Airports in Thurston County, Washington
Thurston County, Washington, home to the state capital of Olympia and a combined population of nearly 310,000 residents across cities including Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm, is served by a network of aviation facilities anchored by the Olympia Regional Airport (OLM). Operated by the Port of Olympia, this airport functions as the primary public-use airport for the county and plays a central role in state government aviation, law enforcement operations, and general aviation activity across the South Puget Sound region.
Olympia Regional Airport (OLM / KOLM)
Located just 4 nautical miles south of downtown Olympia, Olympia Regional Airport sits at an elevation of 209 feet above sea level and encompasses two paved runways. Runway 17/35 stretches 5,500 feet in length and 150 feet wide, equipped with precision instrument markings and capable of accommodating large business jets and cargo aircraft. Runway 8/26 measures 4,157 feet by 150 feet and handles general aviation traffic. The airport's IATA code is OLM and its FAA/ICAO identifier is KOLM.
While Olympia Regional does not offer scheduled commercial passenger airline service, it supports a broad range of aviation activity. Charter flights are available through Safety in Motion Flight Center, which also provides fixed-wing and helicopter flight instruction. The airport maintains major aircraft maintenance and oxygen service facilities, and is equipped with the Olympia VOR navigational aid, supporting instrument approaches for pilots operating in the region's frequently overcast Pacific Northwest weather conditions.
A defining feature of Olympia Regional Airport is its role as a hub for Washington State government aviation. At least five state agencies base aircraft at KOLM, including the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), Washington State Parks, and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Aviation Section.
The WSP Aviation Section, established in 1959, operates a fleet from Olympia Regional that includes three Cessna 182s, two Cessna 206s, and a King Air 200 turboprop. The unit is staffed by five trooper pilots, a sergeant, a lieutenant, and three aircraft mechanics and maintenance supervisors. WSP aviation aircraft are equipped with FLIR infrared cameras and Augmented Reality Systems (ARS) that overlay real-time speed and tracking data during aerial surveillance operations, making this one of the more technologically advanced law enforcement aviation programs in the Pacific Northwest.
General Aviation and Private Airports
Beyond Olympia Regional, Thurston County contains several smaller general aviation and private-use airfields. Cougar Mountain Airfield (49WA), located approximately 7 miles southeast of Yelm in the eastern part of the county, is a private general aviation strip supporting personal and recreational flying. Additional private airstrips including Cricket Airport, Kari Airport, LZ Ranch Airport, R & K Skyranch Airport (near Rochester), Skatter Creek Airport (near Rochester), and Sorrell Airport (near Tenino) serve agricultural and personal aviation needs across the county's rural areas.
Access to Commercial Air Service
For commercial airline travel, Thurston County residents primarily rely on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located approximately 48 miles north of Olympia with an average drive time of under 60 minutes via Interstate 5. SEA serves as a major international hub with service to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, offering connecting access to virtually any commercial destination from Thurston County.
Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon provides an alternative gateway roughly 100 miles to the south, with a drive of approximately 90 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Both airports offer competitive fare options and extensive flight networks for residents and businesses based in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and surrounding Thurston County communities.
Whether you are a private pilot based at KOLM, a state agency relying on government aircraft, or a resident planning commercial air travel, Thurston County's aviation infrastructure reflects the county's position as Washington's governmental and administrative center, connecting the South Puget Sound region to the broader national and international aviation network.
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 Thurston 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 1 Regional Airport in Thurston County, Washington.
Olympia Regional Airport
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 Thurston County, Washington.
Local Airports
There are 11 Local Airport in Thurston County, Washington.