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Chippewa County International Airport (CIU/KCIU) is a public airport in Kincheloe, Michigan, serving the Eastern Upper Peninsula near Sault Ste. Marie. It occupies the former Kincheloe Air Force Base, which gives it a long runway and a quiet, uncongested setting. The airport supports general aviation, charter, and limited regional passenger service, and it is a convenient gateway to the Soo Locks and Lake Superior.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors appreciate that the terminal is compact and parking is easy, but food and services are minimal—eat or stock up in Sault Ste. Marie before arriving. The former Kincheloe AFB setting also gives the field a long runway and quiet ramp, making it a low-stress alternative to larger regional airports.
🚖 Getting There
By car, take I-75 to exit 378 (M-80) and follow signs to Kincheloe; the airport is a short drive from Sault Ste. Marie. There is no regular public transit to the terminal, so arrange a taxi, rideshare, or rental car in advance. Winter weather can make roads icy or snow-covered, so allow extra time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the airport's location and distance to Sault Ste. Marie?
A: CIU is in Kincheloe, about 15–20 miles south of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; the drive takes roughly 20–25 minutes via I-75 and M-80.
Q: Does Chippewa County International Airport have commercial passenger flights?
A: Commercial service at CIU has varied; it has historically been served by regional carriers under the Essential Air Service program, so check current schedules and carriers before booking.
Q: What facilities are available at CIU?
A: The airport has a small terminal, on-site parking, and general aviation services; rental cars and food options are limited, so plan ahead.
Q: Is CIU the same as Sault Ste. Marie Airport?
A: No. CIU serves the Michigan side near Kincheloe/Sault Ste. Marie, while Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) is across the border in Ontario, Canada.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash