Mackinac Island Airport

A small island airport with big planning questions

Mackinac Island Airport (FAA MCD, ICAO KMCD) is about 1 NM northwest of the town of Mackinac Island, Michigan, in the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. It is a public-use airport owned by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. FAA data list a field elevation of 741 ft, no control tower, and a single asphalt runway, 08/26, of 3,501 ft by 75 ft.

Those numbers shape every decision. A 3,501 ft runway suits piston aircraft, turboprops and some light jets, but many midsize and larger business jets will not have the performance to operate safely, especially on a wet runway or at high weight. Check aircraft performance, operator approvals and any company minimum runway policies before planning Mackinac as the destination.

Operating at an untowered field

With no tower, traffic is self-announced on the common traffic advisory frequency and IFR clearances are coordinated with the en-route centre. Summer weekends can be busy with visiting general aviation, and lake weather can change quickly. Check the current FAA chart supplement, NOTAMs and any airport-specific procedures for parking, ramp fees and operating hours before departure.

Getting from the aircraft to the island

Mackinac Island is famous for restricting motor vehicles, so passenger movements are very different from a typical airport. Expect horse-drawn taxis, bicycles or walking rather than a car at the aircraft, and plan luggage handling with your accommodation in advance. That makes it important to tell passengers what to expect, and to confirm ground arrangements before the flight rather than on arrival.

Alternates and the larger-jet option

When the aircraft is too large for KMCD, or as an alternate in poor weather, operators commonly look at airports on the mainland such as Pellston Regional (KPLN) in northern Michigan or Chippewa County International (KCIU) near Sault Ste. Marie, followed by a ferry crossing or a shorter onward flight. Confirm the current runway, fuel and services at the alternate for your aircraft and date.

We recommend that the alternate is chosen together with the ground plan: if passengers will finish the journey by ferry, check timetables and seasonal operation, as service on the Straits is limited in winter.

International flights into the United States

Mackinac Island is not where an international flight should expect to clear US Customs. Aircraft arriving from abroad must first land at a designated airport of entry or a landing-rights airport, with prior notice, then continue to KMCD as a domestic leg. Plan the arrival around a customs airport that suits the aircraft and timing.

• eAPIS: submit electronic advance passenger information for crew and passengers on international arrivals and departures within the required timeframes.
• Customs notice: arrange arrival notice or landing rights with CBP at the airport of entry.
• Foreign operators: commercial flights by non-US operators need the appropriate US DOT authority; private flights by foreign-registered aircraft may need other permissions. Our landing permits team can review your case.
• Ocean crossings: transatlantic legs need oceanic planning — see our North Atlantic oceanic clearance page.

Fuel and services

Fuel and services at small seasonal airports can be limited or change by season. Confirm fuel grade, quantity, payment and hours directly with the airport before departure, and consider tankering from a larger airport where uplift is confirmed. Our aviation fuel team can help plan uplift for the wider trip.

What LFS coordinates for a KMCD trip

LFS can help with flight planning, weather and NOTAM briefing, the international entry sequence (eAPIS, customs notice and airport-of-entry handling), fuel at the clearing airport, and crew hotels and transport. We do not operate at Mackinac Island and cannot confirm local services on the airport's behalf; local arrangements are verified directly with the airport and providers.

Information to send

• Aircraft type, registration and performance limits on a 3,501 ft runway.
• Origin, planned airport of entry if international, and UTC schedule.
• Crew and passenger details for eAPIS.
• Ground needs on the island and whether a mainland alternate plus ferry is acceptable.