08/17/2026
📜 The History of Bisbee-Douglas International Airport ✈️
In 1931, the Douglas Municipal Airport was completed, bringing air mail service to the area that the city enjoyed until 1935. However, by 1936, larger aircraft struggled to land under poor weather conditions, and by 1939, frequent cancellations made it clear that action was needed. Restrictions on the East-West runway added to the challenges.
In January 1940, Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) officials visited at the invitation of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce. They initially recommended extending the runway by 1,300 feet, but American Airlines’ engineers suggested a 2,000-foot extension. After a local civil engineer mapped out the proposed expansion, the CAA rejected it as unfeasible and advised finding a new location, sparking a search for an alternative site and funding.
By November 6, 1940, five potential sites were identified, and three were selected for further consideration. By July 1941, Senator Hayden announced Douglas’ inclusion in the 1942 CAA program, and the Army Corps of Engineers began surveying land. The cost of acquiring 8,000 acres from William J. Davis and Sons was set at $10,000. The Douglas and Bisbee supervisors allocated $5,000 each from road funds to secure the land.
Construction efforts began on July 15th, 1941, by Army engineers. The CAA allocated $360,000 on August 1, and by August 14, the Douglas City Council took responsibility for purchasing, operating, and maintaining the airport. Work officially began on February 1, 1942, with federal funding increased to $530,000.
On April 2, 1942, Captain Norman R. Callish of the Air Corps inspected the site, stating that the Army Air Corps was interested in the location but required the size to be increased. A week later, Army officers negotiated a lease with the city council, ensuring that scheduled airlines could also use the airport. The Army formally accepted the lease in May.
In May 1942, Col. John F. Wadman arrived to represent the Air Force’s training center. The first landing on the new airport took place in June. By July 14, Wadman was officially assigned as the first commanding officer of the Army Air Force Advanced Flying School at Douglas. Initially working out of the post office, he and his staff moved to the air base on October 4. On October 16, a branch post office was established at the base.
Total expenditures for land, leases, and infrastructure amounted to $23,402.33—$10,000 from the county, $11,442.74 from the city, and $1,959.59 from the chamber of commerce.
This marked the beginning of an important chapter in Douglas’ aviation history, paving the way for its role in military and civilian aviation. 🚀
