Astoria Regional Airport

Astoria Regional Airport
Name	Astoria Regional Airport
Iata	AST
Icao	KAST
Faa	AST
Type	Public
Owner	Port of Astoria
City-served	Astoria, Oregon
Elevation-f	12
R1-number	08/26
R1-length-f	5,795
R1-surface	Asphalt
R2-number	14/32
R2-length-f	3,001
R2-surface	Asphalt

Astoria Regional Airport is a public airport serving the Columbia River estuary city of Astoria, Oregon, and the surrounding Clatsop County. The airport functions as a regional general aviation and limited commercial facility, connecting coastal communities with metropolitan areas and supporting United States Coast Guard operations, general aviation activities, and seasonal charter services. It is owned by the Port of Astoria and lies near Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and the mouth of the Columbia River.

History

The site that became the airport was established during the mid-20th century as part of regional infrastructure expansions influenced by post-World War II aviation growth and Federal Aviation Administration development programs. Early improvements were tied to requests from the Port of Astoria and local leaders seeking links to Portland, Oregon, Seattle, and other Pacific Northwest hubs. Over decades the field hosted Army Air Forces training flights, supported United States Navy seaplane operations in the Columbia estuary vicinity, and accommodated PBY Catalina transits and other coastal patrol craft during the Cold War. Upgrades to runways and navigational aids were funded through state grants from the Oregon Department of Aviation and federal programs administered by the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation (United States). In the 21st century the airport has seen investments tied to regional economic development initiatives by the Oregon International Port of Astoria and collaborative projects with Clatsop County and state tourism agencies related to attractions such as Fort Stevens State Park and the Astoria Column.

Facilities and aircraft

The airport has two asphalt runways: primary Runway 08/26 and secondary Runway 14/32. Facilities include a terminal building with passenger areas historically used by commuter carriers linking to Portland International Airport and small-scale cargo handling. Fixed-base operators on the field provide services to Cessna and Beechcraft operators, maintenance for Piper light aircraft, flight instruction aligned with Federal Aviation Administration Part 61 standards, and avionic shops servicing Garmin and Honeywell systems. The airport apron and hangars accommodate turboprops such as the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter and regional turboprops engaged in medevac flights with providers like AirLink and Air Methods. The field supports United States Coast Guard Air Station Astoria transient operations and coordinates with Port of Astoria maritime facilities for search and rescue staging near the Columbia Bar.

Airlines and destinations

Commercial scheduled service has been intermittent, typically provided by regional commuter carriers operating under Essential Air Service-like arrangements to connect with Portland, Oregon and occasionally Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. Past operators have included commuter brands affiliated with regional networks and independent turboprop carriers based in Washington (state) and Oregon. Seasonal charters have linked Astoria to tourism markets including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Bellingham, Washington, often timed with events at the Oregon Coast Aquarium or fishing seasons for the Columbia River estuary. Cargo and air taxi operators serve freight needs for coastal communities and remote industrial sites, with connections to logistics hubs such as Portland International Airport and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport.

Statistics

Operational statistics reflect a predominance of general aviation operations, air taxi movements, and occasional military flights. Based aircraft typically include single-engine pistons, multi-engine piston aircraft, and a small number of turboprops. Annual enplanements have fluctuated in response to carrier schedules, regional tourism, and public program support administered by the Federal Aviation Administration and Oregon Department of Aviation. Seasonal peaks often align with summer tourism to Cannon Beach, Seaside, Oregon, and recreational boating on the Columbia River.

Accidents and incidents

The airport’s safety record includes a small number of incidents involving general aviation aircraft during approach or departure phases, with investigations conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and coordination with Federal Aviation Administration inspectors. Weather in the Columbia River estuary—including low ceilings, marine layer fog, and strong crosswinds influenced by the Pacific Ocean—has contributed to diversions and precautionary measures. Response actions have involved local emergency services from Clatsop County and mutual aid from nearby airports such as Portland International Airport and Astoria–Warrenton Airport for major recoveries.

Ground transportation and access

Ground access to the airport is provided via U.S. Route 101 and local roads connecting to downtown Astoria, the Astoria–Megler Bridge, and regional highway networks reaching Portland, Oregon and Longview, Washington. Public transit links include services coordinated by the Columbia Area Transit system and shuttle providers serving seasonal ferry and cruise connections at nearby ports. Parking, rental car arrangements with firms operating in Portland and Seattle, and taxi or rideshare services provide last-mile connections for passengers and aircrew.

Category:Airports in Oregon Category:Buildings and structures in Astoria, Oregon