Airports in Whatcom County, Washington
Whatcom County, Washington sits at the northern edge of the Pacific Northwest, bordered by the Cascade Mountains to the east, the San Juan Islands to the west, and British Columbia, Canada to the north. This unique geography shapes the county's aviation landscape, anchored by a commercial hub that draws passengers from two nations and supported by general aviation facilities serving agricultural, recreational, and business needs across the region.
Bellingham International Airport (BLI)
The centerpiece of air travel in Whatcom County is Bellingham International Airport (IATA: BLI, ICAO: KBLI), located approximately three miles northwest of downtown Bellingham in unincorporated Whatcom County. Owned and operated by the Port of Bellingham, BLI spans 2,190 acres and features a single 6,701-foot runway capable of accommodating light jets, turboprops, midsize aircraft, and large-cabin jets for both domestic and international operations.
BLI is the fourth-largest commercial airport in Washington State and serves a genuinely binational passenger base. Approximately 60–65% of travelers using BLI originate from British Columbia, Canada — drawn by the airport's proximity to the Lower Mainland. The airport sits just 54 miles from downtown Vancouver, BC, and only 23 miles from the Peace Arch Border Crossing at Blaine, Washington, making it a compelling low-fare alternative to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for millions of Canadians.
Current commercial carriers at BLI include Alaska Airlines / Horizon Air, Allegiant Air, and San Juan Airlines. Alaska Airlines offers seasonal and scheduled routes to major West Coast destinations, while Allegiant connects Bellingham to leisure markets across the western and southwestern United States. San Juan Airlines operates scheduled service to the San Juan Islands, providing essential air connectivity to island communities that depend on aviation for medical, business, and personal travel. Beginning in March 2026, Alaska Airlines will add daily nonstop service between BLI and Portland International Airport (PDX), expanding the airport's route network further.
BLI generates significant economic activity across Whatcom County. The airport supports approximately 2,940 jobs and contributes an estimated $471.4 million annually in total economic impact and business revenues. More than 800,000 travelers pass through BLI each year. The Port of Bellingham has launched an aviation incentive program to attract new airlines and expand destinations, offering approved carriers two years of waived terminal landing fees and aircraft parking fees, plus up to three years of marketing support.
The airport's sole fixed-base operator (FBO) is Bellingham Aviation Services (BAS), which provides fueling, ground handling, and general aviation support services. BLI is equipped with an air traffic control tower, and the Port of Bellingham has been working with federal officials to maintain and improve tower staffing — a critical operational priority for the airport's continued growth.
Lynden Municipal Airport (38W — Jansen Field)
Located one nautical mile south of downtown Lynden, Lynden Municipal Airport (FAA identifier: 38W), also known as Jansen Field, is a public-use general aviation airport sponsored by the City of Lynden. Established in 1999, the airport occupies 39 acres at an elevation of approximately 301 feet MSL and features a 2,800 × 60-foot grass runway. It accommodates up to ten single-engine piston aircraft and serves local pilots, agricultural aviation operators, and recreational fliers in the northern Whatcom County area. While the airport does not operate hangars for lease, private hangars are located adjacent to the field.
Lynden is the heart of Whatcom County's agricultural belt — home to dairy operations, berry farms, and raspberry and raspberry processing facilities — and Jansen Field supports the agricultural aviation work that serves these operations seasonally. Pilots based here benefit from easy access to the Fraser Valley and the rural communities stretching east toward the Nooksack River valley.
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.
There are 1 International Airport in Whatcom County, Washington. Bellingham International Airport - BLI is one of the busiest international airports in the Whatcom County and in the state of Washington.
Bellingham International Airport - Bli
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 Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 2 Municipal Airport in Whatcom County, Washington.
Blaine Municipal Airport
Lynden Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 6 Local Airport in Whatcom County, Washington.