If you're flying general aviation into the Twin Cities, you have a choice: St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) at Holman Field, or Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP). They're about 10 miles apart, but the experience at each couldn't be more different.
Here's how to decide.
St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) — Holman Field
Best for: Most GA and corporate flights into the Twin Cities
STP is what most pilots picture when they think of a proper city airport. It sits right on the Mississippi River, just across from downtown St. Paul, with the longest runway in the reliever system at 6,491 feet. That's enough for most business jets.
The airport has a tower (6 AM - 10 PM weekdays, 7 AM - 10 PM weekends), precision approaches on Runways 14 and 32, and two FBOs to choose from. It's the closest airport to both downtown St. Paul (2 miles) and downtown Minneapolis (under 15 miles).
The FBOs:
St. Paul Flight Center is the locally owned operator. Competitive fuel prices, personalized service, and no chain-FBO markup. A lot of Twin Cities pilots actively choose SPFC over the alternatives.
Signature Flight Support is the national chain option. Standardized service, TailWings loyalty program, and the consistency their corporate customers expect.
The bonus: STP is the only MAC reliever airport with a restaurant — Holman's Table, located in the historic 1939 terminal building. Worth a stop even if you're not flying.
Runway info:
- 14/32: 6,491 ft x 150 ft (precision approaches both directions)
- 13/31: 4,004 ft x 150 ft
- 9/27: 3,642 ft x 100 ft
Watch out: STP's Runway 32 final approach course runs close to South St. Paul's Fleming Field (SGS). Pilots have confused the two airports, especially at night. Use your GPS and back up visual approaches with an instrument approach.
MSP International
Best for: When you specifically need the international airport
MSP is a different animal. It's a Class B primary airport with two parallel runways (12,000+ feet each), full international customs, and Delta's second-largest hub. The only GA FBO on the field is Signature Flight Support.
You'd use MSP when:
- You're picking up or dropping off passengers connecting from commercial flights
- You need international customs clearance
- Your operation specifically requires the international airport
- Your aircraft needs the longer runways
The reality: MSP is more expensive, more procedural, and less convenient for GA than any of the reliever airports. You'll pay more for fuel, more for handling, and deal with more ATC complexity. Most GA pilots in the metro avoid it unless they have a specific reason to be there.
Signature at MSP handles GA operations professionally, but this is an airline airport first. Expect to work around commercial traffic.
The Decision Framework
Default choice for GA/corporate: St. Paul Downtown (STP). The runway length handles most jets, the location is central, the FBOs are good, and the experience is built for you.
Flying a piston single or twin? Skip both — use Flying Cloud (FCM) or Anoka-Blaine (ANE) instead. They're designed for training and recreational traffic.
Need customs? MSP is your only option in the metro.
Passengers going to St. Paul? STP, obviously — it's 2 miles from downtown.
Passengers going to Minneapolis? STP is still closer than you'd think (under 15 miles). But if your passengers insist on MSP, Signature will take care of you.
Budget matters? STP wins on fuel prices, handling fees, and overall cost. MSP carries the premium you'd expect from an international airport.
Late night arrival? STP's tower closes at 10 PM but the airport remains open. MSP's tower is 24 hours if you need ATC services late.
The Bottom Line
For 90% of GA and corporate operations in the Twin Cities, St. Paul Downtown is the right answer. It gives you a real runway, professional FBO service, a central location, and none of the hassle of an airline hub. Save MSP for when you genuinely need it.