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Our History

Historical data provided based on old data and research from our LETU part-time student for a school project. Amber Campbell. 

History of East Texas Regional Airport

The idea for what would become the East Texas Regional Airport began in 1935, when a group of local citizens began promoting the benefits of a modern airport for Gregg County. After years of advocacy, a bond election was held in November 1940, and county voters approved issuing $200,000 in bonds to help fund the project. Construction costs were estimated at about $540,000, and a Work Projects Administration (WPA) grant provided over $500,000 toward the remainder. This funding also supported hiring up to 800 workers to build the facility.

Gregg County purchased 800 acres of land for the airport location after evaluating several possible sites. O.L. Forsgard, a city engineer from Gladewater and an A&M graduate, prepared the airport’s design, which was approved by the Civil Aeronautics Authority (the predecessor of the FAA). Construction was substantially completed in June 1945, and on July 15, 1947, the airport and its terminal were officially opened. The grand opening drew thousands of people and featured the first commercial airline arrivals.

Initially named Gregg County Airport, it opened with two runways — the current Runway 18/36 and Runway 04/22. Early improvements included lighting systems, paved aprons, and an Instrument Landing System (ILS). Commercial service began immediately after opening, with Mid‑Continent Airlines and Delta Air Lines providing flights.

Growth Through the Mid‑20th Century

Over the next two decades, continuous investment expanded and modernized the airport. Among the most significant upgrades was the construction of a 10,000‑foot paved runway (13/31) in 1970, making Gregg County Airport one of the first civilian airports in Texas and the Southwest to have a runway of that length. This long runway attracted larger commercial and military aircraft.

When the FAA introduced Part 139 airport certification requirements in the early 1970s, Gregg County Airport became one of the first in Texas to employ both certified Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel and certified law enforcement officers on site. In 1976, a new Air Traffic Control Tower and updated ARFF station were added to support the airport’s expanding operations.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, the airport continued to be modernized with a mix of FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and county funding. Key projects included:

  • Installing perimeter security fencing and access roads

  • Resurfacing runways and taxiways

  • Renovating the terminal building (completed in 1988)

  • Building an aircraft maintenance facility (mid‑1980s)

  • Extending utilities, including water and sewer, to industrial parks on airport property.

Reflecting its growing importance to the entire region, Gregg County Airport was renamed East Texas Regional Airport in 2002. That year, the airport received FAA grants for significant infrastructure projects, including:

  • Renovating the ARFF facility and terminal apron

  • Constructing a new Taxiway Mike

  • Converting the former Runway 04/22 into Taxiway November
     These enhancements improved aircraft movement and safety while preparing the airport for future growth.

Today, East Texas Regional Airport remains an essential transportation hub serving Longview, Kilgore, and the East Texas region. It has two asphalt runways:

  • Runway 13/31 — 10,000 feet long

  • Runway 18/36 — 6,110 feet long
    Commercial service continues with scheduled flights to major hubs, and the facility supports general aviation, flight training, and military operations.

The airport also hosts community events like the Great Texas Balloon Race, which has been held annually since 1980. Ongoing upgrades and recent funding — including a $10 million state grant for infrastructure improvements in 2025 — underscore the airport’s continued evolution and economic impact in the region.