TALLAHASSEE REGIONAL AIRPORT




The curbfront of the old TLH terminal building in the mid-1970s.

The Tallahassee Regional Airport was opened as an all-new airport in 1961, replacing Dale Mabry Field as the airfield for Florida's capital city. The new facility included two runways, set at right angles to one another, although only the north-south runway was opened in the first phase.


An aerial view of the then-new TLH shortly after it was opened in 1961. The terminal building was located along the north-south runway. Note the east-west runway, which was unfinished when the airport was completed. Today it is used as TLH's primary air carrier runway.
Source: State of Florida photographic collection


The first arrival (left) and departure (right) at the new TLH, both made by Eastern Martin 404s. Note the low-profile terminal and open-air concourse in the background. From the State of Florida photographic archives

Architects chose a fairly straightforward design for the terminal building: a single rectangular structure with the ticket lobby on the north side and baggage reclaim on the south. A departure lounge, restaurant and concession area were located in the center of the structure. Aircraft parked along a narrow open-air pier projecting from the center of the terminal.


Two views of the TLH ticket lobby taken before the terminal was opened in 1961. Note the rental-car counters are located in this area as well, instead of in the baggage claim area, as is common today. Southern would begin Tallahassee flights in 1969. All photos from the State of Florida photographic archives


An interesting view of TLH's curbside drop-off area before the airport was opened in 1961.


The restaurant and gift shop, both of which were located on the south side of the rather small main lobby, kitty-cornered to the ticket counters.


The open-air boarding concourse at TLH, shown before the terminal was opened to the public. The 'gates' were just that: openings to the aircraft apron!

Interestingly, the control tower was located offsite, which was rare for the early 1960s. Most terminals built during this era included a control tower atop the building.


The entrance road to TLH in the early 1960s. Note the 'modern' airport sign and adjacent restaurant.


Looking down on the TLH terminal from above in the mid-1960s. A Boeing 727 is parked along the narrow pier; at the time, TLH was served by Eastern and National.


Two views of the TLH ticket lobby in the 1970s. Eastern occupied the counter closest to the lobby, followed by National, then Southern and Air Florida (who began service in 1969 and 1972, respectively.)


An aerial photo of the Tallahassee terminal in the 1970s. No aircraft are parked at the gates.
Source (all photos): State of Florida photographic collection

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, several modifications were made to the terminal to enhance passenger comfort. The boarding pier was enclosed and two holdrooms were added along its length. A rotunda was built at the end of the pier with more holdrooms for a total of six aircraft gates.

The improvements were made just in time for new service began in the wake of Deregulation. National was acquired by Pan Am, which shut down its TLH station shortly thereafter; however, Delta, Piedmont and USAir all began service.


Looking across the apron at the new rotunda gate area added to TLH in the late 1970s or early 1980s. Note the National boarding stairs parked on the apron. Source: State of Florida photographic collection

Despite the improvements, it was clear that a new terminal with more modern passenger amenities was needed. Officials began planning for a new facility along the recently completed east-west runway. Ground was broken for the new terminal in late 1986.


Three views of the old TLH taken in 1988, the year before the new terminal opened. An Eastern DC9 and Comair Brasilia are visible in the third photo. Photos by Tom Moore

The new Ivan Munroe Terminal was opened December 3, 1989. All operations transferred to the new facility; the old terminal became the Tallahassee Aero Space Center, a general aviation facility and fixed-base operator. It is still standing in that capacity today.


A satellite view of the former TLH terminal in 1997. Note the large number of general aviation aircraft parked on the former terminal ramp.

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