Airport
National Wildlife Refuge Airport (MGI)
National Wildlife Refuge Airport (MGI) is a former military airfield on the north end of Matagorda Island, within the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge along the Texas Gulf Coast. The island is reached by boat from Port O'Connor, with Corpus Christi and other Coastal Bend destinations nearby.
Passengers
Luggage
About National Wildlife Refuge Airport
National Wildlife Refuge Airport (MGI) is a closed former military airfield on the north end of Matagorda Island in Calhoun County, Texas. It was built in 1942 as the Matagorda Island General Bombing and Gunnery Range and later operated as Matagorda Island Air Force Base before being deactivated in 1975.
The airfield sits within the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, a protected coastal area along the Texas Gulf Coast known for birdlife, including wintering whooping cranes. It has no scheduled commercial passenger services and is no longer used as a public airport.
Matagorda Island is a barrier island with no road connection to the mainland. Visitors reach the island by private or chartered boat, most commonly from Port O'Connor across Espiritu Santo Bay, roughly nine miles away.
Today the former airfield is part of a largely natural refuge landscape. Nearby regional gateways include Port O'Connor and Corpus Christi, which provide road access, accommodation and onward travel options for visitors exploring the Coastal Bend.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
National Wildlife Refuge Airport (MGI) is a closed former military airfield and has no active passenger terminals. The site, formerly Matagorda Island Air Force Base, does not handle scheduled commercial airline services.
Ground Transportation Services to and from National Wildlife Refuge Airport
Transfers
Arrange private transfers from Corpus Christi or Port O'Connor for the road journey to the coast, with onward boat access needed to reach Matagorda Island.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel around Corpus Christi, Port O'Connor and other Texas Coastal Bend locations.
Car Rental
Rent a car from Corpus Christi or other regional locations for the drive to Port O'Connor, the main mainland access point for Matagorda Island.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organize minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling to Port O'Connor and nearby Texas Gulf Coast destinations for wildlife refuge visits and coastal excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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