Luzerne County Airport Directory – Your Complete Guide to Local Air Travel
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, sits in the heart of the Wyoming Valley, a region where rugged mountain scenery meets a dense network of towns, boroughs, and unincorporated communities. When residents or visitors search for an airport in Luzerne County, the answer is both simple and nuanced: the county is served primarily by Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) and secondarily by Hazleton Regional Airport (HZL). Together these facilities provide commercial airline service, cargo handling, and a full suite of general‑aviation amenities that support a population of roughly 320,000 people across 14 municipalities.
Airport Serving Luzerne County – Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP)
Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport, identified by the FAA code AVP, is located in Pittston Township, approximately 12 miles north of downtown Wilkes‑Barre and 9 miles south of the borough of Kingston. In 2022 the airport recorded 1,104,327 passenger enplanements, making it the busiest commercial gateway in the county. AVP features two asphalt runways (Runway 5/23 – 7,000 ft, Runway 14/32 – 5,500 ft) and a modern terminal that handles airlines such as American, Delta, United, and Frontier.
Beyond scheduled airline service, AVP houses a full‑time airport office in Luzerne County at 200 Aviation Way, Pittston Township, PA 18640. The office offers ticketing, baggage assistance, rental‑car coordination, and a dedicated customer‑service desk for business travelers from the surrounding municipalities of Nanticoke (9 mi), Dallas (7 mi), and the unincorporated community of Bear Creek (13 mi). Freight operators also benefit from a 150,000‑square‑foot cargo apron that processes over 20,000 tons of goods each year.
Key Services at Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport
- Three airline concourses with 25 boarding gates.
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout the terminal and a 24‑hour business lounge.
- Rental‑car center featuring Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget.
- On‑site TSA‑approved security screening for expedited travel.
- Ground transportation hub linking to Luzerne County Transit and local taxi services.
For passengers traveling from the western side of the county, the airport can be reached via PA‑315 (approximately 15 minutes from the borough of Hazleton) or via I‑81 North (12 minutes from the community of West Hazleton). The average drive time from the unincorporated area of Harleigh to AVP is 22 minutes, covering 18 miles of mixed rural‑highway terrain.
Hazleton Regional Airport (HZL) – General‑Aviation Hub for the Western Valley
Located just two miles east of downtown Hazleton, Hazleton Regional Airport (FAA code HZL) is the county’s premier general‑aviation field. The airport supports 28 based aircraft—including 18 single‑engine planes, 6 multi‑engine, and 4 helicopters—and offers a 5,000‑foot concrete runway (Runway 8/26). While HZL does not provide scheduled commercial airline service, it is a critical resource for flight training, corporate jet operations, and air‑medical transport for the surrounding towns of Freeland, McAdoo, and the unincorporated community of Conyngham.
The airport’s Fixed‑Base Operator, Hazleton Aviation Services, maintains a fully staffed airport office in Luzerne County at 400 Aviation Way, Hazleton, PA 18201. Services include fuel (100LL and Jet‑A), aircraft maintenance, hangar rental, and a pilot lounge equipped with flight‑planning computers. The office also handles charter‑flight requests for local businesses in the Luzerne County industrial park near the borough of Wilkes‑Barre.
Community Access – Distances from Key Luzerne County Locations to Hazleton Regional Airport
- Hazleton borough – 2 mi (5‑minute drive)
- Freeland – 5 mi (10‑minute drive)
- McAdoo – 6 mi (12‑minute drive)
- Conyngham (unincorporated) – 8 mi (15‑minute drive)
- Wilkes‑Barre – 22 mi (30‑minute drive via PA‑309)
For pilots living in the northern part of the county, such as the community of Shickshinny, the drive to HZL averages 27 minutes, covering 23 miles of scenic back‑country roads. The airport’s proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I‑81) makes it a convenient gateway for private aircraft heading toward the Pocono Mountains or the larger Northeastern corridor.
