5 Largest Airports in Kentucky

The Bluegrass State is best known for the Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Derby. However, the state is also home to several major airports that play a pivotal role in connecting Kentuckians to the rest of the country—and the world. There are 59 airports in Kentucky. If you’re curious to know which one offers the best amenities, or if you’re trying to avoid the hustle and bustle of busy airports, this list is for you! Let’s explore the five largest airports in Kentucky.

1. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

The first airport on this list is technically located in Hebron, Kentucky. It serves northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati, Ohio region. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has been open since 1947, and it welcomed more than 7.6 million passengers in 2022. CVG is one of the primary airports for this part of Kentucky, and it’s also a major hub for the Cincinnati metropolitan area. This Kentucky airport spans 7,700 acres and has to main concourses.

This airport is a major hub for passengers as well as cargo flights. CVG is the sixth largest cargo airport in North America, and globally, it’s the 12th largest. It has approximately 11,203 cargo landings annually. Offering a wide range of domestic and international flights, CVG has over 300 routes and 56 airlines. The airport’s strategic location and modern facilities make it a prime player in the region’s air-travel hub. This airport has over 16,000 employees and continues to contribute to the local economy. 

2. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

Did you know that the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky? It’s only fitting that one of Kentucky’s largest airports is named after this legend. The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is a major transportation hub, and it welcomes well over three million passengers annually. 2019 was SDF’s best year to date, ushering 4.2 million passengers through arrivals and departures. This airport takes up 1,500 acres, has two concourses with 24 boarding gates.

SDF is the largest source of employment in the Louisville Metro area. As of 2018, the Louisville Airport provided 83,000 jobs. Even more, SDF is the fourth largest cargo airport in the world and the second busiest cargo airport in North America. As a strategically located cargo hub, SDF specializes in packages and freights. The Louisville Airport is also home to Worldport, which is a sorting and logistics facility. Worldport is one of the largest automated package-handling facilities worldwide. It is operated by UPS. The strategic placement of Worldport only enhances the economic viability of SDF by providing more job opportunities in Louisville. 

3. Blue Grass Airport

Located in Lexington, the heart of Kentucky’s horse country, is the Blue Grass Airport. The LEX airport sees over 1.3 million passengers each year, and in December 2023 alone, the Blue Grass Airport welcomed 107,702 people. This Kentucky airport is especially important for travelers wanting to partake in the equestrian culture that Lexington has to offer. Over the years, the LEX airport has experienced immense growth and improvements. For example, in fall 2024, LEX will open a 50,000-square-foot hangar. The Blue Grass Airport takes up 911 acres and has two runways.

4. Tri-State/Milton J. Ferguson Field

The Tri-State/Milton J. Ferguson Field is located in Ashland, Kentucky. This airport serves the tri-state area of Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. While this airport is the second smallest on the list, it is vital to the local communities and offers regional connectivity. This airport spans 1,300 acres, but unlike Lexington’s airport, it only has one runway.

5. Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport

The Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport is located in Owensboro, Kentucky. This airport plays a crucial role in connecting western Kentucky to a plethora of locations. In 1949, the Owensboro Airport was built after a nearby plane accident in 1945. The OWB airport is important to the local community, while also being easily accessible to nearly a million people in the Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee regions. This airport covers 880 acres.

Visiting Airports in Kentucky

Kentucky’s largest airports offer transportation and connectivity to local communities. They also provide economic benefits to the areas in which they reside. From the bustling airport in Louisville to the small regional airport in Owensboro, these airports continue to inform air travel across Kentucky. 

Summary of 5 Largest Airports in Kentucky