Houlton International Airport (HUL)

Houlton International Airport, identified by the IATA code HUL and ICAO code KHUL, is a significant general aviation facility and a designated international Port of Entry located in Houlton, Maine. Situated just a quarter-mile from the Canadian border, the airport serves as a critical gateway for cross-border transit between the United States and Canada. Its history is deeply rooted in World War II, having served as the Houlton Army Air Base and a training center for pilots who would tow aircraft across the border to maintain neutrality laws prior to the U.S. entry into the conflict. The airport features a functional passenger terminal and pilot lounge, offering essential amenities such as a dedicated snooze room, computerized weather planning stations, and high-speed internet access. Technical infrastructure at the 1,615-acre site is anchored by a robust 5,001-foot asphalt runway (05/23) capable of accommodating large regional aircraft and corporate jets. The facility is supported by the Town of Houlton FBO, which provides comprehensive services including 24/7 Jet-A and 100LL fueling, aircraft maintenance, and secure hangar storage. As a primary Port of Entry, the airport also hosts U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities, supporting the NEXUS/FAST enrollment programs for frequent travelers. Flight operations at Houlton are focused on general aviation, international private charters, and vital regional cargo services. While the airport does not currently host scheduled commercial passenger airlines, it remains a bustling hub for executive travel and emergency medical evacuations serving Aroostook County. Ground transportation is well-supported with on-site rental car services and local taxi fleets providing efficient access to downtown Houlton and the surrounding recreational areas of northern Maine. The airport remains a fundamental pillar of the regional economy, ensuring that this important border community remains well-integrated with the national aviation system.