Peoria voters twice defeated a proposition to establish and maintain a municipally-owned airport. Airline service was discontinued on April 30, 1931 because the old Peoria Municipal Airport was too small.

May 19, 1932

The citizens of Peoria voted to have an airport. On 195 acres, American Airways (American Airlines), Chicago and Southern Airlines brought in airmail and passenger service on 4 shale-surfaced runways. The land was purchased by 261 Peoria businessmen that formed the Peoria Airport, Inc.

1937

The airport was turned over to Peoria Pleasure Driveway and Park District (Peoria Park District).

1942

The airport terminal building and field was dedicated.

1950

The Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria was created, assuming the operation of the Airport from the Peoria Park District. Ozark Air Lines begins to serve Peoria.

1955

The first foreign aircraft (Trans-Canada) arrives without first stopping at a port of entry (customs).

1965

Mt. Hawley Airport opened.

Turbulent years…

Airline strikes and recessions have caused several airlines to come and go and come back and sometimes go again. Today, we are proud of the airlines that fly in and out of Peoria every day: Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta and United Express.

PIA has daily non-stop flights to and from:

Chicago
Dallas/Ft. Worth
Denver
Detroit
Las Vegas
Minneapolis
Phoenix/Mesa
Tampa/St. Petersburg