Venango Regional Airport

Venango Regional Airport (FKL), also known as Chess Lamberton Field, is an important aviation hub for the Venango region in western Pennsylvania. Located between two key cities, Franklin and Oil City, it serves as a gateway for private and corporate travellers, offering access to the picturesque landscapes and business centres of this historic area. Although the airport no longer handles scheduled commercial flights, it continues to play a significant role in supporting general aviation, offering modern amenities and a personalised approach to every guest. Its strategic location makes it a starting point for exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the United States in this part of the country.

Despite its modest size, Venango Airport offers a range of advantages for travellers. It focuses on servicing private and business aviation, including charter jets, which ensures flexibility and comfort for passengers. Recent infrastructure upgrades, such as the renovation of the fuelling complex with a self-service option and apron reconstruction, guarantee compliance with modern safety and convenience standards. One of the unique features of the airport is the presence of the Italian restaurant Primo Barone's on its premises, popular among both pilots and local residents. Its convenient location makes the airport a key access point to local colleges, industrial enterprises, and numerous recreational areas with hiking and cycling routes.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official website, which is a section of the Venango County government portal: venangocountypa.gov/229/Airport
• Helpline: For general enquiries, you can call the main airport number: +1 (814) 432-5333.
• Airport Address: 1560 Airport Rd, Franklin, PA 16323, USA. Please note that the airport serving Oil City is geographically located in the neighbouring city of Franklin.
• Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website or call via phone.
• Social Media: Venango Airport does not have official pages on popular social networks. All main information is published on the website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the airline directly. The airport administration does not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions regarding airport operations, use the main phone number. If your query relates to booking, ticket changes, or other aspects of your flight, please contact your airline's customer support service.

Getting to Venango Airport from Oil City or the neighbouring city of Franklin is quite simple, as it is located very close by. The main modes of transport for travelling to the airport are car and taxi. The journey from the city centre usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

The most convenient way to reach the airport is by taxi or pre-booked transfer. Local taxi companies operate in the region. The cost of a trip from the centre of Oil City is generally low. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft, may have limited presence in this area, so it is recommended to check vehicle availability in advance, especially if you have an early or late flight.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the scenic surroundings of Pennsylvania. Car rental desks can be found both at the airport and in nearby cities. A rented car provides freedom of movement and allows you not to depend on transport schedules. We recommend booking a car online in advance to secure the best rates and guarantee availability.

Direct connections via public transport, such as city buses or trains, to Venango Airport are generally absent. This is typical for small regional airports in the USA. Travellers should rely on taxis or car rentals as more reliable options.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, convenient parking is provided. It is located in immediate proximity to the terminal. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are usually available at quite affordable rates, which distinguishes Venango Airport from major air hubs.

To summarise, a car is the best option for travelling to Venango Airport. If you do not have your own, use a taxi or rent a car. It is also worth noting that Venango Airport mainly serves private and regional aviation. For a wider choice of flights, travellers often use larger airports located within a one-and-a-half to two-hour drive, such as Pittsburgh International Airport or Erie International Airport.

Venango Airport (FKL) is distinguished by its compactness and simplicity, making it very convenient for passengers. There is one small terminal functioning here, which handles all flights — both private aviation and the few commercial ones. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about long walks or complex navigation.

The structure of the terminal is intuitive. Immediately after entering, you find yourself in a general hall where the main zones are located. Departure and arrival zones are not separated into large sectors here as in major airports. Everything is within walking distance: check-in counters, a small waiting area, and the baggage claim zone. The airport layout is so simple that getting lost is practically impossible.

One of the main advantages of Venango Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Flight check-in and security screening (when conducted for commercial departures) take mere minutes. Unlike major aviation hubs, where this can take over an hour, here you can complete all formalities quickly and without unnecessary stress.

No special advice is required for navigating the terminal — everything is obvious and clearly visible. Simply follow the few signs, and you will easily find everything you need. This is an ideal choice for those who value their time and prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of large airports.

