Airports Serving Chelan County, Washington
Chelan County, Washington, stretches across 2,994 square miles of central Washington state, encompassing the Cascade Mountains, the Columbia River valley, and the breathtaking 55-mile-long Lake Chelan — one of the deepest lakes in North America at 1,486 feet. Home to approximately 81,000 residents across communities including Wenatchee, Chelan, Leavenworth, Cashmere, and Entiat, the county offers a range of aviation facilities to serve both local general aviation pilots and travelers seeking commercial connections.
Lake Chelan Airport (S10)
The Lake Chelan Airport, FAA identifier S10, sits 3 nautical miles northeast of the city of Chelan and serves as the county's primary general aviation hub on the eastern flank of the Cascades. At an elevation of 1,263 feet MSL, the airport features a single asphalt runway designated 02/20 measuring 3,503 feet by 60 feet — adequate for most single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft. Pilots on approach to Runway 20 benefit from a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system to assist with safe glide-slope management.
Fuel services at S10 are notably convenient: self-service Jet-A and 100LL aviation gasoline are available 24 hours a day. The pilot's lounge provides a kitchen, shower facilities, and Wi-Fi access — amenities that make Lake Chelan Airport a welcoming destination for fly-in visitors exploring the Lake Chelan wine country and recreation corridor. Pilots should be aware that the airport sees considerable parachute landing activity during spring, summer, and early fall, requiring heightened traffic pattern vigilance. The UNICOM frequency is 122.950 MHz and the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is 122.900 MHz.
Cashmere-Dryden Airport (8S2)
Located 1 nautical mile south of Cashmere in the lower Wenatchee Valley, Cashmere-Dryden Airport (FAA identifier 8S2) is a compact 34-acre general aviation facility sitting at just 308 feet MSL — notably lower in elevation than other Chelan County airports due to its position in the Columbia River basin. The single grass runway, designated 07/25 and measuring 2,800 feet by 60 feet, supports visual-flight-rules utility operations for light aircraft. The grass surface requires pilots to assess condition carefully, particularly after wet weather or during early spring. This airport serves local agricultural and recreational aviation needs in the Cashmere area, known for its apple orchards and fruit production.
Lake Wenatchee State Airport (27W)
For backcountry and recreational pilots, Lake Wenatchee State Airport (FAA identifier 27W) provides access to one of Washington's most scenic alpine environments. Situated 14 nautical miles northwest of Leavenworth at an elevation of 1,939 feet MSL, this turf-strip airport features Runway 09/27 at 2,473 feet long with a 100-foot-wide center strip. Critically, the airport is a seasonal facility: it operates only from June 1 through October 1, closing entirely during the winter months due to snow and adverse conditions.
Pilots planning operations at 27W must account for several factors: the surface is characteristically rough and animal activity — deer and other wildlife — is frequent on and near the runway. On hot summer days, density altitude at this elevation can significantly reduce aircraft performance, requiring careful weight-and-balance and takeoff distance calculations. Despite these considerations, 27W serves as a gateway to Lake Wenatchee State Park and the surrounding Wenatchee National Forest, making it a popular destination for camping and wilderness recreation fly-ins.
Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) — Commercial Service
For commercial air travel, residents and visitors throughout Chelan County rely on Pangborn Memorial Airport (IATA: EAT, ICAO: KEAT), located 4 miles east of Wenatchee in adjacent Douglas County. At 1,249 feet MSL and spanning 665 acres, Pangborn is a full-service regional airport with a single primary runway, 12/30, measuring 7,000 feet by 150 feet — a length that supports regional jet operations comfortably. An Instrument Landing System (ILS) on Runway 12, operational since September 2006, enables lower-visibility approaches and improves schedule reliability during inclement Cascade weather.
Alaska Airlines and its regional partner Horizon Air provide daily scheduled service between Wenatchee (EAT) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), a flight of approximately 54 minutes covering 98.6 miles. This connection plugs Chelan County into Alaska Airlines' extensive domestic and international network at SEA, providing one-stop access to destinations across the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, and beyond.
Regional Airport Alternatives
Travelers requiring more flight options or international connections can reach Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) by driving approximately 153 miles west over US-2 or US-97 and I-90, typically a 2-hour-55-minute trip under normal conditions. SEA is one of the nation's busiest airports, served by virtually every major U.S. and many international carriers. Alternatively, Spokane International Airport (GEG) lies approximately 150 miles to the east — roughly a 3-hour-10-minute drive from the Lake Chelan area — offering Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, and other carrier options with strong connections to West Coast and national hubs.
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 Washington 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 Chelan County, Washington.
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 Chelan County, Washington.
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 Chelan County, Washington.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Chelan County, Washington.
Cashmere Dryden Airport
Lake Chelan Airport
Frequently Asked Questions: Airports in Chelan County, WA
Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) in East Wenatchee is the nearest commercial airport to Chelan County, located just 4 miles east of downtown Wenatchee. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air operate daily nonstop flights between EAT and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), with a flight time of approximately 54 minutes. For Wenatchee-area residents and visitors to Lake Chelan and Leavenworth, EAT provides the most convenient commercial air access without the 2.5-to-3-hour drive over the Cascades to Seattle.
Yes. Lake Chelan Airport (S10) is open to general aviation and is located just 3 nautical miles northeast of the city of Chelan. The 3,503-foot asphalt Runway 02/20 accommodates most single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft. Self-service Jet-A and 100LL avgas are available around the clock. Pilots should note frequent parachute activity in the traffic pattern during warmer months and should monitor CTAF 122.900 MHz. The pilot's lounge with Wi-Fi, kitchen, and shower makes S10 a popular fly-in destination for exploring Lake Chelan's wineries, boat tours, and the remote community of Stehekin accessible only by boat, seaplane, or floatplane.
No. Lake Wenatchee State Airport (27W), located 14 nautical miles northwest of Leavenworth at 1,939 feet MSL, is a seasonal facility open only from June 1 through October 1. The 2,473-foot turf runway closes during the fall and winter due to snow accumulation and wet conditions. Even during the open season, pilots must account for a rough surface, frequent animal activity on and near the runway, and potential density altitude issues on hot summer days. The airport provides excellent access to Lake Wenatchee State Park and the Wenatchee National Forest for backcountry and recreational flying.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 153 miles from Wenatchee by road — roughly a 2-hour-55-minute drive via US-2 westbound over Stevens Pass or via I-90 and SR-970. The air distance is 98.6 miles, and Alaska Airlines' daily nonstop between Pangborn Memorial (EAT) and SEA covers the route in about 54 minutes. For travelers needing broader airline choices or international departures, SEA offers service from Alaska, Delta, United, American, Southwest, and dozens of international carriers, making it the most connected gateway for Chelan County residents.
Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) is currently served exclusively by Alaska Airlines and its regional operator Horizon Air. The airline operates daily nonstop flights to Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), providing connections to Alaska's extensive domestic network reaching cities across the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, the contiguous United States, Canada, and Mexico. The airport's 7,000-foot ILS-equipped runway supports reliable operations year-round. Travelers needing service from additional carriers — including Delta, United, American, or Southwest — can drive approximately 150 miles to either Seattle (SEA) or Spokane (GEG).