Pangborn Airport remains open, flights continue despite shutdown concerns

WENATCHEE — Pangborn Memorial Airport remains open and commercial flights continue as scheduled, despite concerns tied to the ongoing federal government shutdown, according to the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority.

The Port, which owns and operates the airport, issued a statement March 18 addressing recent reports suggesting flights at Pangborn could be affected by the funding lapse.

Airport leadership remains in regular contact with the Transportation Security Administration, and officials said there has been no indication that screening operations at Pangborn are expected to stop.

“Pangborn Memorial Airport is a vital transportation link for North Central Washington,” said Trent Moyers, director of airports. “We are actively monitoring the situation and staying closely coordinated with our federal partners. At this time, there is no basis to suggest that airport operations are in jeopardy.”

Officials acknowledged that the partial shutdown has created challenges nationwide, including impacts to federal employees such as TSA officers, but emphasized that local operations have not been disrupted.

As a precaution, travelers are encouraged to allow extra time for screening. The Port recommends arriving about 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international departures.

The statement also noted that even in the event of a disruption to TSA screening, the airport itself would remain open. Pangborn supports a range of services beyond commercial passenger travel, including general aviation, air freight and medical evacuation flights.

Port officials encouraged travelers to rely on official sources for updates and said they will continue monitoring the situation as it develops.

Travelers can find updated flight and airport information at FlyWenatchee.com or contact Trent Moyers, director of airports, at trent@cdrpa.org for additional information.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media