XNA decoded: Northwest Arkansas National Airport code, departures and travel guide
Use the correct airport code to navigate your trip to Northwest Arkansas: Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), KXNA ICAO code, terminal layout, live departures, parking, and ground transportation tips.
Check these official live pages before leaving
Northwest Arkansas National Airport serves a booming corporate and tourism region (home to Walmart headquarters, Tyson Foods, and JB Hunt). As of 2026, the airport is seeing record traffic growth. Check these official live sources before heading to the airport.
What is the XNA airport code and what does it mean?
XNA is the 3-letter passenger IATA airport code for Northwest Arkansas National Airport, located in Highfill, Arkansas. The 4-letter aviation ICAO code is KXNA.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
Used on airline tickets, baggage tags, and global flight bookings.
Used for flight dispatch, air traffic control, and weather telemetry.
Primary commercial hub for Northwest Arkansas.
Situated in Benton County, serving Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, and Springdale.
Commonly referred to as the Northwest Arkansas regional code.
What is the meaning of the XNA airport code?
Unlike airports with abbreviations matching their exact city names, XNA does not have an obvious phonetic match. The “X” was historically used as a placeholder letter for many modern airport designations in North America, while “NA” stands clearly for Northwest Arkansas.
Six XNA details that prevent common airport mistakes
Not located directly in Fayetteville or Bentonville
XNA is physically built in Highfill, AR. Driving from Bentonville or Fayetteville takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Recent Terminal Modernization
XNA completed a significant Terminal Modernization Project in 2026, enhancing the passenger experience. Bidding for a new Western Concourse started in July 2026, though construction won’t add immediate new gates.
Corporate travel peaks
Because of surrounding Fortune 500 headquarters (Walmart, Tyson, JB Hunt), early morning Monday and Thursday departure banks can experience longer security lines.
New access road coming in 2026
A new, safer access road connecting the airport to surrounding regional routes is expected to open in late August 2026, addressing long-standing traffic issues on narrow rural roads.
Metropolis parking service fees
XNA’s parking lots are managed by Metropolis. Be aware that a small service fee ($0.99 to $1.74) is added to your total for stays over 1 hour.
First hour of parking is FREE
The first 60 minutes of parking are completely free in all standard lots (Short-Term, Deck, Long-Term, Economy), making passenger pickups very convenient.
Build a practical XNA travel plan
Calculate your trip timing and logistics on your device. These tools support travel planning but do not replace live airline data.
Airline & Destination Finder
Identify your operating airline’s main routes out of XNA.
Recommended arrival buffer
Ground Transport Selector
Parking Lot Cost Estimator
XNA Terminal Layout & Departures
Northwest Arkansas National Airport features a single terminal building designed to make check-in, security screening, and gate boarding fast and straightforward. A major Terminal Modernization Project was recently completed in 2026.
Ticketing & Departures
The upper level handles airline counter check-in, self-service kiosks, and the central TSA security screening checkpoint. Live flight departure boards are positioned clearly across the main hall.
Baggage Claim & Arrivals
The ground level houses baggage carousel claims, ground transportation desks, rental car counters, and visitor welcome areas. A new air traffic control tower also opened in March 2026.
XNA Parking Options, Fees, and Cell Phone Lot
XNA offers convenient on-site parking managed by Metropolis. The first 60 minutes are free in all lots (excluding Premium Plus), making passenger pickup very easy.
| Parking Lot | Daily Maximum Rate | Walk to Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Parking | $8.00 / day | ~895 ft (Best for 5+ days) |
| Long Term Parking | $12.00 / day | ~523 ft (Most common pick) |
| Parking Deck | $22.00 / day | ~455 ft (Covered protection) |
| Short-Term Parking | $20.00 / day | ~225 ft (Fastest access) |
Note on Service Fees: Metropolis applies a small service fee on transactions: $0.99 for 1-3 hours, and $1.74 for stays over 3 hours. Cash/manual credit payments to an attendant avoid this fee.
Cell Phone Lot (Free)
A free waiting area is available for drivers picking up arriving passengers. Drivers must remain with their vehicles.
Disabled Parking
Designated ADA spaces are available in Short-Term ($8/day) and the Parking Deck ($22/day) with authorized tags.
XNA travel-day checklist
Checklist progress is saved on this device.
Top 12 FAQs about Northwest Arkansas airport code and XNA
What is the XNA airport code?
What is the 4-letter ICAO code for XNA airport?
What country and state is XNA airport located in?
What city is XNA airport in?
What does the XNA airport code mean?
What is the abbreviation for Northwest Arkansas airport?
Where can I view live XNA airport departures?
How many terminals does XNA airport have?
Which major airlines fly out of XNA?
How far is XNA airport from Bentonville or Fayetteville?
Does XNA airport provide free parking?
How early should I arrive at XNA airport before a flight?
Official sources and update policy
This guide relies on data from Northwest Arkansas National Airport, major airlines, and federal aviation registries. Official links include step-by-step guidance.