HISTORY
Strategically positioned at the heart of West Tennessee, Jackson Regional Airport (originally McKellar-Sipes Airport) has a rich history.
Founded in honor of Kenneth Douglas McKellar (1869–1957), a prominent U.S. senator from Tennessee, the airport initially bore only his name. Senator McKellar played a pivotal role in persuading the Civil Works Administration to procure the land and oversee the construction of the initial runways and structures in the winter of 1933–1934. Subsequently, during the 1930s, the Works Project Administration (WPA) spearheaded further expansions of the airport, overseeing the construction of additional buildings and various facilities.
In 1942, the airport was utilized as a military aviation training center under the command of the 68th Flying Training Detachment, 29th Flying Training Wing. Flying training was performed with PT-17 Stearman biplanes as the primary trainer. The field also had several Fairchild PT-19, Ryan PT-22 Recruits, and PT-27 Kaydets assigned. McKellar Field's infrastructure comprised administrative structures and residences for officers and enlisted personnel, surrounding a central area. Nearby, there was a centralized mess hall capable of serving 1,000 enlisted men and a select number of officers. Additionally, nearby facilities included a Post Exchange, a Service Club, and a dance floor for the convenience and recreation of the military personnel.
Following the war, the airport transitioned back to the jurisdiction of the city and county, undergoing expansions to cater to the evolving needs of Jackson and Madison County. Most wartime structures were either dismantled or relocated, with four original hangars remaining operational.
In the 1970s, the airport was renamed McKellar–Sipes Regional Airport in honor of Major Robert Ray "Buster" Sipes, a respected United States Air Force test pilot from Jackson. Major Sipes tragically lost his life in 1969 when his RF-101 Voodoo jet fighter malfunctioned during takeoff in England. Sipes heroically chose not to eject, and instead maneuvered the doomed craft away from a populated area, preventing a crash that surely would’ve impacted the occupants of an elementary school. To this day, a commemorative plaque in the Church of St. Peter & St. Paul at Steeple Aston pays tribute to his memory.
The airport maintains a military presence, housing the Tennessee Army National Guard's 1/230th Air Cavalry Squadron, equipped with UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.
The airport transitioned to civilian use post-WWII under the ownership of the City of Jackson and Madison County. The airport has expanded its footprint, acquiring over 800 acres of additional land over the years.
In December of 2024 the airport was renamed Jackson Regional Airport, following approval from the County Commission, the Mayor of Jackson, and the Mayor of Madison County.
This decision, made by the airport's board of directors and leadership team, aims to enhance the airport's accessibility and visibility for travelers outside of West Tennessee. The new name will simplify locating the airport online and improve its relevance in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find and connect with the airport and its services.
The transition marks a significant step toward strengthening the airport's regional identity and its commitment to serving travelers more effectively.
TENNESSEE’S 2024 AIRPORT OF THE YEAR
Jackson Regional Airport has been selected as Tennessee’s 2024 Airport of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the Tennessee Division of Aeronautics. Of the 79 public-use airports across the state, including 73 general aviation and 6 commercial service airports, Jackson Regional Airport received the highest recognition for its exceptional growth, safety advancements, and continued impact on the region.
The announcement was made on March 25, 2025, during the Tennessee Airports Conference in Murfreesboro, where members of the Jackson-Madison County Airport Authority and executive staff were in attendance to accept the award.
