Ellington Airport (EFD)

Ellington Airport (EFD) is a unique mixed-use aviation facility serving as a general aviation reliever, a military base, and the officially licensed Houston Spaceport. Located approximately 15 miles southeast of downtown Houston, the airport features three active runways, including a 9,001-foot primary runway capable of handling large military and commercial aircraft. It holds a significant place in aerospace history, having served as a primary training base for NASA astronauts since the Apollo era and continuing to support jet-training flights for the T-38 Talon fleet. While there is no scheduled commercial airline passenger service at EFD, the facility offers high-quality terminal services through specialized Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) such as Signature Aviation. The passenger terminal managed by the FBO provides a professional environment with comfortable lounges, executive conference rooms, and flight planning resources. Services include 24-hour fueling (Jet A and 100LL), aircraft maintenance, and gourmet catering for private and corporate flights. The airport is also a major hub for the Texas Air National Guard and various aerospace firms engaged in the development of hypersonic spacecraft and commercial lunar landers. Ground transportation is well-facilitated by its proximity to the Gulf Freeway (I-45), providing easy access to the Johnson Space Center and the Port of Houston. Travelers using the facility typically arrive via private or chartered aircraft and can coordinate rental car delivery directly to the FBO ramp. On-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection services are also available by appointment, allowing the airport to handle international arrivals for business aviation. For scheduled commercial flights, passengers should utilize nearby William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) or George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).