Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport
Name	Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport
IATA	AVP
ICAO	KAVP
FAA	AVP
Owner	Luzerne County and Lackawanna County
City-served	Wilkes-Barre and Scranton
Location	Avoca, Pennsylvania
Elevation-f	962
Elevation-m	293
Coordinates	41, 20, 18, N...
Website	http://www.flyavp.com
R1-number	4/22
R1-length-f	7,501
R1-length-m	2,286
R1-surface	Asphalt
R2-number	10/28
R2-length-f	3,900
R2-length-m	1,189
R2-surface	Asphalt
Stat-year	2023
Stat1-header	Passengers
Stat1-data	290,000
Stat2-header	Aircraft operations
Stat2-data	30,000
Stat3-header	Based aircraft
Stat3-data	30

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is a public airport located in Avoca, Pennsylvania, serving the Wyoming Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania regions. Owned jointly by Luzerne County and Lackawanna County, it is the primary commercial air facility for the metropolitan areas of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. The airport features a modern terminal and offers scheduled passenger service to major airline hubs, alongside general aviation and cargo operations.

History

The airport's origins trace back to the 1940s when it was developed on the site of a former anthracite coal mine, with significant development occurring during World War II under the auspices of the United States Army Air Forces. It was officially dedicated in 1947 and has since undergone numerous expansions, including a major terminal renovation completed in 2006. The facility has been instrumental in the regional economy, supporting industries like manufacturing and tourism in Pennsylvania.

Facilities

The airport covers 1,200 acres at an elevation of 962 feet above mean sea level and features two asphalt runways: the primary Runway 4/22 and the crosswind Runway 10/28. The passenger terminal, designed by the architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, contains eight gates, TSA security checkpoints, and concessions. Other facilities include a Federal Aviation Administration control tower, a fixed-base operator for general aviation, and corporate hangars for companies like Guardian Healthcare.

Airlines and destinations

The airport is served by several major carriers providing non-stop service to key domestic hubs. As of 2024, primary airlines include American Airlines operating flights to Charlotte and Philadelphia, and United Airlines with service to Chicago–O'Hare and Washington–Dulles. Seasonal service is occasionally offered by carriers such as Delta Air Lines to destinations like Atlanta.

Statistics

In 2023, the airport served approximately 290,000 passengers, making it one of the busiest commercial airports in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It recorded around 30,000 total aircraft operations, with commercial carriers accounting for the majority. The top domestic destinations by passenger volume were Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Cargo carriers such as FedEx Express and UPS Airlines also utilize the facility.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record. A notable incident occurred in 1985 when Piedmont Airlines Flight 22, a Boeing 737, experienced a runway incursion but avoided collision. In 1992, a Cessna 210 crashed during approach in poor weather, resulting in fatalities. The National Transportation Safety Board investigated both events, leading to recommendations that enhanced local air traffic control procedures.

Ground transportation

The airport is accessible via Interstate 81 and Interstate 476 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension). Rental car services are provided by agencies including Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Public bus service is operated by the Lackawanna County COLTS system, and taxi services are available. The facility also offers extensive short-term and long-term parking lots for passengers.

Category:Airports in Pennsylvania Category:Buildings and structures in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Category:Transportation in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania