Old English Field Terminal

May 26

Located along historic Route 66, Amarillo’s English Field airport was originally dedicated in 1929. The streamline moderne-style Old English Field terminal opened in 1946, with an addition constructed in 1954. Airlines including Trans World Airlines, Braniff, American, and Continental once operated from the airport, making it a major hub for air travel in the Texas Panhandle. The terminal remained in use until 1972, when Rick Husband International Airport opened.

On March 24, 2026, Amarillo City Council voted to abate and demolish the structure, citing safety hazards. The demolition has also been approved by the Texas Historical Commission, which felt that the building lacks historic integrity and is not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. We disagree. This building is worthy of preservation, and we support local advocates who are calling for a pause to the demolition and urging city officials to explore alternatives. Creative adaptive reuse solutions should be considered to save the terminal, as it would be a great loss for this building to be demolished during Route 66’s centennial year.