Airports in Franklin County, Washington
Franklin County, Washington is home to one of the Pacific Northwest's fastest-growing commercial airports. Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), located just two miles northwest of downtown Pasco — the county seat — serves as the primary aviation gateway for the entire Tri-Cities metropolitan region, encompassing Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland. With a combined metro population of over 314,000 residents, the Tri-Cities area ranks as the third-largest metropolitan area entirely within Washington state, and Tri-Cities Airport is the infrastructure backbone connecting Franklin County to the nation.
Pasco itself is a rapidly growing city with an estimated population of 81,724 as of 2024, and Franklin County has surpassed 101,000 residents. That growth has translated directly into record-breaking airport performance. In 2024, PSC recorded 949,110 total passengers — a 9% increase over 2023 — and 2025 marked the airport's third consecutive record-breaking year, with 975,372 total passengers and 494,829 enplanements. December 2024 was the busiest single month on record, with 49,343 enplanements.
Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) — The Region's Commercial Hub
Tri-Cities Airport (IATA: PSC, ICAO: KPSC) is a federally certificated Part 139 commercial service airport managed by the Port of Pasco. It sits within Franklin County's boundaries and is positioned strategically at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers in Eastern Washington's Columbia Basin. The airport is approximately 215 miles southeast of Seattle (roughly a three-hour drive), 215 miles east-northeast of Portland, and 140 miles southwest of Spokane — making it the most practical commercial aviation option for a wide swath of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon.
Five major air carriers operate scheduled service at PSC:
- Alaska Airlines / Horizon Air — The dominant carrier at PSC, operating Embraer E175 regional jets exclusively since 2023. Alaska added nonstop Los Angeles service in recent years, broadening the airport's West Coast reach.
- Allegiant Air — Operates Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft with leisure-oriented routes to select U.S. destinations.
- American Airlines — Provides daily nonstop service to Phoenix Sky Harbor, expanded to two daily flights in September 2025, offering connections through one of the nation's largest hub airports.
- Delta Air Lines — Offers service via Airbus A319/A320 and Boeing 717 equipment, with connections through Salt Lake City and Minneapolis-St. Paul.
- United Airlines — Provides connectivity to its major hub network, enabling one-stop access to hundreds of domestic and international destinations.
- Avelo Airlines — Increased its Hollywood-Burbank (BUR) route from two to four weekly flights, adding Southern California options for Franklin County travelers.
PSC operates nonstop flights to ten U.S. cities, including Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), and Hollywood-Burbank (BUR). For travelers needing additional routing options, Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) is approximately 61 miles away, and Eastern Oregon Regional Airport in Pendleton (PDT) is about 82 miles distant.
General Aviation and Cargo at Franklin County
Beyond commercial passenger service, PSC hosts fixed-base operators (FBOs) serving corporate and private aviation. The airport's instrument approaches, runway capacity, and fuel services make it a reliable stop for business aircraft throughout Eastern Washington. Agricultural aviation — vital to Franklin County's extensive potato, wheat, and asparagus farming operations — also relies on private airstrips and agricultural aviation services throughout the county's rural areas.
Whether you are a Franklin County resident commuting for business, a visitor arriving to explore the Columbia River wine country, or a shipper moving time-sensitive cargo, Tri-Cities Airport provides the air connectivity that keeps this high-growth county connected to the rest of the country.
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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Franklin County, Washington.
Local Airports
There are 5 Local Airport in Franklin County, Washington.