Tacoma Narrows Airport

Tacoma Narrows Airport Archives - Threshold Aviation

Introduction

Tacoma Narrows Airport (IATA: TIW) is a busy general aviation airport located in the heart of Puget Sound. It aims to provide a less crowded alternative for the busiest airport in the region, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), only 18 miles northeast.

Airlines and Destinations

There are no commercial airline services to the airport, which is designated a general aviation facility. Nevertheless, the airport continues to attract regular flights by private aircraft and charter planes as well as flight training. The airport's one runway, 17/35, can handle both small passenger planes and those with high-powered turboprop or jet engines.

Passengers Served and Flights

Since Tacoma Narrows Airport mostly caters to general aviation, it has no specific statistics about passengers or flights. Despite that, the airport is located strategically and boasts good facilities, ensuring it stays a favorite among pilots and aircraft owners in the area. METAR weather observations and live flight tracking suggest a constant flow of traffic, both local VFR flights as well as transient aircraft.

How to Get Here

Conveniently located five miles west of downtown Tacoma near the center of Pierce County, Washington State, in unincorporated Gig Harbor close to the South Sound shore and only minutes from the beautiful views offered by Highway 16, along with easy access to shopping. The airport is accessible on State Route 16 by taking the Gig Harbor/Tacoma Narrows Bridge exit and following signs to the airport. Although public transportation is lacking, the airport is located relatively close to several major bus lines and rideshare services.

Parking

Ample visitor and pilot parking is available at the airport when coming to visit. Designated parking lots are available as short-term or long-term options. Prices are usually decent, which means you can save money by choosing Tacoma Narrows Airport over the expensive Seattle-Tacoma International Airport parking facilities.

Transportation Price

Tacoma Narrows Airport is a general aviation facility and does not have a centralized ground transportation system or shuttle service. Ground transportation is BYOG (bring your own ground) for guests and pilots — including the use of personal automobiles, rental cars, or services such as Lyft/Uber or local taxi companies. The cost of these services can differ depending on who you use and how far away they drive to get to you.

Terminal Layout

The airport has one terminal building, which includes the administrative offices of the airport as well as numerous fixed-base operators (FBOs) and aviation companies. The terminal area also has a general aviation ramp for people who fly private or charter aircraft to the facility.

Navigate the Airport

It is pretty easy to navigate through the Tacoma Narrows Airport. The airport's easier-to-navigate layout features clear signage that points the way to all important areas of the airport, including arrival/departure gates as well as FBOs. The airport has a single runway serving it but makes arriving and departing for pilots easy--and passengers!--as its taxiways lead directly to the ramp area.

Getting Between Terminals

Tacoma Narrows Airport has one long terminal building, so you do not need to move from different terminals. This is extremely convenient for both the hot summer and cold winter, as all services and amenities at the airport are kept in one place, which makes it a very efficient experience for both pilots and passengers.

Services and Amenities

Tacoma Narrows Airport, located approximately 15 nautical miles northwest of Tacoma, WA., is a full-service airport providing numerous general aviation services and amenities. This includes fuel services, aircraft maintenance and repair, as well as flight training. Other amenities provided on-site include available aircraft rental and charter solutions. The airport also features pilot lounges, conference rooms, and more to serve the needs of the aviation community.

Restaurants and Shops

While there are no residential homes, restaurants, or shops on the property of Tacoma Narrows Airport, Gig Harbor and nearby areas in Tacoma offer a choice for both, located right across from the airport entrance, respectively, at very short distances. Local businesses are often designed to be easily accessed by pilots and their passengers, rounding out a visit for everyone involved.

Security and Customs

As a general aviation airport, Tacoma Narrows does not have the customs or security apparatus of larger commercial airports. Nonetheless, the airport does have suitable security to keep all operations safe and sound. Pilots and passengers must know the airport's security measures so that they may have what is necessary to travel.

Accessibility

The Tacoma Narrows Airport is dedicated to serving a broad range of users, including individuals with disabilities. The new terminal also features a number of amenities for disabled individuals, including parking spaces located near the building and ramp access to public areas within. Passengers with special needs or requirements are also able to make use of the assistance provided by airport staff.

Travel Tips

If you fly into Tacoma Narrows Airport, think ahead and allot travel time. Please refer to the airport website or contact FBOs for current services/fuel charges and any operational updates. And get to know something of the system at your local airport: you will stand high above other users in both skill and rank if they are pilots or paying passengers.