Panguitch Municipal Airport (PNU)

Panguitch Municipal Airport (PNU), designated by the FAA as U55, is a public-use general aviation facility serving Garfield County, Utah, approximately 3 miles northeast of the city center. The airport operates from a small passenger and administration building designed primarily to support private pilots, recreational flyers, and visitors to the nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. It acts as a vital infrastructure link for southern Utah, situated at a high elevation of 6,763 feet above sea level within the scenic Sevier River valley. Facilities at the airstrip are extremely minimal and reflect its status as a generally unattended rural airfield. The terminal area provides a basic sheltered waiting lounge and public restroom facilities for travelers, but lacks modern commercial amenities such as retail shops, full-service restaurants, or on-site refueling services. Travelers and pilots are advised to be completely self-sufficient and to handle all logistical needs, including food and fuel, at nearby hubs like Bryce Canyon (BCE) or Cedar City (CDC) prior to arrival. Operationally, the airport features a single 5,700-foot asphalt runway (18/36) equipped with pilot-controlled lighting and automated weather reporting systems. A unique feature of the airfield is the frequent presence of antelope on or near the runway, particularly during the summer months, requiring pilots to exercise extreme caution during takeoff and landing. Ground transportation is informal, with no dedicated taxi or rental services stationed on-site; visitors typically arrange private vehicle pickups or pre-booked transfers to reach the various national monuments and natural attractions in the region.