BRANSON, Mo. (AP) The first privately-funded commercial airport in the United States is now in operation in Branson.
The new $155 million Branson Airport opened May 11 and welcomed its first flight when Sun Country Airlines flight SY509 arrived at 9 a.m. with passengers from the Minneapolis area. Each passenger on the flight received gift bags from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
The opening of the airport was the culmination of three days of activities that included an air show that airport officials say drew an estimated 50,000 people.
Once tiny, Branson has grown in recent decades into a mecca of shows and entertainment. Construction on the airport began two years ago. The airport said it provides “concierge-level” service to customers.
