HRL has the longest runways in the area with modern aircraft approach systems that minimize chances of delays during bad weather.

[1] From 1947–48 to 1960, Trans-Texas Airways (TTa) Douglas DC-3s served Harlingen Air Force Base under a joint civil-military airport agreement; in 1960, Harvey Richards Field received a new 4900-ft runway, and TTa moved their operations there until the airline moved its flights back to the former air force base following Hurricane Beulah.

In 1968, Trans-Texas DC-9s flew nonstop to Corpus Christi and Houston Hobby Airport as well as direct to Dallas Love Field, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee.

TTa Convair 600s also flew to Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, Laredo, San Antonio and other Texas cities.

[12] Harlingen was the fourth new destination served by Southwest following its initial flights from Dallas Love Field, Houston Hobby Airport and San Antonio in 1971.

In addition, eight flights a day operated by Southwest served Dallas Love Field on a direct one stop basis.

Paul hub; Delta Connection also operated the route seasonally with Canadair CRJ-900 regional jets, but that service was suspended following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

An American non-profit organization, the CAF was officially founded in 1961 to restore and preserve historically significant former military combat aircraft of the World War II era, with the vast majority maintained in an operational flying condition for historical education, aerial demonstrations, and airshows.

The name, which was originally chosen as a tongue-in-cheek joke referring to the organization's ragtag beginnings, never had anything to do with the American Civil War or the former Confederate States of America.

Upon conclusion of its lease, the CAF, its museum, and that portion of its aircraft based at Harlingen relocated to larger facilities at the then-Midland International Airport in Midland, Texas.

Many felt the name Confederate Air Force was confusing, did not accurately reflect the true purpose of the organization, and was detrimental to fundraising efforts.

According to then-CAF chief of staff Ray Kinney, "In many people's minds, the word 'confederacy' brings up the image of slavery and discrimination.

[1][25] In the year ending December 31, 2022, Valley International Airport had 57,602 aircraft operations, averaging 158 per day: 58% military, 18% general aviation, 19% airline, and 5% air taxi.