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

Airport Services in Island County, Washington

Island County occupies a distinctive place in Washington State aviation — a largely island-based county whose 86,857 residents (2020 Census) depend on a combination of military airfields, general aviation facilities, and ferry-linked ground transportation to connect with the broader Pacific Northwest. Whidbey Island, the largest island in the contiguous United States, forms the backbone of the county, stretching nearly 55 miles from Deception Pass in the north to Possession Sound in the south. Camano Island, connected to the mainland by a bridge, rounds out the county's island geography. This unusual layout shapes every aspect of aviation in the region, from the dominant military presence at Oak Harbor to the small grass strips used by private pilots throughout the county. Whether you are a resident commuting to Seattle, a business traveler seeking charter options, or a general aviation pilot exploring the Puget Sound basin, understanding the full airport landscape of Island County is essential.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (Ault Field)

The most significant aviation facility in Island County — and one of the most strategically important military air stations in the Pacific Northwest — is Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, known by its FAA/ICAO identifier KNUW and commonly referred to as Ault Field. Located on the northern end of Whidbey Island adjacent to Oak Harbor (population 24,690), NAS Whidbey Island serves as the Navy's premier tactical electronic warfare training and operations base, home to the EA-18G Growler squadrons of Carrier Air Wing and Fleet Readiness Center Northwest. The station employs thousands of active-duty military personnel, civilian workers, and contractors, making it the single largest employer in Island County and a defining economic force in Oak Harbor. Ault Field's two primary runways support continuous military flight operations, and the station also hosts Naval Outlying Field Coupeville (FAA identifier NRA), located approximately two miles southeast of Coupeville (population 1,950), the historic county seat. NOF Coupeville functions as a satellite field used primarily for field carrier landing practice (FCLP), which enables pilots to rehearse carrier approaches without congesting the main Ault Field runways. Together, KNUW and NRA represent a substantial and active military aviation complex that is closed to civilian traffic but profoundly influences life and land use across the county.

DeLaurentis Airport – Oak Harbor's General Aviation Hub

For civilian pilots and travelers seeking on-demand air service from northern Whidbey Island, DeLaurentis Airport (formerly known as A.J. Eisenberg Airport) serves as the county's primary public-use general aviation field. Located in Oak Harbor, DeLaurentis Airport holds FAA identifier OKH and ICAO code KOKH, and is also assigned the IATA code ODW — a designation that reflects its role as a recognized point of origin for charter and on-demand operations. Lynk Air, an on-demand charter operator, has historically provided scheduled and charter flights connecting Oak Harbor with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, offering a valuable air link for Island County residents and business travelers who need to avoid the lengthy surface journey to Sea-Tac. The airport accommodates single-engine and light twin-engine general aviation aircraft and serves the full range of private flying activity in the Oak Harbor area, including flight training, recreational flying, and personal transportation. Its proximity to NAS Whidbey Island makes it a familiar waypoint for military-affiliated pilots as well.

General Aviation Airfields Across the County

Beyond DeLaurentis Airport, Island County is served by a network of smaller general aviation airfields distributed across both Whidbey Island and Camano Island. Coupeville Airpark (FAA identifier WN40), located near the county seat of Coupeville, is a public-use general aviation facility serving the central Whidbey Island area and providing local pilots with a convenient base for recreational and utility flying. On the southern end of Whidbey Island, approximately two miles southwest of Langley (population 1,150), Whidbey Air Park (FAA identifier W10) offers a public-use runway of 2,470 feet set on approximately 43 acres, accommodating light aircraft operations in one of the island's most scenic and historically rich communities. Across Saratoga Passage on Camano Island, Camano Island Airfield (FAA identifier 13W, ICAO K13W) provides public-use general aviation access for Camano Island residents who are otherwise connected to the mainland by bridge rather than ferry. These distributed airfields collectively ensure that pilots across the county's varied geographies have reasonable access to landing strips, fueling facilities, and tie-down options without being dependent solely on the Oak Harbor facility.

Connecting to Commercial Air Service

Island County has no commercial airline service of its own, which means residents and visitors requiring scheduled commercial flights must travel to regional airports. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the Pacific Northwest's primary commercial hub, lies approximately 83 miles straight-line from central Whidbey Island, with road distances of roughly 103.5 miles and drive times averaging around two hours and five minutes under normal conditions — accounting for ferry crossings or the northern route via Deception Pass Bridge. Sea-Tac offers the widest selection of nonstop destinations, international connections, and airline options for Island County travelers. For those seeking a closer and often less congested alternative, Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is located approximately 52 miles by road from the northern end of Whidbey Island, with drive times of roughly one hour and twenty minutes. Bellingham serves a growing roster of destinations through Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air, making it a practical choice for travelers in Oak Harbor and the northern county who are willing to trade hub connectivity for a shorter, simpler ground journey.

