Hawkins Field (HKS)

Hawkins Field (HKS) is a historic joint civil-military aviation facility located approximately 7 kilometers northwest of downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Originally established in 1928 as Davis Field, it served as Jackson's primary commercial airport for several decades before the opening of the larger international airport in 1963. The airport has a distinguished military history, having functioned as the "Jackson Air Base" during World War II and hosting the Royal Netherlands Military Flying School. Today, it is owned by the City of Jackson and serves as a premier general aviation hub, providing rapid access to the state's capital for corporate travelers, government officials, and recreational pilots. The airport features an original terminal building constructed in 1936, which was officially designated as a historic landmark in June 2021. This classic facility continues to serve as the professional gateway for all ground operations and aviator services. Inside, the terminal provides a welcoming atmosphere, featuring a well-appointed pilot's lounge, a spacious business conference room, and administrative offices for the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority. The layout is designed for maximum efficiency, allowing aircraft to move quickly between the 5,387-foot primary asphalt runway and the expansive aircraft parking apron managed by Skyport Aviation, the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO). Facilities at Hawkins Field are comprehensive and tailored to the needs of the general aviation and military communities. The airport provides a full range of services including Jet A and 100LL fueling, aircraft maintenance, and ample hangar and tie-down space. It is also a critical hub for emergency medical services, hosting air ambulance operations for PHI Air Medical and Pafford EMS, and serves as the home base for the Mississippi Army National Guard's 185th Aviation Brigade. While the terminal does not host commercial retail or dining, its proximity to downtown Jackson ensures that visitors have easy access to a wealth of Mississippi's cultural attractions, Southern restaurants, and lodging.