Venango Regional Airport: Gateway to the Oil Heritage of Pennsylvania
Introduction
Located in the heart of western Pennsylvania, Venango Regional Airport (IATA: FKL) is a medium-sized airport that functions as an essential transportation connection for the area. Once known as Chess Lamberton Field, the airport has a storied history that dates to the 1940s and was an important link in Pennsylvania's once-vibrant oil production industry. Today, and into the next millennium, Venango Regional Airport will remain a vital link to all that is beautiful in this history-packed land known as Venango County.
Airlines and Destinations
Airline service was historically subsidized by the Essential Air Service program, but it ended in October 2019 at Venango Regional Airport (FKL). Although the airport is no longer served by commercial passenger flights, it continues to be an important gateway for general aviation and charter aircraft.
Passengers & Flights
Federal Aviation Administration records say Venango Regional Airport had 681 passenger enplanements in the calendar year of 2008, followed by 1,583 in the next year and another decrease to just over a thousand. It is classified as a general aviation airport, which means it does not have at least 2,500 pilots boarding planes per year (it fell short by 4).
How to Get Here
Venango Regional Airport is a public airport located two miles (3 km) southwest of the city of Franklin in Venango County, Pennsylvania. The surrounding airfield is accessible via numerous major roads, including Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 322, ensuring that nearby cities are not more than a stone's throw away.
Parking
The airport has ample parking available directly next to the terminal building for visitors. Free airport parking is available for those driving personal vehicles.
Transportation Options
There are no public transportation options from the airport, but there are several alternatives you can use to get in and out. When we are traveling, most of the people from the local area will take a taxi or rideshare service, while others may rent a car from one of the on-site rental agencies.
Terminal Layout
The airport is home to a terminal building where all the other operations of this General Aviation hub are based, including its FBO and restaurant, The Runway Ristorante & Lounge. The terminal itself only has 13 gates, and its easy layout allows for passengers to quickly go between the parking garage or outdoor observation area, security checkpoints, and any one of five passenger airline concourses.
Navigate the Airport
Venango Regional Airport is very small, and as a result, getting around the airport terminal is extremely easy. The new structure will stand about 1,000 feet from the current building and offers convenient access for passengers to amenities and services such as the FBO (the former terminal), a restaurant atop 'a Meadow' in Concourse B, and general aviation operations.
Getting Between Terminals
The Venango Regional Airport has only one terminal, so passengers do not have to navigate between multiple terminals. The hangar-style building houses all airport operations and services in one place.
Services and Amenities
The Venango Regional Airport provides services that cater to the needs of its visitors, including disabled facilities. This includes the FBO located on site for private and charter aircraft to refuel, maintenance, and other support services. Among the amenities at the airport is the Runway Ristorante & Lounge, a full-service restaurant where customers can enjoy dining in an aviation-themed atmosphere.
Restaurants and Shops
Runway Ristorante & Lounge is the lone place to eat at Venango Regional Airport. The Terminal Building houses this restaurant with a warm, aviation-themed interior and mouth-watering American classics. No other stores or cafes exist on the airport grounds.
Security and Customs
As a general aviation airport, Venango Regional Airport will not have the high level of security and customs found in commercial terminals. Passengers using the private and charter flights should not go through an in-depth security screening and customs clearance process.
Accessibility
Venango Regional Airport facilities are easily accessible to all individuals who wish to use them. For example, the terminal building and the surrounding areas are well designed to maximize access by individuals with disabilities. The design features designated parking spaces, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
Travel Tips
Lastly, visitors planning to use Venango Regional Airport should remember to plan ahead of time. Although the airport is relatively small, it is good to arrive early, even when using a private or charter flight. Visitors should also visit the FBO or airport website to get relevant information, services, updates, and other amenities.