{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "United States of America",
    "addressLocality": "Fort Sumner"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "General Aviation",
    "NASA",
    "Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "30 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "60 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "60 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "75 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "0 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Fort Sumner",
  "code": "FSU",
  "connection_tips": "Fort Sumner Municipal Airport (FSU) in New Mexico is far more than a typical rural airstrip; it is a site of international scientific significance. The airport is most famous for hosting the NASA high-altitude balloon program, managed by the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility. During launch seasons, typically in the spring and fall, the airport becomes a hub of activity as massive stratospheric balloons are inflated and launched to the edge of space for Earth science and astrophysics research. These balloons can stay aloft for days, carrying sophisticated instruments that provide data comparable to satellite missions at a fraction of the cost.\n\nFor aviation enthusiasts, witnessing a launch is a rare and spectacular sight that draws visitors and scientists from across the country. Beyond its scientific role, Fort Sumner offers a deep dive into the legends of the American West. The town is home to the Billy the Kid Museum and the gravesite of the infamous outlaw, making the airport a popular stop for those exploring New Mexico\u2019s historical trails. The airport itself is well-suited for general aviation, offering clear approaches and the wide-open skies characteristic of the region.\n\nWhile it may lack the amenities of a large commercial hub, its unique blend of cutting-edge aerospace technology and Wild West history makes it a compelling destination. Pilots visiting FSU should be aware of potential airspace restrictions during balloon operations and are encouraged to check with the facility for specific launch schedules. Whether you are flying in to learn about the frontiers of space or the frontiers of the 19th-century West, Fort Sumner Municipal Airport provides a quiet, friendly, and intellectually stimulating environment that captures the unique spirit of the high desert.",
  "country": "United States of America",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/us.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=USD",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Military facility; prior permission required at this airport.",
    "No civilian access without authorization at this airport.",
    "Runway 03/21 for military operations only at this airport.",
    "TSA PreCheck can save 15+ minutes at this airport.",
    "Ground transport: Taxis available at arrivals curb at this airport.",
    "Security is usually quick, but allow extra time during peak departures.",
    "Check flight status before heading to airport at this airport.",
    "Keep documents easily accessible at this airport.",
    "Weather delays possible; check forecasts at this airport.",
    "Allow extra time during peak periods at this airport."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Fort+Sumner+Municipal+Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=USD",
  "iataCode": "FSU",
  "icao": "KFSU",
  "international": false,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-29",
  "latitude": 34.4834,
  "layover_planner_info": "Basic regional terminal with a pilot lounge and NASA research facilities; no on-site hotels or full-service dining.",
  "longitude": -104.217,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 30,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 60,
  "mct_interline": 110,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 60,
  "mct_international_to_international": 75,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact the Fort Sumner airport manager or your mission coordinator for local support and emergency communication.",
  "name": "Fort Sumner Municipal Airport",
  "region": "North America",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "ABQ",
      "name": "Albuquerque International Sunport"
    },
    {
      "code": "TCC",
      "name": "Tucumcari Municipal Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Fort Sumner Municipal Airport (FSU) is a public-use general aviation facility located two miles northeast of Fort Sumner in De Baca County, New Mexico. The airport features two paved runways, including the 5,802-foot primary runway (03/21), and is steeped in aviation history, having served as a major training base for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Today, it remains a critical piece of infrastructure for the high plains region, supporting agriculture, ranching, and specialized scientific research.\n\nA unique and globally significant aspect of the airport is its role as a primary launch site for NASA's high-altitude balloon program, managed by the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility. NASA maintains specialized facilities on the field, including a modified World War II-era hangar equipped with climate control for scientific payloads. The airport hosts two major balloon launch campaigns annually, typically in the spring and autumn, sending massive stratospheric balloons to near-space altitudes for planetary research and technology demonstrations. This activity brings a significant number of international scientists and aerospace technicians to the remote New Mexico community.\n\nThe passenger terminal building provides basic but essential facilities for visiting pilots and ground crews. It includes a comfortable waiting lounge, restroom facilities, and flight planning resources. The airport offers 24-hour self-service 100LL aviation fuel, and Jet A is available during staffed business hours (typically 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday). There are no scheduled commercial airline services at FSU, and all ground transportation must be pre-arranged as there are no on-demand taxis or rental agencies stationed at the airfield. The airport is conveniently located near the Billy the Kid Museum and the Pecos River, making it a frequent stop for recreational pilots touring the historic sites of eastern New Mexico.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Sumner_Municipal_Airport"
}