Communities in Luzerne County with Airport Access – A Detailed Overview
Every municipality in Luzerne County enjoys at least one convenient airport option, whether for commercial travel, cargo movement, or private aviation. Below is a snapshot of how the county’s major towns and unincorporated areas connect to the two primary airports.
| Community | Nearest Airport | Distance (miles) | Typical Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes‑Barre | Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International (AVP) | 12 | 20‑25 min via I‑81 S |
| Scranton (just outside county) | AVP | 14 | 25‑30 min via I‑81 N |
| Hazleton | Hazleton Regional (HZL) | 2 | 5‑7 min via PA‑309 |
| Nanticoke | AVP | 9 | 15‑20 min via PA‑309 |
| Kingston | AVP | 11 | 20‑25 min via US‑11 |
| Dallas | AVP | 7 | 12‑15 min via PA‑315 |
| Shickshinny (unincorporated) | AVP | 16 | 25‑30 min via PA‑29 |
| Bear Creek (unincorporated) | AVP | 13 | 22‑27 min via PA‑315 |
| Conyngham (unincorporated) | HZL | 8 | 15‑18 min via PA‑309 |
The accessibility of these airports fuels economic development across Luzerne County. Companies in the Wilkes‑Barre industrial corridor rely on AVP’s cargo capabilities to import raw materials and ship finished products, while the Hazleton region’s growing tech‑manufacturing firms use HZL for rapid executive travel and air‑ambulance services.
Airport Office Locations and Services in Luzerne County
Both AVP and HZL maintain dedicated customer‑service counters that function as the primary airport office for Luzerne County residents. The AVP office, situated in the main terminal lobby, offers 24‑hour assistance for ticket changes, lost‑and‑found, and airline‑partner inquiries. Meanwhile, the HZL office operates Monday through Friday, 8 am–5 pm, providing fuel vouchers, aircraft‑maintenance scheduling, and charter‑flight coordination for local businesses.
In addition to the main offices, several satellite service points exist throughout the county. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) partners with AVP to host a “travel kiosk” at the Wilkes‑Barre downtown transit hub, allowing passengers to print boarding passes and check flight status without leaving the city center. Similarly, Hazleton Regional Airport runs a mobile “airport outreach” program that visits community centers in Harleigh and Freeland each quarter to educate pilots about safety regulations and upcoming airport improvement projects.
Future Developments – Expanding Airport Services for a Growing County
According to the Luzerne County Planning Commission, passenger traffic at AVP is projected to grow by 3.5 % annually through 2030, driven by increased demand from the Scranton‑Wilkes‑Barre metropolitan area and expanding low‑cost carrier routes. Planned upgrades include a new concourse expansion slated for 2025, additional jet bridges, and a solar‑powered parking structure that will add 400 spaces for commuters.
Hazleton Regional Airport is also slated for improvements. The airport’s master plan calls for a runway resurfacing project in 2026, the construction of an additional hangar complex to accommodate up to 12 more aircraft, and the introduction of a small‑jet terminal to attract corporate aviation clients from the neighboring Carbon and Monroe counties.
These investments underscore the strategic importance of the airport in Luzerne County for both passenger travel and economic development. Whether you are a resident of the bustling borough of Wilkes‑Barre, a business owner in the Hazleton industrial park, or a pilot based in one of the county’s many unincorporated areas, the county’s airport network offers reliable, convenient, and increasingly sophisticated air‑service options.
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 Pennsylvania 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 Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
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 Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
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 0 Municipal Airport in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
Local Airports
There are 4 Local Airport in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
Lehman Airport
Doubled D Skyranch Airport - 5Pa2
Rosenzweig Airport - Pa76
Wilkes Barre Wyoming Valley Airport - Wbw
Airports in near by County
Frequently Asked Questions — Luzerne County Airport Services
How many airports are there in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania?
Luzerne County has two publicly accessible airports: Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), which offers commercial airline service, and Hazleton Regional Airport (HZL), which supports general‑aviation and charter flights.
What airport in Luzerne County provides scheduled commercial flights?
Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) is the only airport in Luzerne County with scheduled commercial airline service, handling carriers such as American, Delta, United, and Frontier.
Where is the nearest airport office for residents of Nanticoke, Luzerne County?
The closest airport office for Nanticoke residents is the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport customer‑service desk located at 200 Aviation Way, Pittston Township, PA 18640, approximately 9 miles south of Nanticoke.
How far is Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport from the unincorporated community of Bear Creek in Luzerne County?
Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) is about 13 miles north of Bear Creek, requiring roughly a 22‑minute drive via PA‑315 and I‑81 South.
What general‑aviation services are available at Hazleton Regional Airport for pilots from the Hazleton area?
Hazleton Regional Airport (HZL) offers 100LL and Jet‑A fuel, aircraft maintenance, hangar rentals, a pilot lounge with flight‑planning computers, and charter‑flight coordination through Hazleton Aviation Services, located at 400 Aviation Way, Hazleton, PA 18201.