A Look Back At Lubbock’s Historic Preston Smith Airport

The Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport has been a staple of the Hub City for nearly 100 years, but it went by multiple names over the years. I bet you also didn't know that the airport assisted with training World War II pilots for combat operations back in the day.

The Crazy History of the Lubbock Airport

The Lubbock airport was originally established 96 years ago in 1929. Of course, back then it wasn't the international hub we have today. The airport was actually established as the "Lubbock Municipal Airfield."

After a steady growth period for about 15 years, it wasn't until WWII where the airport underwent a major transformation. You see, Lubbock turned the airport from commercial travel to a temporary training facility to train army pilots. The name was then changed to "South Plains Army Airfield."

Once the war was over, commercial air travel resumed until 1966. This was when jet service was first introduced to Lubbock. This meant that travel in and out of state was much faster and more convenient than ever before. I'm talkin' warm towels, first class lobster dinners and champagne! Okay, maybe that's a stretch, but it WAS an overall better experience for all flyers.

How Did the Lubbock Airport Get Its Name?

Here's a trivia question for you: How did the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport get it's name? Those who have lived in the Hub City since 2004 will most likely know the answer.

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In 2004, the Lubbock International Airport was renamed in honor of former Texas Governor Preston E. Smith who happened to be a proud graduate of Lubbock's own Texas Tech University.

You can always learn more about the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport from the City of Lubbock website. Here you can also see some pretty awesome throwback photos dating back to as early as 1940!