Masters Golf Tournament 2023

Updated March 1, 2023

If your business plans take you to the Augusta, GA area from Sunday, April 2, through Sunday, April 9, 2023, operators should be aware the FAA has released a Special Air Traffic Procedures NOTAM for the Masters Golf Tournament. Even though impact of the Masters Golf Tournament is not as significant to aircraft operations as the Super Bowl, there will be many parking limitations and airspace constraints. NBAA Air Traffic Services is anticipating a large increase in air traffic operations in and out of the area’s four primary airports and has developed this resource to provide guidance for business aircraft operators.

Preferred IFR Arrival and Departure Routes

Flight operators should note that there are preferred arrival routes and departure routes for Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field (AGS), Aiken Municipal Airport (AIK), Daniel Field (DNL) and Thomson-McDuffie County Airport (HQU) throughout the duration of the event. Flight operators not utilizing the preferred routes included in the NOTAM should expect ATC to issue route amendments which could potentially delay your flight.

View the FAA Domestic Notice for Masters Golf Tournament.

In addition, FAA traffic management initiatives are possible during periods of peak demand, including route amendments, miles-in-trail, metering, ground stops and ground delay programs (GDP). If a GDP is implemented, operators will be assigned an EDCT. The air traffic demand in conjunction with the airport arrival rate will determine the delay assignment.

Augusta, GA Area Airports – Requirements and Notes

There are four airports in the Augusta, GA region that are commonly used during the week of Masters. Detailed information and reservations specific to Masters 2023 for all four area airports are available on the FBO webpage for each airport.

• Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field – AGS
• Aiken Municipal – AIK
• Daniel Field – DNL
• Thomson-McDuffie County Airport – HQU

Pertinent operational information, which includes the advance notification requirements, is outlined below for each individual airport. All area airports have full service FBOs that can accommodate operational and customer service needs.

Operators should contact the FBO to secure parking reservations, receive any necessary PPR numbers and arrange for necessary services. Operators should visit the appropriate webpage in advance to provide dates and times of your operation and ensure parking is available and scheduled.

Ramp fees are expected at each airport during this event. Contact the FBO to obtain specific ramp fee information.

Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field (AGS)

• Reservations are recommended and users are strongly encouraged to enter their firm flight details. Make your reservations through the Augusta FlightBridge website.
• Operators who need to inquire with the FBO prior to their flight may call 706-798-2656.
• Additional lineman, support staff, fuel trucks and equipment will be ready to handle the influx of aircraft.
• Runway 8/26 and the associated taxiway will be closed to support aircraft parking; an auxiliary facility will be operational to support this area.
• There are two important addresses for ground transportation to be aware of: Augusta Regional
• Airport Aviation Services Main FBO: 1501 FBO Rd. Aviation Services East FBO: 3006 Lock and Dam Rd
• Augusta Regional Airport is located approximately 13 miles from Augusta National, approximately 20-25 minutes from Augusta National.

Aiken Municipal Airport (AIK)

• It is requested that aircraft reservations be made in advance through Aiken Aviation either by phone at 803-648-7803, or via aikenaviation.com.
• See published airport information for procedures and communication.
• Runway 01/19 may be closed for additional parking while Runway 07/25 with papi lights, ILS and RNAV (GPS) approaches will remain open for traffic.
• The ramp frequency 122.775 will be used after landing for parking and crew/passenger transportation information.
• Aiken Municipal Airport is located 1 mile off I-20 just north of Augusta, approximately 30 minutes from Augusta National.

Daniel Field (DNL)

• The Daniel Field Airport General Aviation Commission will operate a temporary air traffic control tower at DNL on April 3-9, 2023. See applicable NOTAM for operating hours and communication.
• Augusta Aviation UNICOM is 123.05
• Augusta Aviation telephone: 706-733-8970
• Augusta Aviation website: www.augustaaviation.com
• Daniel Field is located approximately 3 miles from Augusta National, approximately 10-15 minutes from Augusta National.

Thomson-McDuffie County Airport (HQU)

• Advance parking reservations are recommended for all aircraft. Reservations can be obtained through Spirit Aviation at 706-595-1300, or via the Spirit Aviation website.
• See published airport information for procedures and communication.
• Thomson-McDuffie County Airport is located 2 miles off I-20 west of Augusta, approximately 30 minutes from Augusta National.