Chippewa County International Airport – CIU Airport
Chippewa County International Airport is located 17 miles south of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It is a public use airport that’s owned by the CCEDC or Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation. The airport was formerly known as Kincheloe Air Force Base. The airport is recognized as a non-hub primary commercial service facility, used mostly for general aviation.
Best Time to Visit
The history of CIU Airport began when the Kincheloe Air Force Base was closed in March 1977. In April 1987, the CCEDC assumed responsibility in managing the airport. Today, Delta Connection offers regular scheduled flights to Detroit and Minneapolis. The airport covers 1,850 acres of land and has two runways. A new terminal was opened in September 2002 and while the airport offers passenger service, it is mostly used for general aviation. As of August 2018, the airport has seen 3,457 aircraft operations, averaging 9 operations in a day. McMillan Township, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City also benefit from the services in CIU Airport.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The nearest hotels from Chippewa County International Airport are 20 minutes away or more. The nearest, Willabee’s Motel offers simple accommodations and basic amenities but is a short 23-minute drive to the airport. The Best Western Sault Ste. Marie offers contemporary accommodations plus an indoor pool and is 22 minutes away from the airport. Lastly, the Super 8 by Wyndham Sault Ste. Marie is a more modern option with spacious rooms and is 24 minutes from the hotel.
Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport is found in the same city as CIU and is only 22 minutes drive away from the international airport.
