Airports

Free City is served by two major airports: Free City International Airport (FCX) and North by Northwest Airport (NWA). Together, they form one of the most critical aviation networks in the Mid-Atlantic corridor, balancing the city’s needs for both international passenger travel and large-scale cargo distribution.

• FCX, located in the eastern districts near Mahogony, is the city’s primary commercial airport and a major international gateway, handling tens of millions of passengers annually.
  
• NWA, located far northwest of the urban core near The Farmlands, is the city's freight and cargo powerhouse, efficiently processing over five million metric tons of goods per year.
  

The two airports are operated by separate authorities but are strategically integrated into Free City's broader transportation and economic infrastructure. Together, they support tourism, business travel, trade, and — as is often whispered — both legal and illicit supply chains that flow through the city.

History

Early Years and Wartime Influence (1910s-1940s)

Aviation in Free City began modestly with a small airstrip on the eastern marshlands in the 1910s, mostly used for mail and military training during World War I. By the 1930s, the city had a basic municipal airfield that supported propeller aircraft and airmail deliveries.

During World War II, the U.S. military expanded aviation operations in the region, constructing several auxiliary airfields — including what would later become NBX — to support coastal defense and supply chains. These developments laid the groundwork for a more robust postwar aviation network.

The Jet Age and the Rise of FCX (1950s-1980s)

With the rise of commercial aviation in the 1950s and ‘60s, Free City needed a modern hub to match its growing status as a major port and trade city. Free City International Airport opened in 1964, with state-of-the-art terminals, two long runways, and an ambitious vision to rival New York or Atlanta.

FCX quickly became a regional powerhouse, especially after the opening of its international terminal in 1972, which brought direct flights to Europe, Latin America, and West Africa — aligning with Free City’s diverse immigrant populations.

By the 1980s, however, the airport began experiencing significant congestion, and expansion was limited by its geographic position near residential zones and the Leak River wetlands.

NWA and the Logistics Boom (1990s-Present)

As global trade exploded in the 1990s, the city’s Port & Freight Authority pushed for a dedicated cargo airport. The disused Cold War-era military base northwest of the city was converted into North by Northwest Airport, which opened officially for commercial freight in 1989.

NBX became a major success, particularly for industries needing fast, bulk air transport — electronics, pharmaceuticals, and later e-commerce. Its remote location allowed for 24/7 operation with minimal noise restrictions and easy highway access.

Rumors have long circulated that NBX’s relative isolation and lower oversight also made it a favorite transit point for smugglers and black-market dealings — especially given the city's complex underworld economy.

Modern Era and Future Plans

Today, both airports are undergoing modernization projects. FCI is in the midst of a multi-phase terminal upgrade to handle surging passenger demand and international travel. NBX is expanding its drone cargo infrastructure and autonomous logistics systems to future-proof its operations.

There have also been talks of creating a high-speed rail link between the two airports to better integrate their operations and reduce logistical bottlenecks.

The Free City’s dual-airport system reflects the city's split personality — a bustling cosmopolitan hub for global travelers and a shadowy freight giant that keeps the city's economy (both legal and otherwise) in motion.

Free District County Airports