NOTE: This post was written by Tommy Dickey. Tommy was my spring intern from the Boise State University Department of History. He assisted me in researching stories for my blog.
By Tommy Dickey
Boise’s first airport was built in 1926, where Boise State University is today. The city began purchasing land at the current location in 1936. By 1938, it boasted the world’s longest runway at 8,000 feet.
In 1961 the number of enplaned passengers was 86,000. That number reached 148,000 by 1966.
The City of Boise ran a general obligation bond election in 1967 to enlarge and remodel the airport terminal, providing better passenger services and more access for automobiles and parking. Don Duvall and the five-man Airport Commission advocated for the bond by speaking at forums to businessmen, ladies’ luncheons, and late-evening community gatherings. The bond issue passed with an overwhelming 75 percent voting in favor. It cost roughly $1.5 million.
The Boise airport has continued to adapt. The terminal has undergone several major remodels since the 1967 vote. In 2022 the Boise Airport reached almost 4.5 million passengers and is currently home to eight airlines.
By Tommy Dickey
Boise’s first airport was built in 1926, where Boise State University is today. The city began purchasing land at the current location in 1936. By 1938, it boasted the world’s longest runway at 8,000 feet.
In 1961 the number of enplaned passengers was 86,000. That number reached 148,000 by 1966.
The City of Boise ran a general obligation bond election in 1967 to enlarge and remodel the airport terminal, providing better passenger services and more access for automobiles and parking. Don Duvall and the five-man Airport Commission advocated for the bond by speaking at forums to businessmen, ladies’ luncheons, and late-evening community gatherings. The bond issue passed with an overwhelming 75 percent voting in favor. It cost roughly $1.5 million.
The Boise airport has continued to adapt. The terminal has undergone several major remodels since the 1967 vote. In 2022 the Boise Airport reached almost 4.5 million passengers and is currently home to eight airlines.
Map from a 1967 brochure showing "Boise's Strategic Location."
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