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

Airports in Yakima County, Washington

Yakima County, located in south-central Washington's fertile Yakima Valley, is home to a regional airport network anchored by the Yakima Air Terminal–McAllister Field (YKM/KYKM), along with several general aviation facilities serving the county's 257,000 residents across its agricultural and recreational landscapes. Positioned east of the Cascade Range, approximately 145 miles southeast of Seattle and 190 miles northeast of Portland, Yakima County depends on its airport infrastructure to connect this arid inland valley to the broader Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Yakima Air Terminal – McAllister Field (YKM)

The primary commercial airport serving Yakima County is Yakima Air Terminal–McAllister Field, situated roughly 3 miles south of downtown Yakima along the valley floor at approximately 1,000 feet elevation. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Yakima and carries IATA designator YKM and ICAO identifier KYKM. Its history stretches back to 1926, when aviation pioneer Elrey Jeppesen—later the founder of Jeppesen aviation charts—made the facility's first recorded landing. The McAllister brothers operated a flight school here during World War II, training Navy and Army Air Corps pilots, cementing the airport's role in regional aviation heritage. In 1996 the airport was officially renamed Yakima Air Terminal–McAllister Field to honor that legacy.

The terminal features two asphalt-paved runways: the primary Runway 9/27 measuring 7,604 feet by 150 feet (2,318 × 46 meters), equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) first installed in 1953, and the crosswind Runway 4/22 at 3,835 feet by 150 feet (1,169 × 46 meters). These runways accommodate regional jets and turboprop aircraft comfortably. The FAA control tower, in continuous operation since the 1949 terminal modernization, oversees daily commercial and general aviation movements.

Alaska Airlines provides scheduled nonstop service between YKM and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), covering the approximately 103-mile route in roughly 56 minutes. This SEA connection gives Yakima County travelers access to Alaska Airlines' full international and domestic network, including onward flights to Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and numerous other destinations. Charter operators including Sun Country Airlines and Xtra Airways have historically served leisure routes to destinations such as Laughlin, Nevada, and Wendover, Nevada, supplementing scheduled service during peak travel periods. Aviation-related businesses at and around the terminal support approximately 1,000 jobs in the local economy, reflecting the facility's importance beyond passenger convenience.

The McAllister Museum of Aviation, located on the airport grounds, preserves and displays the rich aviation history of the Yakima Valley. Visitors can explore historic aircraft, photographs, and artifacts documenting the evolution of flight in the region from the early barnstorming era through modern commercial aviation.

Sunnyside Municipal Airport

Located at 818 East Edison Avenue in Sunnyside, Sunnyside Municipal Airport serves the lower Yakima Valley's general aviation community. Sunnyside, situated in the heart of Washington's wine country approximately 35 miles southeast of Yakima, relies on this facility for private pilots, agricultural aviation operations, and charter access. The airport supports the region's extensive orchard and vineyard operations, where aerial application aircraft play an important seasonal role in crop management across Yakima County's world-renowned agricultural landscape.

Tieton State Airport

Tieton State Airport, located at 34582 U.S. Highway 12 in Naches near the community of Tieton, serves the western Yakima County foothills and recreation corridor leading toward White Pass and the Cascade Range. Operated as a state-managed facility, it provides a base for backcountry flying, search-and-rescue operations, and access to the outdoor recreation destinations concentrated along the Naches River corridor. The airport's position near U.S. 12 makes it a useful waypoint for pilots transiting between the eastern and western slopes of the Cascades.

West Valley Airport (48WA)

The West Valley Airport (FAA identifier 48WA) rounds out Yakima County's general aviation infrastructure as a private-use facility serving the West Valley area west of Yakima. This airstrip supports local private pilots and agricultural aviation activities in the county's western agricultural zones.

Aviation in Yakima County's Agricultural Economy

Yakima County is among the most productive agricultural counties in the United States, generating over $1.5 billion in annual agricultural output from apples, hops, wine grapes, pears, cherries, and vegetables. Aviation is deeply integrated into this economy: aerial crop-dusting and application services, refrigerated air cargo for premium fruit shipments, and business aviation connecting Yakima growers and processors with buyers in Seattle, Portland, and beyond all depend on the county's airport network. The dry, sunny climate—approximately 300 days of sunshine annually and only 8 inches of precipitation—means flying conditions are favorable for most of the year, supporting high utilization of general aviation facilities throughout the valley.

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 6 Airports locations in Yakima 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.

Residents of Yakima 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 Yakima.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in Yakima County, Washington

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.