๐บ๐ธ Blackwell, United States of America
Blackwell-Tonkawa Municipal Airport (BWL), also known as Earl Henry Airport, is a public-use facility jointly owned and operated by the cities of Blackwell and Tonkawa in north-central Oklahoma. Spanning approximately 209 acres, the airport serves as a critical infrastructure for general aviation in Kay County, supporting private transport, agricultural operations, and regional business travel. Its strategic location near the Interstate 35 corridor makes it an accessible point of entry for visitors traveling between Oklahoma City and Wichita, Kansas. The airportโs terminal building offers essential amenities for visiting pilots and passengers, providing a comfortable waiting area and restrooms. The facility is equipped with an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), which provides real-time weather updates essential for safe flight operations in the variable Oklahoma climate. While the terminal does not host commercial dining or retail, its proximity to the cities of Blackwell and Tonkawa allows travelers quick access to local restaurants and services within a few miles. Operational support at BWL includes a well-maintained asphalt runway (17/35) measuring 3,501 feet in length, suitable for a variety of light piston and turboprop aircraft. The airport offers Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) services, including Avgas fueling and aircraft maintenance, alongside hangar space and tie-down areas for long-term and overnight storage. As a non-towered facility, pilots utilize the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to coordinate arrivals and departures, ensuring safe and efficient operations for all users.
Connecting through Blackwell-Tonkawa Municipal Airport (BWL), also known as Earl Henry Airport, is a common occurrence for general aviation pilots traversing the Great Plains between Oklahoma and Kansas. A unique 'connection' tip for this facility involves its identifiers: while the IATA code is BWL, pilots should use FAA identifier BKN (KBKN) for flight planning and navigation, as the IATA code BKN is assigned to an airport in Turkmenistan. The primary runway 17/35 is 3,501 feet long and generally in excellent condition, offering a reliable technical stop for light piston and turboprop aircraft. For a seamless technical connection, the airport provides 24/7 self-service 100LL Avgas via an automated credit card system. Jet A availability can be irregular, so it is highly recommended to call the FBO, Oklahoma Light Aircraft, in advance if you require turbine fuel. Since BWL is a non-towered facility, all traffic coordination occurs on CTAF 122.8, and pilots should be aware that the airport is only irregularly attended. If your 'layover' requires access to the terminal building or specific ground services after hours, coordinate with the City of Blackwell beforehand. Travelers should note that there are no on-site rental car agencies; onward ground transport to Blackwell or Tonkawa (each about 5 miles away) must be pre-arranged via local taxi or ride-share services. For those with a few hours to spare, the Top of Oklahoma Museum in Blackwell is a notable local attraction. Pilots should maintain vigilance for a 1,336-foot MSL lighted obstruction tower located roughly 4.2 NM southeast of the field. While the airport lacks commercial airline connections, its competitive fuel pricing and proximity to the I-35 corridor make it a preferred technical stop for cross-country GA flights through north-central Oklahoma.
Check terminal and airline baggage transfer rules, especially on separate tickets.
Minimum domestic connection:
30 minutes
International connections:
60 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Last updated: January 1980 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources