Finding the right runway in West Texas isn't always as straightforward as looking at a map and picking the closest dot. If you're heading to the "Oasis of West Texas," you basically have one direct option and a handful of "I guess I could drive from there" backups. San Angelo is a bit isolated. That's part of its charm, honestly. But when you're trying to book a flight for a wedding or a business meeting at Goodfellow Air Force Base, that isolation can be a bit of a headache.
You’ve probably noticed that flight prices to smaller regional hubs can be, well, spicy.
Most people just default to the local San Angelo Regional Airport, which is totally fine if you don't mind a layover in Dallas. But if you're looking for a direct flight from somewhere else, or you’re trying to save a few hundred bucks by driving a couple of hours, you have to look at the surrounding landscape. Let’s break down the actual reality of airports near San Angelo so you don't end up stranded or overpaying.
San Angelo Regional Airport (SJT): The Front Door
If you want to land as close to the Concho River as possible, San Angelo Regional Airport (also known as Mathis Field) is your spot. It’s located about 10 miles southwest of the city.
Currently, the commercial side of things is dominated by American Airlines. Specifically, their regional wing, American Eagle. They run several flights a day, but here’s the kicker: they almost all go to Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW).
If you're flying in from anywhere else in the world, you’re likely going to see a "DFW -> SJT" leg on your itinerary. It’s a short flight—usually about an hour in the air—but the prices can fluctuate wildly depending on how many people are heading to the base or the university that week.
The Good, The Bad, and The Propeller
- The Good: You land, you grab your bags, and you're at your hotel in 15 minutes. It’s tiny, so security is usually a breeze.
- The Bad: Limited carrier options. If American has a delay in Dallas, you’re basically stuck because there aren't other airlines to pivot to.
- The Reality: It's a "regional" airport in every sense of the word. Don't expect a sprawling food court. Think more along the lines of a vending machine and maybe a small café.
Abilene Regional Airport (ABI): The Next Door Neighbor
About 90 miles to the north sits Abilene. It’s the closest "other" airport to San Angelo. If SJT is sold out or the prices are insane, check Abilene.
Driving from Abilene to San Angelo takes roughly an hour and 45 minutes via US-277. It’s a straight shot through a lot of flat land and wind turbines. Like San Angelo, Abilene is heavily reliant on American Eagle flights to DFW. Sometimes, for reasons known only to airline algorithms, flying into Abilene is $200 cheaper than flying into San Angelo.
Is it worth a nearly two-hour drive to save $200? For some, yeah. For others, the gas and the rental car hassle cancel out the savings.
Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF): The Wildcard
Now, if you want more variety in airports near San Angelo, you have to look West to Midland. Midland International (MAF) is about 125 miles from San Angelo, which is roughly a two-hour-and-fifteen-minute drive.
Why bother with Midland? Because they have Southwest Airlines and United.
🔗 Read more: Why Johnson Hall Museum Wells Maine Still Matters for Coastal History Fans
Having Southwest in the mix is a game-changer for prices and bag fees. If you’re coming from Houston, Austin, or even Denver, you might find a direct flight into Midland that bypasses the Dallas layover entirely. The drive from Midland to San Angelo via TX-158 and US-87 is actually pretty easy, though you’ll be sharing the road with a lot of oil field trucks.
Pro Tip: If you're renting a car in Midland to drive to San Angelo, check the "drop-off" fees. Some agencies charge a fortune if you don't return the car to the same airport.
The Big Hubs: Austin, San Antonio, and DFW
Sometimes the "nearby" airports aren't actually nearby. But if you’re traveling internationally or from the West Coast, landing at a major hub and driving the rest of the way is a legitimate strategy.
- San Antonio International (SAT): About 210 miles away (3.5 hours). This is a popular choice for people coming from the south or looking for a more "scenic" drive through the Hill Country.
- Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS): Also about 210 miles away. The drive from Austin to San Angelo is actually quite nice once you get past Fredericksburg. You’ll see plenty of Texas Bluebonnets if it’s the right season.
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): It’s 230 miles away (roughly 4 hours). Honestly, unless you just love driving on I-20, you’re better off just taking the hopper flight from DFW into San Angelo.
Why Location Matters for Goodfellow AFB
If you are a member of the military or a family member visiting someone at Goodfellow Air Force Base, pay close attention to your orders or travel vouchers. Most official travel will require you to fly into SJT unless it's significantly more expensive. However, if you're coming in for a graduation, flying into San Antonio or Austin and renting a car can sometimes turn a stressful travel day into a mini-road trip through the best parts of Texas.
A Quick Word on General Aviation
For those who fly their own planes or use charters, San Angelo is actually great. Mathis Field has plenty of space, and there are smaller strips like Skyline Airport (E10) that cater to private pilots. But for the 99% of us flying commercial, it's a choice between the convenience of SJT and the potential savings of MAF or ABI.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Check SJT first: Start with American Airlines' website. If the round trip is under $450, it’s usually not worth the drive from another city.
- Compare with Midland (MAF): If SJT is over $600, look at Southwest flights into Midland. Even with a rental car, you might come out ahead.
- Look at the clock: Remember that San Angelo is in the Central Time Zone. If you’re driving from El Paso (Mountain Time), you lose an hour.
- Book the morning flight: West Texas weather can get wild in the afternoons (thunderstorms and wind). Morning flights into SJT are statistically less likely to be diverted back to Dallas.
When looking at airports near San Angelo, the "best" one depends entirely on where you're starting and how much you value your time versus your wallet. For most, the local SJT airport is the winner, but having Midland or Abilene in your back pocket can save a trip when the DFW connection fails.