Hughes Ranch Airport (50XS), Texas
Landing essentials
Whether you can land, whether you can refuel, and how customs works here.
Overview
Hughes Ranch (50XS) is a private-use airstrip near Quemado, Texas, built around a single paved runway. It sits in Maverick County, roughly 44.84 nautical miles from the nearest metro area, and carries FAA TFMSC-reported bizav traffic that is minimal by design given its private status. Customs clearance is not available onsite; the nearest customs facility is 5T9, about 11.79 nautical miles away. The field is unattended, with no on-field towered control, and pilots coordinate approach services through nearby military and civilian air traffic facilities.
Runways
Hughes Ranch Airport has one paved runway, 13/31, 4,608 ft long and 75 ft wide, with an asphalt surface.
Runway geometry from published threshold coordinates. Not for navigation.
Source: FAA Form 5010.
Fuel and airfield services
The airport has no control tower.
Source: FAA Form 5010 / NASR.
Customs
Hughes Ranch Airport does not clear customs. The nearest port of entry is 5T9, 12 NM away.
Source: CBP list of ports of entry.
Business aviation traffic
Hughes Ranch Airport recorded 1 business aviation movements in 2025. Traffic peaks in September. All FAA TFMSC-reported bizav traffic at Hughes Ranch (50XS) in 2025 occurred in September, with no operations recorded in other months.
Business jet movements, FAA TFMSC count. Peak month September, 1 movements in 2025.
Source: FAA TFMSC, business jet movements, 2025.
Climate
Hughes Ranch Airport averages 29.7 days above 90°F in August and 4.5 freeze days in January. August is the warmest month, with average highs of 98.6°F, and January the coldest, at 64.5°F.
Weather station is 18.1 NM from the field. Some values are estimated by the agency. 1991–2020 climate normals.
Source: NOAA NCEI.
Operating constraints
Hughes Ranch Airport has published operating constraints in three categories: access, runway notes and environmental.
For clearance delivery, contact Laughlin Approach; when approach is closed, contact Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center.
Runway 13 has a 300-foot gravel stopway, and runway 31 has a 350-foot gravel stopway.
Runway 13/31 has centerline stripe marking only.
Use caution for deer and turkey on the runway.
Source: FAA Chart Supplement.
Nearby airfields
Hughes Ranch Airport has five airfields within 22 NM. The closest is Laughlin AFB Aux Nr 1, 7.42 NM northeast.
Part of the Texas Border area.
Source: Skystar calculation from official coordinates.
Skystar at 50XS
We arrange catering, fuel and trip support here. Supplier prices reach you unchanged; our coordination fee sits on its own line.
The same order, priced two ways.
$1,200.00 catering order at 50XS.
Unchanged.
What the kitchen invoices us is what your quote reads.
One line, fixed.
It does not move with the size of the order.
At cost.
Passed on at the exact amount the processor took.
Market practice figures are industry averages, not a specific competitor.
Frequently asked questions
Is there customs clearance available at KHUGHES RANCH or 50XS?
Hughes Ranch (50XS) does not have onsite customs service. The nearest customs facility is located at 5T9, approximately 11.79 nautical miles away. Pilots planning international arrivals should coordinate clearance through that facility rather than expecting service at Hughes Ranch itself.
What is the runway configuration at 50XS?
Hughes Ranch (50XS) has a single paved runway, designated 13/31, measuring 4,608 feet long and 75 feet wide with an asphalt surface. Runway 13 has a 300-foot gravel stopway, and runway 31 has a 350-foot gravel stopway. Centerline striping is the only runway marking present on this surface.
Is Hughes Ranch airport attended or does it have a control tower?
Hughes Ranch (50XS) is unattended and has no operating control tower, so pilots should expect uncontrolled field operations at all times. Approach coordination for the area is handled through Laughlin Approach when available, with Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center providing service when that approach facility is closed.
What wildlife hazards should pilots be aware of at 50XS?
Pilots operating at Hughes Ranch (50XS) should be cautious of deer and turkey on the runway, per airport remarks. This hazard applies to the field's single paved runway, 13/31, and pilots should maintain vigilance during approach, landing, and takeoff rolls given the unattended nature of the field.