Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport Guide
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport sits about five miles north of downtown Lubbock, on the South Plains of West Texas. The field covers roughly 3,000 acres at an elevation of 3,282 feet. The City of Lubbock owns and runs it.
The airport opened in November 1937 as South Plains Airport. It became South Plains Army Airfield during World War II, when it trained glider pilots. The original terminal now houses the Silent Wings Museum, which tells the story of those pilots. The present airline terminal dates from about 1976, and a renovation that began in 2019 started opening to the public in late 2021. In 2004 the airport took the name of Preston Smith, a former Texas governor and Texas Tech alumnus.
Three runways serve the field. Runway 17R/35L is 11,500 feet long, runway 8/26 is 8,003 feet and the general aviation runway 17L/35R is 2,891 feet. American Eagle, Southwest Airlines and United Express provide scheduled passenger service. FedEx and UPS feeder flights also use the airport as a regional hub. The city counted more than 1.15 million passengers in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Services
3 of 6 availableCompare 7 listed options at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals and hotels. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 1.1M passengers (2025)3 runwaysopened 1937
- Location
- 33.664, -101.823
- Operator
- City of Lubbock
Terminals
1 terminalLubbock Preston Smith International Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Main Terminal, handling domestic flights for around 3 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Main TerminalDomestic
American Eagle, Southwest Airlines, United Express
Nearby cities
4 citiesLubbock Preston Smith International Airport is closest to Lubbock (8 km south), and also serves Wolfforth, Slaton and other nearby areas. With 4 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Lubbock8 km south
- Wolfforth25 km southwest
- Slaton35 km southeast
- Levelland55 km west
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport?
What are the airport codes for Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport?
Where is Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport located?
Where is Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport located?
What services are available at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport?
What services are available at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport?
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