Flying to Mackinac Island: Airport, Air Taxi and Private-Plane Guide
Most Mackinac Island visitors arrive by ferry, but the island also has a year-round general aviation airport. Flying can be useful for winter travel, private pilots, charter passengers, and visitors comparing different ways to reach the island.
Mackinac Island Airport does not have scheduled commercial-airline service. Travelers either arrive on a private aircraft or arrange an air taxi or charter flight. Flights depend on weather, aircraft availability, passenger weight, and operating hours, so advance planning is important.
This guide explains how flying to Mackinac Island works, what current air-taxi and airport fees look like, how to reach downtown after landing, and when flying may be a practical alternative to the ferry.
Mackinac Island Airport at a Glance
Mackinac Island Airport uses the code MCD. The Mackinac Island State Park Commission owns and operates the airport. It has one lighted asphalt runway, Runway 08/26, measuring approximately 3,500 feet long and 75 feet wide.
The airport is open year-round for charter and private aircraft. State park staff maintain it during regular attended hours. Summer staffing is generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. From October through April, office hours are adjusted according to demand and staffing.
There is no fixed-base operator and no fuel service at MCD. Private pilots must plan fuel requirements before departure. The airport provides a terminal, aircraft parking, tie-down equipment, wheel chocks, and electric outlets along parts of the fence line.
Always consult current FAA information, NOTAMs, weather reports, and airport guidance before flying. Airport conditions and services can change.
Taking an Air Taxi From St. Ignace
Fresh Air Aviation currently offers on-demand flights between Mackinac County Airport in St. Ignace and Mackinac Island. Flights are scheduled according to demand, pilot availability, aircraft availability, weather, and safe weight limits.
The company states that its online form is a flight request, not a confirmed booking. A reservation is confirmed only after the company responds by phone or email. Travelers seeking a flight within 48 hours should call directly.
General operating hours are listed as 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Do not assume that an air taxi will be available after the final ferry or late at night. Confirm the exact departure time before arranging ground transportation or other connections.
Current Air-Taxi Fares
Fresh Air Aviation’s fare page lists prices effective November 1, 2025. At the time of this review, the one-way minimum for one passenger is $118. When the two-seat minimum is met, the listed one-way prices are $59 per adult, $38 for a child aged two through nine, and $29 for a dog weighing 30 pounds or more.
These amounts can change. Confirm the total fare, cancellation terms, taxes, and any additional charges directly with the operator before booking. Group, business, and high-volume rates may be available by request.
Luggage, Pets and Bicycles
Each passenger ticket currently includes up to 40 pounds of luggage. Excess weight is listed at $0.45 per pound and travels only when space and aircraft weight allow.
The operator lists a maximum size of 36 by 30 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds for each piece. Oversized or overweight items may carry an additional $10 charge. Small lap animals under 30 pounds count toward the passenger’s luggage allowance.
Bicycles are listed at $35 each way when space is available. The operator recommends renting a bicycle on Mackinac Island instead. Bike rentals are not available at the island airport, but several businesses operate downtown.
Always provide accurate passenger, pet, and luggage weights. Small-aircraft loading decisions are based on safe weight and balance limits.
What Private Pilots Should Know
MCD is a public general aviation airport with a landing fee. The airport’s current webpage lists daily fees of $15 for a single-piston aircraft, $30 for a twin-piston aircraft, and $45 for a turboprop or jet. The same amounts apply to overnight parking.
The daily landing fee covers multiple same-day landings by the same aircraft. Overnight parking applies to aircraft parked after 10:00 p.m. Monthly and annual permits may also be available.
Fees can change, so pilots should check the current airport page rather than relying on figures saved from an earlier trip. Payments can be made through the airport office. After-hours procedures are available at the terminal.
The paved ramp can accommodate a limited number of piston aircraft and small to medium jets. Grass overflow parking may be used during busy periods. Pilots should contact the airport when planning travel during major events or peak summer weekends.
Getting From Mackinac Island Airport to Downtown
Most lodging, restaurants, shops, and bicycle rentals are approximately 1.8 miles south of the airport. General motor-vehicle traffic is not permitted on Mackinac Island, so passengers continue by foot or horse-drawn taxi.
Mackinac Island State Park strongly recommends reserving the horse-drawn taxi before departing for MCD. The airport webpage currently lists a fare of $9 per person with a two-fare minimum. Confirm the fare when reserving because local transportation prices may change.
Walking is possible for some travelers, but the route includes distance and changes in elevation. Weather, luggage, footwear, and personal mobility should guide the decision. Do not assume that every traveler will find the walk easy.
Passengers who need mobility assistance should speak with both the flight operator and taxi service before booking. Boarding a small aircraft may involve steps, narrow doors, limited cabin space, and luggage restrictions. Flying is not automatically more accessible than taking a ferry.
When Flying May Be Better Than the Ferry
For many summer visitors, the ferry remains the simplest option. Ferries offer frequent seasonal departures, carry substantial luggage, and arrive directly in the downtown harbor.
Flying may be worth considering when:
- You are traveling during a period of limited or suspended ferry service.
- You are a private pilot who can safely operate at MCD.
- You need an on-demand connection during the air taxi’s confirmed operating hours.
- You prefer a short flight and can meet the aircraft’s baggage requirements.
- Your group finds the total cost reasonable after considering mainland parking and other expenses.
Flying is not guaranteed to solve a weather delay. Fog, wind, low ceilings, storms, ice, and runway conditions can affect aircraft as well as boats. Maintain a flexible schedule and confirm service before starting the trip.
If ferry service is disrupted, review our guide to Mackinac Island ferry cancellations.
Why the Airport Matters During Winter
The airport becomes especially important when winter ice stops ferry service. Mackinac State Historic Parks describes it as a major lifeline for island residents during those periods.
Air service may carry residents, workers, visitors, mail, groceries, and other essential items. However, winter flights still depend on safe weather, aircraft availability, and runway conditions. Delays and cancellations remain possible.
Travelers should confirm both outbound and return plans. A flexible reservation, extra medication, essential supplies, and an alternative schedule can reduce problems during winter weather.
Read our guide to winter ferry service to Mackinac Island for more seasonal information.
Connecting From a Commercial Airport
No scheduled commercial airline flies directly to Mackinac Island Airport. Visitors commonly fly into a regional airport and then continue by rental car, shuttle, ferry, or charter aircraft.
Pellston Regional Airport is a common choice for visitors traveling toward Mackinaw City. Chippewa County International Airport and Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City may also work depending on flight availability, price, and the traveler’s route.
Do not compare airports using distance alone. Consider flight schedules, rental-car availability, shuttle service, ferry departure times, parking, and the operating hours of any connecting air taxi.
The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau currently lists charter options that include Fresh Air Aviation, North Country Aviation, and Northwoods Aviation. Operators and routes can change, so confirm availability directly.
Use our guides to the closest airports to Mackinac Island and transportation from airports to the ferry docks when comparing routes.
Plan the Full Arrival, Not Only the Flight
A successful flight plan includes more than the aircraft. Confirm the flight, ground transportation, luggage limits, lodging check-in time, weather, and return arrangements before leaving home.
Inn on Mackinac offers a comfortable place to stay after you arrive on the island. Visit innonmackinac.com to view rooms, rates, and availability.
Category: Mackinac Island
