Ramp facilities at Piney Pinecreek Border Airport. The left-hand building and ramp is north of the border in Canada; the right-hand building and ramp, in the United States.
The airport, located at 48°59′56″N095°58′56″W / 48.99889°N 95.98222°W / 48.99889; -95.98222,[1][2] was originally located entirely within the United States. Needing to extend the runway, the owners found it could not be extended south due to a nearby road, but the land to the immediate north was unused. After arrangements were made with Canadian and Manitoba authorities, the runway was extended across the 49th parallel. The initial and extended runways were turf but have since been paved.
The airport, located in Manitoba and Minnesota, had both United States and Canada customs services and was attractive to tourists, hunters and fishermen. Ground access is available on Manitoba Highway 89 and Minnesota State Highway 89.
The airport permanently closed on December 27, 2024[5] after a December 26 expiration of an international agreement.[6]
History
An airport for the town of Pinecreek was proposed by resident Eugene Simmons in 1949, to expedite cross-border general aviation traffic. The airport initially opened on July 29, 1953, with a runway terminating just before the international border. To allow operation of larger aircraft, a 1150-foot extension was proposed in 1972. However, this had to cross the Canada–US border and required extensive negotiation between local and national governments. The extended runway and bi-national airport was dedicated on July 28, 1978.[7]
Citing declining usage and significant impending repair costs, it was announced that the airport was scheduled for permanent closure on December 27, 2024.[5] Costs for runway resurfacing and other repairs required to bring the airport up to current safety standards were estimated at $3.8 million.[8] As joint owner, the rural municipality of Piney, Manitoba was responsible for almost half of these costs, which they were unable to raise.[9] Without funding for repairs, officials from both governments elected not to renew the international agreement required to continue airport operations past this date.
Facilities and aircraft
Piney Pinecreek Border Airport covered an area of 61 acres (25 ha) at an elevation of 1,082 ft (330 m) above mean sea level.[1][2] It had one asphalt paved runway designated 15/33 which measured 3,297 by 75 ft (1,005 by 23 m).[1][2]
For the 12-month period ending May 31, 2011, the airport had 3,000 general aviation aircraft operations, an average of 250 per month.[1]
Two aprons allowed passengers to deplane in either country and walk to the respective customs authority. Pilots and passengers in Canada needed to walk across Provincial Trunk Route 89 to report to CBSA, while in the US, the border station was located on the airport side of Minnesota State Highway 89. Fuel tanks were located on the US side. Employees were allowed to cross into airport property located in the opposite country.[10]
