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    Bellingham International Airport

    A regional gateway connecting northwest Washington to major West Coast destinations, known for its cost-effective flights and proximity to Canada.

    IATA Code:BLI
    Bellingham International Airport logo
    US Airport Illustration
    Watch Tower

    Overview of the Airport

    Bellingham International Airport is located 3 miles northwest of downtown Bellingham, Washington, serving as a key regional airport for Whatcom County and southern British Columbia. It provides scheduled commercial service, general aviation, and supports diverse aviation activities including business travel, cargo, and emergency services.

    48.7927, -122.5375

    0.53M
    Passenger Traffic
    N/A
    Cargo Throughput

    Growth Trend

    Passenger traffic declined by 14.7% in 2024 compared to the previous year, following a period of recovery from pandemic lows.

    Passenger Growth ChartPassenger Growth ChartPassenger Growth ChartPassenger Growth Chart

    Employment

    2,940

    Workers across airlines, ground services, concessions, airport operations, and supporting businesses contribute to the local economy.

    Airport Asset

    Global Ranking

    Bellingham International ranks outside the top 150 U.S. airports by passenger traffic, serving a regional rather than national or international market.
    60.5K
    Aircraft Movements

    Market Share of Major Airlines

    Capacity Expansion

    Current facilities efficiently handle regional demand, with no major expansion projects announced as of 2024.

    Capacity Expansion

    Technological Advancements

    The airport continues to adopt standard industry technologies for security and passenger processing, though no major AI or biometric initiatives have been publicly highlighted.

    Technological Advancements

    Sustainability Initiatives

    Bellingham International participates in standard environmental compliance programs, with no prominent publicized sustainability projects beyond regulatory requirements.

    Sustainability Initiatives

    Recommendations

    Policy Alignment

    Maintain strong partnerships with state and federal agencies to secure funding for infrastructure maintenance and operational resilience.

    Infrastructure Investment

    Prioritize routine upgrades to terminals, runways, and ground transportation to support reliable regional service.

    Sustainability Focus

    Explore opportunities to integrate greener practices in line with Washington State’s environmental goals and community expectations.