The history and development of the Bluegrass Airport parallels and mirrors the evolution of air travel in dozens of cities throughout the United States. Discovery of aviation and second- hand accounts of thrilling exploits by early aviators captured the imagination of Americans and created a sense of adventure. Exposure to early air shows, along with reports of air battles by heroic World War I flying aces, created great curiosity throughout the county about aviation. Lexington was no exception.
Early ventures into aviation and airports included it first landing strip, Halley Field (located at present day Meadowthorpe) and attempts in 1927 to transform Halley Field into a viable business concern. Halley Field was the site of the 1928 visit from famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh, who pronounced the landing strip as inadequate for the aviation needs of the times. Subsequently, the Great Depression prevented Halley Field from being a viable business and it closed in 1933. Another airport called Cool Meadow Airport was built in 1930 near Newtown Pike and operated for some time with air taxi and airmail service.
As interest grew in air travel and air transport of cargo and mail, Lexington city officials began advocating for a municipal airport that would facilitate private travel, business concerns, an one that be beneficial to national defense. In 1940 a process began which would culminate in the establishment of what would eventually become Blue Grass Airport. It started with the purchase of 523 acres of land on Versailles Road in 1940. After Civil Aeronautics Board recommendations and because of World War II was imminent, construction of Blue Grass Field began in 1941. Construction was achieved swiftly, and what had started with local officials applying to the federal government for permission to build the airport became a project accomplished with federal and state grants in addition to local funds. Blue Grass Field was built as a WPA project costing $1 million. IN 1942 the first aircraft to land at Blue Grass Field was an Army Air Corps B-25 bomber.
The fledgling airport became an important part of the war effort that was used for training and supply, which led to airport improvements being added. Toward the end of World War II, after the military had taken over the operation of the airport, the benefits of being an effective facility for the movement of cargo, enabled Blue Grass Field to begin its conversion to a post- war commercial airport. After relocation of a hanger from Cool Meadow Airfield to Blue Grass Field and obtaining permission from the U.S. Government to build a terminal, ceremonies and air shows marked the opening of a new chapter for the airport.
Since that time the fortunes and circumstances of the airport have ebbed and flowed with the ups and downs of the airline industry, changes in technology and the growth of the country and the Lexington Region. The first fire/rescue building was built in 1945 and the construction of the first terminal building was completed in 1946. Dedication of the facility as a municipal airport took place on November 10, 1946, with ten thousand people in attendance. The opening of the Airport coincide with the development of larger more powerful aircraft resulting in an almost instant deficit in runway length.
After a period of seeking government approval and funding for a modern control tower and additions to the airport’s terminal space to took years of negotiating with the federal government to obtain funds to be applied to runway extension. When the runway was finally extended in 1958, four engine passenger aircraft began regular service to Lexington. As timing would have it, jet- powered aircraft use was becoming more prevalent and naturally city officials began lobbying airline companies to convince them to bring their jets to Blue Grass Field. They were successful in obtaining a federal grant to extend the runway yet again to handle jet traffic. IN 1965, jet landings and take-offs were tested and found successful but airline companies declined to bring jets to Lexington opting instead to use airports with longer runways and more aircraft services. Both Military and commercial entities were also concerned with Blue Grass Field’s lack of advanced safety and emergency equipment even though their safety record was exemplary. After many discussions and extensive research about how to improve airport safety, a 1,000 foot runway extension was completed in the late 1960s leading to increased jet traffic coming to the airport in 1968. Additional safety equipment and infrastructure was put in place in the early 1970s. The development of Blue Grass Field continued with a new terminal building being completed in 1976. Passenger comfort and convenience was improved with the new terminal and the number of flights increased.
The 1980s brought an era of growth for Blue Grass Field and it was renamed Blue Grass Airport in 1984. in the late 1980s an expansion included gate areas and concourses as well as shops and additional restaurant. Today, Blue Grass Airport serves over 1 million people and more than 600 horses each year. It has kept pace with general (or private) air travel, which accounts for sixty- five percent of airport operations by completing a relocated 4,000 foot general aviation runway in 2010. The runway upgrade augmented safety for lighter corporate and private aircrafts in crosswinds. The airport’s commercial traffic utilizes the primary 7,000 foot runway. State-of-the-art security has been in place since 2002 and another concourse addition was put into service and several new concessions were opened during 2007 and 2008. Over the years, rental car facilities have expanded and improved as well. Excellent customer service, state-of-the- art amenities, convenience and comfort for the airport’s guest provides a seamless welcome that starts at the airport and extends into the surrounding Lexington area.
Airline partners have changed over the years; from the first commercial flights being provided by Delta Air Lines and Eastern Airlines to today’s carriers the airport has adapted as the industry has changed. Current airline partners are Delta, U.S. Airways, American, United, and Allegiant Air. Today, Blue Grass Airports serves regional and national travelers with destination to major hub airports such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, New York, and Chicago-O’Hare. Top passenger destinations include Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Punta Gorda, Washington D.C. and Atlanta.
Blue Grass Airport is proud to have accomplished more than sixty-five years of service to the Lexington area and more than fifty-four surrounding counties. Located six mile from downtown Lexington, service to the community is facilitated by a ten member board of director appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Urban County Council. The airport is proud to employ ninety employees and serves the community beyond airport operations through involvement in community outreach. Members of management serve on various boards of nonprofits, and civic organizations including the Bluegrass Hospitality Associations, Hospice of the Bluegrass, and the Kentucky Blood Center. Employees of the airport participate in community and charity events as well. Blue Grass Airport is home to the Aviation Museum of Kentucky and partners with regional educators to provide opportunities for children to learn about history and airport operations. Blue Grass Airport—an exciting history, service to the community, education of future generations and dedication to the growth and viability of Lexington’s future—all the ingredients for embarking on a journey of continued success.
