Bellingham International Airport

Overview

Bellingham International Airport, identified by IATA code BLI and ICAO code KBLI, is a medium airport serving Bellingham in the United States. For travelers heading to northwest Washington, it offers a smaller, easier-to-navigate alternative to larger regional airports, which can mean shorter walks, simpler wayfinding, and a less hectic start or end to a trip. The airport sits at an elevation of 170 feet (52 m), a detail that matters mostly to aviation, but it also reflects its relatively low-lying coastal setting near the Salish Sea and the Canadian border.

What travelers should know

• Bellingham International Airport uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone, so flight times follow Pacific Time.
• The airport’s primary runway is 16/34, measuring 6,700 feet, with an asphalt surface and lighting for day and night operations.
• Because it is a medium airport, passengers can generally expect a more straightforward experience than at major hub airports.
• BLI serves Bellingham directly, making it a practical entry point for local visits and broader travel across the surrounding region.

Why it matters for your trip

For visitors, the main advantage of BLI is convenience: a compact airport can make arrivals, departures, and pickups feel more manageable, especially for families, occasional flyers, or anyone trying to avoid the stress of a much larger terminal environment. Its lighted runway supports reliable operations across a range of conditions, and its role as Bellingham’s airport makes it a useful gateway for both leisure and regional travel. Knowing the airport code, local time zone, and basic airfield details in advance can also make trip planning smoother, especially when comparing routes or confirming schedules.