The Minnesota Department of Transportation Explains Why Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport Will Close on Friday

The Minnesota Department of Transportation stated that the the Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport would be closed down because it has low usage and high maintenance cost. The airport, renowned for its unique runway that straddles the border between the United States and Canada, is set to close permanently on Friday after more than seventy years of operation. Located near Roseau, Minnesota, and Piney, Manitoba, this small but distinctive airport has served the region since its opening in 1953.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced earlier this month that the closure is due to the airport's very low usage and significant maintenance costs. These expenses included the need for extensive reconstruction of the runway, apron, and terminal. Additionally, the international agreement essential for the airport's operation is set to expire on December 26 and will not be renewed by either owner.

Initially featuring a grass runway, the airport upgraded to a paved runway in 1978, making it the only one among six border-straddling airports to have this feature. This made it a popular choice for Americans traveling to Canada for hunting and fishing expeditions.

One of the distinctive aspects of Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport was the ability of its staff to cross between the two countries without undergoing the typical customs process, thanks to the international agreement. This facilitated smoother operations and underscored the cooperative nature of the airport’s management.

The closure marks the end of an era for this unique airport, which has been a symbol of cross-border cooperation and convenience for decades. Its history and service to the community will be remembered even as its operations cease.