 is about 1/3 of the way down Runway 14/32, so traffic on final for Runway 36 must be cautious of traffic using Runway 14/32. Class D airports are airports that are less congested but they still have a control tower. This Class D airport has a simple layout and taxiways extend the full length of each runway (Foreflight, 2012). Both runways are asphalt and are in “Good Condition” (Foreflight, 2012). The terminal is easy for all traffic to reach from either runway, but aircraft on runway 14/32 have to cross runway 18/36 to reach the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO). The runways form a V. The terminal, tower, cargo facility, border patrol, and the U.S. Customs apron are all centrally located on the field, easy to access from either runway (Foreflight, 2012). On the west side of Runway 18/36, there are multiple hangars, the fixed based operator, and the fire station (Foreflight, 2012). In case of an accident on Runway 14/32, fire and rescue personnel would have to cross Runway 18/36, one possible issue of the layout at MFE.
Facilities
The airport has one terminal with six gates. In early 2006, Gate 5 opened on the main concourse due to the arrival of Delta Connection.
In 2008, a terminal capacity study assessed the future needs of the airport and possible terminal expansion to include eight gates, a larger ticketing/office area, and a TSA security area queue. Paid parking at the airport began on November 15, 2007, with the economy, long-term and short-term lots. A revised terminal expansion project with one additional gate, larger passenger waiting areas, expansion of the TSA screening areas, and other facility modifications began in March 2012.
In the year ending October 31, 2018, the airport had 56,613 aircraft operations, an average of 155 per day: 62% general aviation, 17% military, 15% commercial airline and 6% air taxi. In December 2019, 105 aircraft were based at this airport: 49 single-engine, 21 multi-engine, 17 jet, 11 helicopter and 7 military.
Expansion
In March 2012, the airport underwent expansion, completed in 2014. Funding was from grants combined from the FAA and the TSA.
The following are planned: Addition of 52,000 square feet Adding space for new explosives screening unit, bringing the total to three Expanding the terminal and adding space for another gate Adding space for the Transportation Security Administration Sterilizer and steam generator (required for some international flights) Replacement of HVAC central plant equipment