Welcome to Tradewind Airport. This airport is located in Randall County, Texas, just southeast of Amarillo. It sits three nautical miles from the city center. Tradewind Airport opened in 1946, thanks to Shelby Kritser. After his tragic death in 1966, the airport changed hands a few times. Jimmy Whittenburg ran it until 2001. Now, Perry Williams owns and operates the airport. In 2014, a new FBO building was built. The airport also has maintenance facilities and private air carriers. In 2022, Shelby's Restaurant opened on the field to honor its founder. Tradewind Airport serves as a key hub for general aviation in the area.

Live Air Traffic

Tradewind Airport is a busy hub for general aviation in Amarillo, Texas. It sits just three nautical miles southeast of the city center. The airport opened in 1946 and has a rich history. Shelby Kritser founded it and ran it until his tragic death in 1966. After that, Jimmy Whittenburg took over until 2001. Now, Perry Williams owns and operates the airport. In 2014, a new FBO building opened. The airport also has maintenance facilities and private air carriers. In 2022, Shelby's Restaurant opened on the field to honor Shelby Kritser. Travelers can enjoy a meal while watching the planes take off and land.

Basic information about airport

Airport code: KTDW
Type: small
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Amarillo
IATA: TDW
Longitude: -101.825996399
Latitude: 35.1698989868

Tradewind Airport on Google Maps

metkaAmarillo
Today 17 °C / 62.6 °F
  • sunScattered clouds
  • humidityHumidity: 28
  • WindWind: 11.09 m/sec
Fri

9 C / 48.2 °F

Sat

2 C / 35.6 °F

Sun

-0 C / 32 °F

Mon

8 C / 46.4 °F

Tue

9 C / 48.2 °F

Royse City Tradewind Airport: Your Welcome to the Heart of Texas

Introduction

Located in the heart of the Lone Star State, Tradewind Airport (IATA: TDW) began life as a general aviation facility to support Amarillo, Texas soon after its dedication and opening for flight operations back in 1946. The facility has a significant history as well, serving the Amarillo area and region from its central location just 3 nautical miles southeast of downtown.

Airlines and Destinations

Currently, Tradewind Airport is not used by any commercial airlines with scheduled departures as of 2009. On the contrary, this is a major hub for private jets and charter aircraft visiting exotic destinations or enthusiasts that come here from all over the world on their business or vacationing endeavors.

Passenger and Flight Numbers

Tradewind Airport is a small airport and very few people go through the terminal. General aviation is the airport's primary service, which had 115 aircraft based at this facility as of February 2024. While specific passenger and flight counts for the airport are not made available, it plays a key role in aviation hubs within proximity.

How to Get Here

Tradewind Airport is just minutes away from central Amarillo. The airport is conveniently located near the I-27 South after exiting at Tradewind Airport/Amarillo Blvd East. Coordinates for this airport are 35.16946, -101.82566.

Parking

Parking is available at the airport for visitors and pilots. The parking facilities of the airport are absolutely accessible and free, hence it can be an easy alternative for those who are landing in their private or charter aircraft.

Transportation Price

Given that Tradewind Airport is mainly used for private and chartered flights, transportation does not have a pricing economy. Ground transfer is to be independently organized by travelers through rental and rideshare companies or other means.

Terminal Layout

Single terminal building, serving general aviation needs. The terminal is simple in layout, with access to the airport's two runways: 5/23 and 17/35.

Navigate the Airport

Navigating Tradewind Airport is a breeze. As most passengers at the airport are tourists, the airport has a small terminal and helpful signage. The approach plates, instrument departures and other terminal procedures serve as a guide to help pilots avoid confusion before starting an arrival or departure.

Getting Between Terminals

Being a single-terminal at Tradewind Airport, you need not worry about moving across terminals. All facilities in the airport are accessible to passengers and pilots through a single terminal building.

Services and Amenities

The controlling company's services and facilities are marketed at private and charter aviation customers alike, called Tradewind Airport. Services at W29 also include fuel, aircraft maintenance shops and the new Shelby's Restaurant honoring airport namesake Shelby Kritser.

Restaurants and Shops

The airport is classified as a general aviation airfield located within 15 miles of the city center, with three runways and an established control tower on site. It mainly serves corporations and GA jet aircraft but has no commercial airlines or passenger flights available for public use at this time; the exception being some charter executive jets based there that offer limited commercial pilot service when requested by passengers through their local agent in advance so others can also provide services such as fueling them out instead! Shelby's Restaurant, located right in the terminal and recently opened to replace a previous restaurant here, now offers the main dine-in experience on-site for visitors.

Security and Customs

Tradewind Airport is designed as a general aviation airport and thus lacks the same level of security and customs procedures common at larger commercial airports. Passengers are required to ensure that they comply with the rules and requirements applicable upon entering or leaving the airport.

Accessibility

Its accessibility for all visitors is second to none, with highly visible signage and immaculately equipped facilities throughout Tradewind Airport. Its small size makes it easily manageable for those participating in the service, as there is no distance between the check-in area and the gate.

Travel Tips

Due to the nature of its function as a facility catering primarily for private and charter aviation, if your travels take you through Tradewind Airport, be sure that it pairs up well with both arriving and departing flights. For more important information, additional details about the meteorological conditions or airspace limitations that might impact travelers in their trips.