Mckean County Airport Directory – Comprehensive Overview of Bradford Regional Airport and Local Air Access
Mckean County, nestled in the northern tier of Pennsylvania, covers roughly 1,135 square miles of rolling hills, forested valleys, and historic coal‑town communities. With a 2023 estimated population of 41,000, the county’s residents rely on a blend of road, rail, and air transportation to stay connected to larger markets such as Erie, Buffalo, and Philadelphia. The county’s sole commercial aviation gateway is Bradford Regional Airport (IATA: BFD, ICAO: KBFD), a facility that not only serves the city of Bradford but also the surrounding unincorporated areas, townships, and neighboring Potter County communities.
Mckean County Airport Directory
The term “airport in Mckean County” most frequently points to Bradford Regional Airport, which is owned and operated by the Bradford Regional Airport Authority. The airport sits on 800 acres at 1 Airport Road, Bradford, PA 16701, just three miles west of downtown Bradford and approximately six miles from the Foster Brook census‑designated place. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 2022 Airport Master Record, the field features a single asphalt runway (04/22) that measures 8,001 feet long and 150 feet wide, making it capable of handling regional jets, turboprops, and a robust general‑aviation fleet.
Airport Serving Mckean County: Bradford Regional Airport (BFD)
Bradford Regional Airport offers daily passenger service through American Eagle, which operates Embraer 175 aircraft on a nonstop route to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). In 2023, BFD recorded an average of 12,400 enplanements, a modest yet vital link for business travelers, medical evacuations, and tourism‑related trips. The airport’s terminal houses a ticketing counter, security checkpoint, free Wi‑Fi, a small café, and rental‑car desks for Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis, all within a 15‑minute walk from the main parking garage. The airport’s fixed‑base operator, Avflight, provides fuel, hangar space, and maintenance services for private pilots and corporate aircraft.
Communities in Mckean County with Airport Access
While Bradford is the primary hub, several smaller communities enjoy convenient access to BFD. Foster Brook, an unincorporated area with a 2020 census population of 2,384, lies just six miles east of the runway, reachable via PA‑346 in under ten minutes. Eldred, a borough of roughly 2,100 residents, sits 15 miles north‑west of the airport; the drive along PA‑59 and US‑219 typically takes 20‑25 minutes. The township of Custer, home to the historic Kinzua Dam and the Allegheny Reservoir, is 22 miles south‑west, translating to a 30‑minute drive on PA‑59 and US‑219. Even the neighboring town of Port Allegany in Potter County, with a population of 3,200, is only 20 miles north‑east of BFD, making Bradford Regional Airport the nearest commercial gateway for that community as well.
Airport Services and Facilities Specific to Mckean County Residents
The Bradford Regional Airport office, located in the main terminal lobby, offers a range of county‑focused services. The Mckean County airport office provides free shuttle service on weekdays between the terminal and major employers in the county, including the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Bradford Hospital and the U.S. Steel plant in the borough of Bradford. Freight handling is facilitated through a dedicated cargo ramp that handles agricultural products, timber, and small‑scale manufacturing shipments. In addition, the airport’s Weather Observation System (AWOS) supplies real‑time meteorological data crucial for pilots operating in the region’s frequently changing mountain weather.
General‑Aviation and Private‑Pilot Opportunities in Mckean County
Beyond commercial flights, Bradford Regional Airport supports an active general‑aviation community. The Avflight FBO maintains 30 tie‑down spots and three large hangars, many of which are occupied by local flight schools such as PennAir Flight Training and the Bradford Aero Club. These organizations offer private‑pilot certificates, instrument‑rating courses, and seasonal scenic flights over the Allegheny National Forest. For pilots residing in remote parts of the county, the airport’s 24‑hour self‑service fuel station (100LL and Jet‑A) provides a reliable refueling point without the need for overnight staffing.
Future Development Plans for the Airport in Mckean County
The Bradford Regional Airport Authority has outlined a five‑year improvement plan aimed at expanding terminal space, upgrading runway lighting to LED, and constructing a new parallel taxiway to reduce ground‑traffic congestion. Funding is expected from a combination of FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and state transportation allocations. Once completed, the expanded facilities will enable larger aircraft, potentially opening direct service to additional hubs such as Chicago O'Hare (ORD) or Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), further enhancing connectivity for Mckean County businesses and residents.
How to Reach the Airport from Key Mckean County Locations
Travelers can access Bradford Regional Airport via several well‑maintained routes. From the county seat of Smethport (population 3,400), drivers head east on PA‑46 for 42 miles before joining US‑219 south to the airport, a journey of roughly 55 minutes. Residents of the unincorporated community of Ormsby follow PA‑646 east to PA‑59, then south on US‑219, covering 30 miles in about 35 minutes. For those coming from the northern township of Brookville, the most direct path uses PA‑770 east to US‑219, a 45‑minute drive covering 38 miles. All routes are equipped with clear signage pointing to “Airport – BFD” at major intersections.
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 McKean 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 1 Regional Airport in McKean County, Pennsylvania.
Bradford Regional Airport - Bfd
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 McKean County, Pennsylvania.
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in McKean County, Pennsylvania.
Pecora Airport
Airports in near by County
Frequently Asked Questions — Mckean County Airport Services
What commercial airlines operate at the airport in Mckean County, Pennsylvania?
Bradford Regional Airport (BFD) currently hosts American Eagle, which provides daily nonstop service to Philadelphia International Airport using Embraer 175 regional jets. This connection is the primary commercial airline offering for passengers in Mckean County.
How far is Bradford Regional Airport from Foster Brook, an unincorporated community in Mckean County?
Bradford Regional Airport is located approximately six miles east of Foster Brook. The drive follows PA‑346 and US‑219 and typically takes under ten minutes, making it the closest commercial airport for Foster Brook residents.
Where is the Mckean County airport office located and what services does it provide?
The Mckean County airport office is situated inside the main terminal of Bradford Regional Airport at 1 Airport Road, Bradford, PA 16701. It offers passenger assistance, free weekday shuttles to major local employers, cargo handling for agricultural and timber shipments, and a 24‑hour self‑service fuel station for general‑aviation pilots.
Which airports near Mckean County offer general‑aviation services for private pilots?
In addition to Bradford Regional Airport, private pilots in Mckean County often use Olean Airport (OLE) in Olean, New York, located about 25 miles east, and the Allegheny County Airport (AGC) in Pittsburgh, roughly 150 miles south. Both facilities provide fuel, hangar space, and flight‑training resources.
How many airport facilities are there in Mckean County and what are their runway lengths?
Mckean County is served primarily by one commercial facility—Bradford Regional Airport—with an 8,001‑foot asphalt runway (04/22). There are no additional public‑use airports within the county limits, though several private turf strips exist for agricultural use, none of which exceed 2,500 feet in length.