Airports in San Juan County, Washington
San Juan County is a remote archipelago in northwest Washington State, accessible primarily by Washington State Ferries or small aircraft. With no bridge connections to the mainland, aviation plays a vital role in connecting the islands to Seattle, Anacortes, and beyond. The county spans dozens of islands, with San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw islands home to the majority of residents among an approximate population of 17,000.
Major Airports and Airstrips
Friday Harbor Airport (FHR)
Friday Harbor Airport is the primary general aviation facility in San Juan County, located on San Juan Island adjacent to Friday Harbor, the county seat. The FAA identifier is FHR, and the airport sits at an elevation of 113 feet above mean sea level. The single runway (Runway 16/34) measures 3,400 feet in length and is surfaced in asphalt, accommodating single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft. Friday Harbor Airport is approximately 4 miles north of the ferry terminal and serves as the main landing point for charter flights, air taxis, and private pilots visiting San Juan Island. San Juan Airlines operates scheduled service connecting Friday Harbor to Anacortes, Bellingham, and other regional destinations, making it the most commercially active land-based airport in the county.
Orcas Island Airport (ORS)
Orcas Island Airport serves the largest island in San Juan County by area and carries the FAA identifier ORS. The airport is situated near Eastsound, the main village on Orcas Island, at an elevation of 31 feet MSL. Its single runway (Runway 16/34) stretches 2,900 feet and handles a steady stream of private and charter traffic serving residents, tourists, and businesses on Orcas Island. San Juan Airlines and various charter operators provide scheduled and on-demand air taxi service to Eastsound, connecting the island to Anacortes (approximately 22 nautical miles southeast) and to Seattle-area airports. The airport is roughly 70 miles northwest of Seattle by air, making it a practical alternative to the multi-hour ferry journey for time-sensitive travelers.
Fisherman Bay Airport — Lopez Island (S31)
Fisherman Bay Airport, also known as Lopez Island Airport, is identified by FAA code S31 and sits on Lopez Island, the third-largest and most agricultural of the primary San Juan Islands. Located at an elevation of 209 feet MSL near the community of Lopez Village, the airport features a single paved runway (Runway 16/34) of 2,900 feet. Lopez Island is roughly 30 nautical miles from Anacortes and approximately 78 miles from Seattle. Air taxi operators including San Juan Airlines provide scheduled stops at Lopez Island, linking it to the wider regional network. The airport sees considerable use from private pilots, agricultural aviation, and medical transport, as Lopez has limited ferry service relative to the larger islands.
Roche Harbor Airport (W03)
Roche Harbor Airport is a private-use general aviation strip on the northwest end of San Juan Island, assigned FAA identifier W03. Elevation is 100 feet MSL. The single turf and gravel runway is approximately 2,400 feet in length and primarily serves the Roche Harbor Resort complex, one of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated marina destinations. Private pilots flying directly to Roche Harbor avoid the lengthy drive from Friday Harbor Airport, as the resort and marina are located at the far northern tip of San Juan Island. The airport is not open to the public without prior permission, making advance coordination essential. Roche Harbor is approximately 10 nautical miles northwest of Friday Harbor by air.
Seaplane and Floatplane Service
San Juan County's geography makes it ideally suited to floatplane and seaplane operations. Kenmore Air, based at Lake Union in Seattle and at Kenmore on Lake Washington, operates scheduled floatplane service directly to Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, as well as to Westsound on Orcas Island. Flight times from Seattle are approximately 35–45 minutes, compared to roughly 3–4 hours by car and ferry. San Juan Airlines supplements land-based scheduled service across the island network, often using Cessna Caravan and similar turboprop aircraft from Anacortes, approximately 85 miles south of the islands. Seaplane docks at Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, and Deer Harbor on Orcas Island provide direct waterfront access, eliminating ground transportation for many visitors and residents.
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 San Juan 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 San Juan 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 San Juan County, Washington.
Local Airports
There are 9 Local Airport in San Juan County, Washington.