Getting to the Island

Reaching Island County by air and surface requires navigating its island geography with purpose. Washington State Ferries operates two key routes serving Whidbey Island: the Mukilteo–Clinton route on the southern end, which carries approximately 2.1 million vehicles per year across a 20-minute crossing of Possession Sound, connecting Clinton on Whidbey Island to the mainland community of Mukilteo near Everett; and the Coupeville–Port Townsend route on the central island, crossing Admiralty Inlet between the county seat and the Kitsap/Olympic Peninsula. The northern access point bypasses ferries entirely via State Route 20 over the Deception Pass Bridge, which connects Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island and onward to the mainland near Anacortes. Travelers flying into Sea-Tac or Bellingham and driving to Island County typically choose their route based on destination: southern Whidbey residents favor the Mukilteo ferry, while those heading to Oak Harbor or Coupeville often find the Deception Pass Bridge route or the Port Townsend ferry more direct depending on their origin point.

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 5 Airports locations in Island 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.

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 Island 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 Island 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.

Address

1140 North Monroe Landing Road, Oak Harbor WA 98277 Get Direction

Hours

Call for hours

Airports in near by County

Residents of Island 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 King, Snohomish, Island.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in Island County, WA

Island County is served by a mix of military and civilian general aviation airports. The dominant facility is Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (Ault Field, KNUW) in Oak Harbor, a major military installation closed to civilian use. For general aviation, DeLaurentis Airport (OKH/KOKH/ODW) in Oak Harbor is the primary public-use field, with on-demand charter service available through Lynk Air to Seattle-Tacoma. Additional public-use fields include Coupeville Airpark (WN40), Whidbey Air Park (W10) near Langley, and Camano Island Airfield (K13W) on Camano Island. Naval Outlying Field Coupeville (NRA), two miles southeast of Coupeville, is a military satellite field used for carrier landing practice.

There is no scheduled commercial airline service with traditional ticketed flights from Whidbey Island. However, DeLaurentis Airport (IATA: ODW) in Oak Harbor supports on-demand charter operations, and Lynk Air has provided charter and on-demand connections between Oak Harbor and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Travelers needing commercial scheduled service must travel to Sea-Tac, approximately 103.5 road miles and about two hours and five minutes from central Whidbey Island, or to Bellingham International Airport (BLI), roughly 52 road miles and about one hour and twenty minutes from Oak Harbor.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 83 miles straight-line from central Whidbey Island, with road distances of roughly 103.5 miles and typical drive times of about two hours and five minutes, depending on ferry wait times and traffic. Most Island County residents driving to Sea-Tac use either the Washington State Ferries Mukilteo–Clinton route (a 20-minute crossing serving about 2.1 million vehicles per year) for southern Whidbey access, or the State Route 20 Deception Pass Bridge route from the north. For travelers in Oak Harbor, the Deception Pass Bridge route adds some mileage but avoids ferry scheduling constraints.

Yes. Private and charter pilots have several public-use landing options on Whidbey Island. DeLaurentis Airport (KOKH, IATA: ODW) in Oak Harbor is the most capable public-use field on the island, with on-demand charter service through Lynk Air for those needing air taxi connections to Seattle-Tacoma. Coupeville Airpark (WN40) near the county seat provides general aviation access in the central part of the island. Whidbey Air Park (W10), located approximately two miles southwest of Langley on southern Whidbey Island, offers a 2,470-foot public-use runway on a 43-acre site. Pilots should check current NOTAMs given the active military airspace associated with NAS Whidbey Island (KNUW) and Naval Outlying Field Coupeville (NRA).

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (Ault Field, FAA/ICAO: KNUW) is a United States Navy installation located in Oak Harbor on northern Whidbey Island. It is the Navy's primary tactical electronic warfare base and home to EA-18G Growler squadrons, Fleet Readiness Center Northwest, and associated commands. The station is the largest employer in Island County, with thousands of active-duty military, civilian, and contractor personnel. As a restricted military installation, NAS Whidbey Island is not open to general public access or civilian aviation. Visitors require authorized access through base security. The associated Naval Outlying Field Coupeville (NRA), approximately two miles southeast of Coupeville, is similarly a restricted military facility used for field carrier landing practice and is not available for civilian flight operations.

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.