The Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport, notable for its runway straddling the border between the United States and Canada, will close permanently on Friday. Located near Roseau, Minnesota, and Piney, Manitoba, this airport has served as a rare aviation link between the two countries since it opened in 1953. Despite its unique location and historical significance, the airport's closure comes as a result of dwindling usage and substantial maintenance costs.
Since its inception with a grass runway, the Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport has been a distinctive feature of cross-border transportation. In 1978, a paved runway was introduced, making it the only airport among the six straddling the US-Canada border to have such an upgrade. This facility has allowed airport staff to cross between the two countries without going through the typical customs process, under an exceptional international agreement.
The airport has primarily catered to American travelers venturing into Canada for hunting and fishing excursions. However, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the airport "had very low use and faced large maintenance expenses including runway, apron, and terminal reconstruction." These financial burdens have been a significant factor in the decision to close the airport.
Additionally, the international agreement that enabled its operation is set to expire on December 26. Neither party involved in the agreement has opted to renew it, sealing the airport's fate. The expiration of this agreement marks the end of an era for an airport that has been operational for seven decades.
