Airport Overview
Bellingham International Airport is a public airport located three miles (5 km) northwest of Bellingham, in Whatcom County, Washington.
BLI airport is operated by the Port of Bellingham. It covers 2,190 acres (886 ha) of land.
Airport Stats & Facts
- Bellingham International Airport is the third-largest commercial airport in Washington.
- In 2010, the airport completed a $26 million project for resurfacing of the runway.
- The airport is expanding the terminal building from 27,000 to 85,000 square feet.
Airport Traveling Tips
- BLI Airport requires passengers to check in 2 hours prior to departure time.
- Individuals under 18 are not required to show ID for check in or at TSA checkpoints.
- ID requirements for 18 and older are a government issued ID including Driver License, TWIC, Passport, Military ID, etc.
- Before going to the airport to board a flight, please have a look at the BLI Airport map here.
Passenger Pickup and Drop-off
- The pickup location at BLI is located on the curb outside of the terminal, behind the taxi and shuttle zone.
- Passengers can be dropped off at the curb in front of the terminal.
Flight Status
- The Arrival flight status provides the arrival times, gate information, delays, and time to land for the Bellingham Airport.
- The Departing flight status lists scheduled vs actual departure, gate information, map tracking, and flight delays.
- To get the best deals, book a flight at BLI.
Airport Terminals
Bellingham International airport has one main terminal, which is approximately 26,000 feet. It has 3 levels:
Basement
It houses a small storage facility.
Ground Floor
The entire passenger processing area is held at the ground floor of the terminal.
Second Floor
The second floor contains the office space of the airport.
There are 5 gates - Gate A, Gate B, Gate C, Gate D, and Gate E.
To see the terminal location, and for more information, refer to the BLI Terminal Map.
Airlines Served
Bellingham Airport serves three airlines - Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, and San Juan Airlines.
Airport Parking
Main Terminal Parking Lot
The Main Terminal Parking Lot is a reliable and the closest parking lot to the terminal. It is opened 24/7, and no reservation is required for this lot.
Rates:
First 30 minutes: Free
31 - 60 minutes: $1
Each additional hour: $1
24 hour period: $14
Lost ticket minimum fee: $14
Economy A Parking Lot
Economy A Parking Lot is also a convenient parking option at BLI Airport.
Rates:
First 30 minutes: Free
31 - 60 minutes: $1
Each additional hour: $1
24 hour period: $10
Lost ticket minimum fee: $14
Ground Transport
Bellingham Airport offers a variety of traveling options for passengers. From car rentals to taxis to buses and more, travelers can choose according to their convenience and requirements.
Car Rentals
There are several car rental companies located at the airport including Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, atc.
Taxis
Bellingham Airport has many taxi service providers available to pick passengers up and take them to their destination.
Buses
Whatcom Transportation Authority's Route 3 provides bus service from both their Cordata and Downtown stations.
Amenities & Services
For visitors to have a wonderful stay, Bellingham International Airport provides plenty of amenities and services including:
- Store, gift shops, and local souvenir shops.
- Restaurants, bars, and cafes.
- Shoeshine stations, and massage bars.
- Free Wi-Fi internet throughout the airport.
- Multiple art installations and exhibits on display.
- Vending machines, and banks/ATMs.
Contact Information
Address: 4255 Mitchell Way, Suite 206, Bellingham, WA 98226
Website: https://www.portofbellingham.com/
Phone: 360-671-5674
Bellingham Airport: A Brief History Timeline
- In 1936 Whatcom County obtained 200 acres for an airport at the current airport site.
- In 1940, the airport was dedicated and employed with more than 500 people.
- In 1957, with the rising costs and need for repairs, Whatcom county sold the Airport to the Port of Bellingham for one dollar.
- By the mid 1980s, Harbor Air had been replaced by San Juan Airlines, a commuter air carrier based in Bellingham.
- In 1985, Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) initiated Bellingham's first passenger jet service with McDonnell Douglas MD-80s direct to Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.
- In 1985, a separate International Terminal was built to the south in order to accommodate the Federal Inspection Services necessary for international travelers to access the United States.
- In the 1990s, homes were purchased to extend the runway in an effort to attract air carriers.
- In early 2007 Bellingham International hosted nonstop service to three destinations.
- In 2012, Frontier Airlines announced the addition of a daily seasonal summer service from Bellingham to its main hub in Denver.