The history of Venango Airport (FKL), located near the city of Oil City, began in the mid-20th century. It was officially opened in April 1940 and originally bore the name Chess Lamberton Field in honour of one of the pioneers of local aviation. Created as a civil airfield, it soon played an important role in the country's history.

With the entry of the United States into World War II, the airport was transferred to the control of the US Army Air Forces. It was used as a training base for pilot preparation, becoming part of a massive programme for training flight personnel. After the war ended, the airfield was returned to civil use and became a key transport hub for the region.

In the post-war decades, Venango Airport developed actively. Flights of several regional airlines were based here, including the well-known Allegheny Airlines, which connected the region with major cities such as Pittsburgh for many years. This was the heyday of commercial transport when the airport received regular passenger flights.

In the 21st century, with changes in the structure of air transport, the airport shifted its focus to servicing private and corporate aviation, as well as cargo charters. To meet modern requirements, significant modernisation was carried out in the 2010s. A key stage was the reconstruction and extension of the main runway, which allowed for the accommodation of larger aircraft types and improved flight safety levels. Today, Venango Airport continues to remain an important element of the transport infrastructure of north-western Pennsylvania, preserving its rich history.

Venango Airport (FKL), being a regional aviation hub, provides passengers with key amenities for a comfortable wait before departure. In the terminal, you will find cosy waiting areas where you can relax before your flight. For those who need to stay connected or work, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport territory, and power outlets are provided for charging mobile devices and laptops.

Regarding dining, options at the airport are limited, so passengers are advised to have a meal before arriving at the terminal. There are no bank branches or currency exchange points in the airport building, although an ATM for cash withdrawal may be available. For business travellers, the airport features a conference room for meetings, while specialised VIP lounges are absent.

The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility in accordance with accessibility standards. For families with small children, changing tables are provided in the restrooms. In case of minor ailments or injuries, airport staff are ready to provide first aid. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but various accommodation options can be found in nearby cities, just a few minutes' drive from the terminal.

When planning a trip through Venango Airport (FKL), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is extremely limited. Unlike major international hubs, you will not find a variety of restaurants and cafes here.

The main and, often, the only option for a snack within the airport territory is vending machines. You can usually purchase soft drinks, water, crisps, chocolate bars, and other packaged snacks from them. Full-service restaurants, bars, or coffee shops with hot meals are absent within the terminal building.

Due to this, the airport does not have special offers for passengers with specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals (or Halal options). The landside (before security) and airside (after security) zones in such a compact airport practically do not differ in terms of services, and dining is no exception.

Our recommendation: if you require a full lunch or dinner, it is best to eat beforehand at an establishment in nearby cities, such as Franklin or Oil City. It is also a good idea to bring a sandwich or other snacks with you to eat while waiting for your flight.

Travelling through Venango Airport (FKL) in the city of Oil City can be easy and pleasant if you prepare in advance. To ensure your flight goes smoothly, use these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in: The main advantage of a small airport like Venango is saving your time. For domestic flights within the USA, it is generally sufficient to arrive 60–75 minutes before departure. This time is enough to drop off luggage and pass security control without rushing. However, we strongly recommend checking your airline's regulations, as they may have their own requirements. To save even more time, complete online check-in and print your boarding pass in advance.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: seats by the window are ideal for those who love admiring views, while those by the aisle are for those who want the freedom to stand up easily. Remember the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage: all must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Check the list of prohibited items on your airline's website in advance.

Connections and Customs: Venango Airport mainly serves domestic flights, so passing customs and border control is not required here. If your itinerary includes an international flight with a connection at another airport, you will go through all formalities there. Ensure you have allowed enough time between connecting flights.

Savings and Flight Delays: To save money, book tickets in advance and bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after screening. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and possible compensation (e.g., food vouchers). Use the free time for rest or work.