Van Nuys Airport (VNY) — Los Angeles, California

Van Nuys Airport (IATA: VNY, FAA: VNY) is the busiest general aviation airport in the United States by operations, located in the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown LA and 15 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), VNY sits at an elevation of 802 feet above sea level and spans roughly 730 acres in the San Fernando Valley.

The airport features two parallel runways: Runway 16R/34L at 8,001 feet and Runway 16L/34R at 4,006 feet, accommodating everything from single-engine piston aircraft to large business jets and cargo turboprops. With over 200,000 annual operations recorded in recent years, Van Nuys consistently ranks among the top general aviation facilities in the nation for traffic volume, serving a dense network of flight schools, charter operators, corporate flight departments, and private aircraft owners across the greater Los Angeles Basin.

Van Nuys Airport has deep roots in Southern California aviation history. Originally established in 1928 as Metropolitan Airport, it served commercial airline traffic before Los Angeles International Airport assumed that role. During World War II, the facility was commandeered by the U.S. Army Air Forces and used for military training and aircraft manufacturing. After the war, it transitioned back to civilian general aviation use and has since grown into the premier business and private aviation hub for the San Fernando Valley and the broader LA metro area.

The airport is home to a robust collection of fixed-base operators (FBOs), including Clay Lacy Aviation — one of the oldest and most respected FBOs in the country, founded at VNY in 1968 — as well as West Coast Jets, Signature Flight Support, and Atlantic Aviation. These FBOs offer full-service fueling, aircraft hangars, ramp access, crew lounges, and concierge services tailored to business aviation clientele. Clay Lacy Aviation in particular maintains a large fleet of charter aircraft based at Van Nuys, ranging from light jets to large-cabin long-range aircraft like the Gulfstream G550 and Bombardier Global 6000.

Flight training is a cornerstone of Van Nuys Airport's identity. Several Part 141 and Part 61 flight schools operate from the field, offering private pilot, instrument, commercial, and multi-engine training. The density of training operations contributes significantly to VNY's high daily operation counts. The airport's tower — operated by the FAA — handles a complex mix of student pilots, charter jets, corporate turboprops, and piston singles simultaneously, making it one of the more demanding general aviation control environments in California.

Van Nuys Airport also plays a critical role during Southern California wildfires and emergency response operations. The airport serves as a staging area for aerial firefighting assets, including air tankers and helicopters contracted by CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Its proximity to the Santa Monica Mountains, the Verdugo Hills, and the broader footprint of the Angeles National Forest makes it a strategically important base for fire suppression efforts each fire season.

For charter passengers flying into or out of the Los Angeles area who want to avoid the congestion of LAX, Van Nuys Airport offers a compelling alternative. The airport is approximately 8 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood, 12 miles from Beverly Hills, and 14 miles from Santa Monica, making it highly convenient for entertainment industry executives, sports teams, and high-net-worth travelers. The absence of commercial airline queues, TSA screening lines for charter clients using private terminals, and direct ramp access to aircraft makes VNY a preferred entry point for private and business aviation into Los Angeles.

Ground transportation from Van Nuys Airport connects easily to the 405, 101, and 118 freeways. Rideshare pickups are available curbside, and multiple FBOs can arrange car services, limousines, and helicopter transfers to other LA-area destinations. The Van Nuys Metrolink station and the Orange Line busway are within a few miles, offering public transit options for those not using private ground transportation.

Van Nuys Airport Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Los Angeles, California.

Name Van Nuys Airport
Address 16461 Sherman Way, Los Angeles CA 91406 Map
Phone (818) 785-8838
Website
Hours

Map of Van Nuys Airport

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Frequently Asked Questions — Van Nuys Airport (VNY)

Van Nuys Airport (VNY) supports a wide range of general aviation aircraft, from single-engine trainers and light pistons to large-cabin business jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier Global 7500. The airport's longest runway, 16R/34L at 8,001 feet, is capable of handling heavy jets and turboprop cargo aircraft. VNY does not serve scheduled commercial airline service; all operations are general aviation, including flight training, charter, corporate, cargo, and emergency services.

Several major fixed-base operators serve Van Nuys Airport. Clay Lacy Aviation, founded at VNY in 1968, is the most prominent and offers charter, maintenance, hangar, and fuel services. Signature Flight Support and Atlantic Aviation also maintain FBO operations at the field, providing fuel, ramp handling, and crew amenities. West Coast Jets offers additional charter and aircraft management services. Each FBO has its own ramp, terminal facilities, and pricing for fuel and handling fees.

Van Nuys Airport is located in the San Fernando Valley and is approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, 15 miles from LAX, 8 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood, 12 miles from Beverly Hills, and 14 miles from Santa Monica. Drive times vary significantly depending on LA traffic conditions. VNY's location makes it a preferred alternative to LAX for business and private travelers heading to the Valley, West Side, or Hollywood areas.

Yes. Van Nuys Airport is a key aerial firefighting base for Southern California due to its proximity to high-risk wildland-urban interface zones including the Santa Monica Mountains and the Angeles National Forest. During active fire events, CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department stage air tankers, scooper aircraft, and helicopters at VNY. The airport's infrastructure and runway length make it suitable for large airtanker operations that smaller general aviation fields in the region cannot accommodate.

Van Nuys Airport is owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the same agency that manages Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hollywood Burbank Airport was previously under its umbrella. LAWA is a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles. The FAA operates the control tower at VNY, which is staffed during all active hours of operation. Airport administration offices are located on the field and handle tenant leasing, noise complaints, and operational compliance for the San Fernando Valley facility.

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