The Manning Municipal Airport, located 3 kms north of the Town of Manning has been owned and operated by the MD since it was transferred from the province's Transportation Dept. in July 1995.

Aircraft of the Code 3 designation/category which use Instrument Flight Regulations (IFR) and Visual Flight Regulations (VFR) are C130 Hercules, Lockhead Electra 4 engine transport, up to a 737 passenger jet. The navigational aids Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) along with an approved Transport Canada published approach plate provides for the use of the aerodrome by this type of traffic in all weather conditions 24 hours a day, year round. Without these facilities, this aerodrome would see very little to no traffic as IFR traffic would not be able to file flight plans for this airport. This would greatly affect the well being and economic development of the community.

Radio controlled runway lighting (ARCAL) has been installed to save on power costs. Runway lights are off until an aircraft arrives which time the pilot can switch on the lights from the aircraft's radio. The lights then stay on for about 20 minutes before automatically shutting off.

This aerodrome is unique in that it has access to a major highway, has specific lot areas for aviation business and private hangar expansion. We are working towards an increased base of aviation related operations. Aside from the forestry tanker base we have four private hangers and six aircraft based year round. Swan Aero Refueling provides aircraft fuel services with Jet B and 100 Av-Gas on site through a 24 hour dispensing facility.

Air traffic has been monitored by radio recorder since Sept 01/97 and is very accurate at gathering statistics for operational purposes. These stats are used in support of collecting user fee revenue for the airport. For instance, during the twelve month period (2007) there were 5040 traffic movements plus 230 medi-evac flights.

In order to maintain continued safe operation of this facility, airport land use controls on site and off site have been put in place through the Municipal Land Use Bylaw as an Airport Vicinity Protection Area (AVPA). Now known as the "airport district" all lands must be guaranteed for offsite controls, this means restricting the height of buildings, towers, forbidding activities that interfere with navigation and communication, and eliminating land uses that may attract birds. Land uses such as residential housing that is noise sensitive, must be kept well away as it could adversely affect aviation operations. The protection zone covers a 4 km [4,000 meters] area in all directions from the airport with additional areas to the east and west for aircraft takeoff and approach.

Manning airport was re-certified with Transport Canada, in 1997 - a requirement for when there is scheduled air traffic, in a built up area and/or is in the best interest of the public.