Macomb Municipal Airport (MQB)

Macomb Municipal Airport (MQB), also known as KMQB, is a distinguished general aviation facility located approximately three miles north of the central business district of Macomb, Illinois. The airport plays an essential role as the primary aviation gateway for Western Illinois University (WIU), frequently supporting charter flights for visiting athletic teams, university recruitment efforts, and high-profile campus visitors. Recognized multiple times as the Illinois General Aviation Airport of the Year, the facility serves as a critical economic driver for McDonough County and the surrounding western Illinois region.

The passenger terminal is a well-equipped facility managed by the Macomb Airport Authority, offering a professional environment for both corporate and private aviators. Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services are primarily provided by Jet Air, Inc., which offers comprehensive aircraft maintenance, repair, and 24-hour self-service 100LL and Jet-A fuel. Inside the terminal, pilots and passengers have access to a range of amenities including a dedicated crew lounge, pilot 'snooze rooms' for rest between legs, and fully equipped conference rooms for business meetings. Ground transportation is conveniently facilitated through on-site Enterprise rental car services and local taxi providers, with courtesy cars also available for short-duration local travel.

Technical operations at MQB are centered around a primary 5,100-foot asphalt runway (9/27), which is maintained to high standards to accommodate a variety of aircraft, including modern corporate jets and regional cargo turboprops. A secondary seasonal turf runway (18/36) is also available for specialized light aircraft use. While the airport does not host regularly scheduled commercial airline service, it provides a high-efficiency alternative for private charters and emergency medical transport. Travelers seeking scheduled commercial flights typically utilize the nearby Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL) or the Quad Cities International Airport (MLI), while the city of Macomb itself remains well-connected via daily Amtrak rail services to Chicago.