Pullman–Moscow Regional Airport

Pullman–Moscow Regional Airport
Saucy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Pullman–Moscow Regional Airport
Iata	PUW
Icao	KPUW
Type	Public
Owner	Port of Whitman County
City-served	Pullman, Washington; Moscow, Idaho
Elevation-f	2,550
Location	Whitman County, Washington

Pullman–Moscow Regional Airport Pullman–Moscow Regional Airport serves the cities of Pullman, Washington and Moscow, Idaho, and the regional population centered on Washington State University and the University of Idaho. The airport lies near State Route 270 (Washington) and provides regional air service connecting to major hubs such as Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport. It is owned by the Port of Whitman County and functions as a key transportation asset for the Palouse agricultural region, cooperating with institutions like the Pullman Chamber of Commerce and the Latah County Chamber of Commerce.

History

The airport originated as a municipal landing field influenced by early aviation developments associated with figures like Charles Lindbergh and movements such as the Civil Aeronautics Administration expansion; subsequent growth paralleled regional initiatives led by the Port of Whitman County and municipal governments of Pullman, Washington and Moscow, Idaho. Cold War-era investments and federal programs including those overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration and the United States Department of Transportation supported runway extensions and navigational upgrades. In the 1990s and 2000s, partnerships with carriers such as Horizon Air and Delta Connection shaped scheduled service patterns, while economic shifts tied to Washington State University enrollment and research collaborations with the National Science Foundation affected demand. More recent capital projects reflected grant awards from the FAA Airport Improvement Program and procurement influenced by procurement rules under the United States Code.

Facilities and aircraft

The airport features a single primary runway (aligned roughly 5/23) with instrument approaches supported by Instrument Landing System and Area Navigation procedures registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. The terminal building provides passenger screening, ticketing, and baggage facilities used by regional carriers such as Alaska Airlines and feeder carriers operating under brands like Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines. General aviation operations include activity by flight schools linked to Washington State University]’s] aviation programs, and aircraft types range from single-engine models by Cessna and Piper Aircraft to regional jets such as the Embraer 175 and the Bombardier CRJ700. Ground services include fixed-base operations with fuel provided by suppliers like Shell plc and maintenance performed by contractors following Federal Aviation Regulations standards. The airport’s control environment is coordinated with the Seattle Air Route Traffic Control Center and the FAA's Flight Service Stations network.

Airlines and destinations

Commercial service has been provided by carriers operating under major network partners including Alaska Airlines, regional affiliates of Delta Air Lines, and codeshare partners connected to American Airlines. Destinations commonly served via nonstop flights include Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, with seasonal or scheduled connections to hubs like Salt Lake City International Airport and Denver International Airport enabling onward service to global carriers such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air Canada. Charter operations have linked the airport to events hosted by Washington State University and conferences affiliated with institutions like the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.

Statistics

Passenger enplanement and deplanement totals have reflected fluctuations tied to academic calendars at Washington State University and University of Idaho and to regional economic activity involving commodities from the Palouse like wheat and legumes. Annual statistics reported to the Federal Aviation Administration and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics show variability influenced by national trends tied to entities such as the Airline Deregulation Act era carriers and the operational strategies of regional airlines like SkyWest Airlines and Horizon Air. Cargo movements, though modest compared with major cargo hubs like Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and Memphis International Airport, support agricultural shipments and research logistics for organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture.

Ground transportation and access

Ground access connects the airport to Pullman, Washington via State Route 27 (Washington) and State Route 270 (Washington), and to Moscow, Idaho through regional highways and shuttle services operated by local transit agencies like Pullman Transit and intercity services connecting to Spokane, Washington via Greyhound Lines-style providers and regional carriers like Travel Washington. On-site parking, rental car counters operated by national brands such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Avis Budget Group, and taxi services coordinate with ride-hailing platforms associated with companies like Uber Technologies and Lyft, Inc. for last-mile connectivity.

Accidents and incidents

Recorded incidents at the airport have been investigated by agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration; investigations have involved aircraft manufacturers and operators including Cessna, Piper Aircraft, and regional operators similar to Horizon Air. Notable safety reviews referenced standards promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organization and resulted in procedural changes in ground handling, winter operations planning influenced by National Weather Service advisories, and infrastructure upgrades funded through federal grant programs administered by the FAA Airport Improvement Program.

Category:Airports in Washington (state) Category:Buildings and structures in Whitman County, Washington Category:Transportation in Whitman County, Washington