The Early Days of TWA At Lambert
Today, we take a look at better times for Trans World Airlines (TWA), back when the airline dominated Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL). Enjoy footage of tri-jets galore, along with various TWA liveries and a few special liveries mixed in.
As far back as 1957, TWA led STL operations (44 weekday departures compared to 24 for the runner-up AAL). In 1979, deregulation forced TWA to transition to a hub-and-spoke business model that would further concentrate and expand its operations at STL.
In particular, the realignment prompted TWA to reconsider its other hubs in Kansas City (MCI) and Chicago (ORD). Kansas City proved far too small to serve as a hub, even though it was TWA’s headquarters at the time, and TWA’s Chicago operation hemorrhaged money to the tune of $25 million a year, thanks to stiff competition from American Airlines (AAL) and United Airlines (UAL). Thus, STL seemed to be the best place for TWA to consolidate its operations and establish a primary hub.
The Glory Days
TWA grew quickly at STL during the 1980s. Indeed, by winter 1982, 20% of TWA’s domestic operations involved STL. 1985 saw further growth with the launch of international nonstop services to London, Frankfurt, and Paris. Consolidation at STL kicked into overdrive when TWA acquired Ozark Airlines in 1986.
Pre-merger TWA accounted for 57% of traffic at STL, and Ozark some 27%. Post-merger, TWA captured an astounding 80% of operations at STL. While TWA itself struggled during the 1990s amid multiple bankruptcies, a softening economy, and the tragedy of TWA Flight 800, its STL operation continued.
At their peak in 2000, total operations at STL numbered some 456,827 flights (all airlines combined with TWA and its regional affiliate operating the vast majority), resulting in 30.5 million passengers deplaned and enplaned. The video featured below documents this time.
Downfall
By late 2000, it became clear that TWA could not stand on its own. In 2001, AAL purchased TWA, relegating it to the history books. The purchase caused great controversy among the employees of the once-great airline, and 9/11 that year further complicated matters, to say the least.
As air travel slowed, realignments were all but inevitable. With hubs in Dallas (DFW) and ORD, there was no room for an AAL hub at STL. Mainline AAL traffic suddenly became regional jet traffic, and international flights ceased. Service by AAL dwindled, and, in so doing, STL hit a (non-pandemic) low of 12.3 million passengers in 2010, a far cry from the record 30.5 million TWA once helped the airport set.
To this day, STL runs at about half the capacity it used to, having served just 15.3 million passengers in 2025.
Regardless of the controversy and tough times many at TWA endured, it’s worth taking time to look back on what was. Thanks for reading, and enjoy with fondness looking back on some really good times at STL with some really great airplanes.
For more info on KSTL and TWA stats, check out the Lambert St. Louis International Airport Website: http://www.flystl.com/AboutLambert/History.aspx
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally appeared on Avgeekery.com on 5 February 2016. It was updated in April 2026 with the most recent passenger numbers for STL.
