Van Nuys Airport
Known as one of the world's busiest general aviation airports, VNY's two parallel runways average 232,000 takeoffs and landings every year. The airport is operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). The airport is also home to LAWA's FlyAway terminal, where passengers bound for LAX can park and board buses that run non-stop between Van Nuys and LAX.
Airport history
The airport originally opened as Metropolitan Airport on December 17, 1928, the 25th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight. During World War II, the government purchased it and converted it into the Van Nuys Army Airfield. Its named changed again at the conclusion of the war to San Fernando Valley Airport, after the City of Los Angeles purchased the airport from the War Assets Administration for $1, with the agreement that a California Air National Guard base continue to operate at the site. In 1957, the airport's name would change one final time to Van Nuys Airport. In 1975, the Los Angeles Department of Airports constructed the FlyAway bus terminal just east of VNY. The terminal served as a remote parking lot for sister airport, LAX. In 1994, the now-vacated National Guard buildings became a critical operating site for the American Red Cross as they helped the victims of the devastating Northridge earthquake. In the early 2000s, the former Air National Guard base was converted into air operations and helicopter maintenance facilities for the LAFD. Van Nuys remains one of the world's busiest general aviation airports to this day.
Airport location
Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, approximately 21 miles Northwest of Los Angeles.
Airport facts
● Van Nuys Airport contributes about $1.3 billion annually to the Southern California economy and supports more than 12,300 jobs.
● More than 200 businesses are located at the airport, including fixed-base operators and other aviation-related businesses including Aerolease Associates, the Airtel Hotel, Castle & Cooke Aviation, Clay Lacy Aviation, MP Aero, Jet Aviation, Signature Aviation, The Propeller Park, and Landmark Aviation.
● The FAA airport tower operates from 6:00 am to 10:45 pm daily.
What to dress for
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