Airports Serving Winfield, Kansas
Winfield, Kansas — the county seat of Cowley County with a population of approximately 11,700 — is served by two airport options that meet the needs of general aviation pilots, business travelers, and residents seeking commercial flights. Whether you fly your own aircraft into Strother Field or drive north to Wichita's commercial airport, air travel access from Winfield is straightforward and well-supported.
Strother Field (WLD/KWLD) — Winfield's Local General Aviation Airport
Located approximately 6 miles southwest of downtown Winfield, Strother Field (FAA identifier: KWLD) is the primary airport serving Winfield and Arkansas City. The airport is jointly owned and operated by both cities and sits at an elevation of 1,160 feet above sea level in rural Cowley County.
Strother Field offers two paved runways capable of accommodating a wide range of general aviation and light business aircraft:
- Runway 17/35: 5,506 feet × 100 feet (asphalt surface) with 4-light PAPI approach aids and ILS (Instrument Landing System) capability — suitable for instrument approaches in low-visibility conditions
- Runway 13/31: 3,137 feet × 75 feet (asphalt surface) with medium-intensity edge lighting for night operations
The airport operates without an air traffic control tower. Pilots use CTAF/UNICOM frequency 122.8 for self-announcement and traffic advisory. Runway lights are pilot-activated, making night operations practical for after-hours arrivals and departures.
Fuel, Services, and Facilities at Strother Field
Strother Field maintains 24-hour self-service fuel availability, a significant convenience for transient pilots. As of early 2026, self-serve 100LL avgas is available at $5.55/gallon, and Jet A fuel is priced at $4.30/gallon. The airport office is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Amenities at Strother Field include:
- Pilot lounge with amenities for transient and based pilots
- Courtesy car available for pilot use during visits
- Hangar rental options for aircraft storage
- Tiedown parking for overnight or transient aircraft
- Adjacent industrial park with GE Aviation jet engine maintenance operations
- BNSF Railway spur access within the airport industrial area
- Direct access via US Highway 77, approximately 17 miles from I-35
The airport handles approximately 6,500 general aviation operations annually — roughly 125 per week — serving private pilots, charter operations, agricultural aviation, and business aircraft based in the Cowley County region.
Historical Background: Strother Field's WWII Origins
Strother Field carries a proud military legacy. The airport was originally constructed as a World War II Army Air Field and officially dedicated in January 1943 by Kansas Governor Andrew Schoeppel. It was named in honor of Donald Root Strother, the first Army Air Corps pilot from Cowley County to lose his life in service during World War II. The field trained military aviators during the war before transitioning to civilian general aviation use in the postwar era. Today, this history is preserved in the airport's name as a tribute to local sacrifice.
Nearest Commercial Airport: Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
For residents of Winfield requiring commercial airline service — domestic flights, connections to major hubs, or destinations not reachable by general aviation — Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (IATA: ICT) is the closest option. Located approximately 48–54 miles north of Winfield, the drive typically takes about one hour via US-77 North or I-35.
Wichita Eisenhower serves as the primary commercial aviation gateway for south-central Kansas, connecting the region to major airline networks with scheduled passenger service to multiple hub cities. For Winfield residents, ICT represents the practical choice for booking flights on major commercial carriers.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Kansas Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Winfield, Kansas.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Winfield, Kansas.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 1 Municipal Airport in Winfield, Kansas.
Oxford Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Winfield, Kansas.