Airports in Clallam County, Washington: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Airports in Clallam County, Washington

Clallam County occupies the northwestern tip of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, bordered by the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its remote geography and rugged terrain make air travel a practical necessity for many residents and visitors, connecting this sparsely populated county of roughly 77,000 people to Seattle and beyond. Whether you're heading to the Olympic National Park wilderness, the fishing ports of Sekiu, or the historic waterfront of Port Angeles, understanding the county's airport infrastructure helps you plan your journey efficiently.

William R. Fairchild International Airport (CLM)

The primary commercial and general aviation hub for Clallam County is William R. Fairchild International Airport, located in Port Angeles approximately two miles southwest of downtown. Serving as the county seat's gateway, CLM sits at an elevation of 291 feet above sea level and features a single runway (Runway 8/26) stretching 6,347 feet — long enough to accommodate turboprops and regional jets. The airport is owned and operated by the Port of Port Angeles and handles a mix of scheduled passenger service, cargo operations, charter flights, and general aviation activity.

San Juan Airlines and Kenmore Air have historically provided scheduled floatplane and fixed-wing connections between Port Angeles and Seattle's Lake Union, while charter operators serve the broader Olympic Peninsula. The terminal building offers basic passenger amenities including ticketing, waiting areas, and ground transportation coordination. Car rental services are available on-site, and the airport maintains instrument approach procedures that allow operations in the frequently overcast conditions common to the Pacific Northwest maritime climate.

For pilots, CLM is a controlled airport with an operating control tower during daylight hours. It offers 100LL avgas and Jet-A fueling, aircraft maintenance services, and tie-down/hangar facilities managed by local FBOs. The airport's relatively long runway and instrument capabilities make it one of the more capable general aviation facilities on the Olympic Peninsula.

Sekiu Airport (W28)

Located near the small fishing community of Sekiu on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Sekiu Airport is a privately owned public-use general aviation strip that serves the remote western reaches of Clallam County. The airport features a single turf runway (Runway 7/25) of approximately 2,400 feet and is uncontrolled, with pilots using common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) for self-announce procedures. Sekiu is popular with sport pilots, bush fliers, and fishing enthusiasts accessing the renowned salmon and halibut fisheries of the Strait.

Due to its turf surface and limited length, Sekiu Airport is best suited to light single-engine aircraft operating in favorable weather. There are no on-site services, so pilots should plan for fuel at CLM or other nearby fields. The airport serves a critical access role in an area where driving times to Port Angeles exceed an hour along winding Highway 112.

Neah Bay Airport (1S9)

Situated on the Makah Indian Reservation at the very northwestern tip of the contiguous United States, Neah Bay Airport provides air access to one of the most geographically isolated communities in Washington State. The airport has a single paved runway of approximately 2,500 feet at an elevation of 153 feet. It primarily serves the Makah Tribe, emergency medical services, and general aviation visitors drawn to Cape Flattery — the northwesternmost point in the lower 48 states — and the world-class surfing at Hobuck Beach.

Operations at Neah Bay require careful planning given the coastal weather patterns, including frequent marine fog, low ceilings, and wind-driven precipitation off the Pacific. The airport is uncontrolled and lacks on-site fuel or maintenance. Pilots accessing Neah Bay are advised to monitor NOTAMs carefully and carry sufficient fuel reserves from Port Angeles.

Closest Major Hub: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

For commercial air travel connecting Clallam County residents to national and international destinations, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) remains the primary hub, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Port Angeles by road — a two-hour drive under normal conditions, or accessible via the Coho Ferry across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria followed by connections. SEA serves over 200 destinations with major carriers including Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, American, Southwest, and numerous international airlines. Most Clallam County residents flying commercially route through CLM or drive to SEA depending on their destination and schedule.

Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 11 Airports locations in Clallam County, Washington.

County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.

Residents of Clallam County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.

You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including Clallam.

Frequently Asked Questions — Airports in Clallam County, WA

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How early should I arrive at the airport?

Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.

2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.

3. What is clear at the airport?

Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.

Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.

To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.

4. Are masks required in airports?

The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.

5. Can you bring food through airport security?

Yes, you can bring food through airport security.

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.

Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.

6. How much is airport parking?

The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.

On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.

7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?

Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.

8. Can I sleep in an airport?

Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.

Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.