Grant County International Airport

Grant County International Airport sits on the southern edge of Moses Lake, Washington, a dryland agricultural region transformed by irrigation into one of the state's most productive farming areas. The airport itself is a former U.S. Air Force base, its long runways and wide taxiways a legacy of Cold War bomber operations. Today it serves as a cargo and general aviation hub, with only occasional commercial passenger flights. That limited schedule means the terminal is often quiet, but those who do pass through find a facility built for function rather than frills—efficient, accessible, and straightforward.

Getting There

Moses Lake is located in central Washington, roughly 120 miles east of Seattle and 60 miles southwest of Spokane. The airport is about three miles north of downtown Moses Lake, accessible via State Route 17. From downtown, drive north on Division Street, which becomes Airport Road; the terminal is clearly signposted. There is no public transit directly serving the airport, so a car, taxi, or ride-hail service is essential. Moses Lake has a few taxi companies and rideshare availability is limited but improving. For those driving, the airport offers a large parking lot directly in front of the terminal; parking is free. If you are connecting from Seattle, the drive takes roughly two hours via I-90 eastbound, exit 179 for Moses Lake. From Spokane, allow about 50 minutes west on I-90, exit 176. The route is straightforward, crossing the Columbia River and the arid scablands of the Channeled Scablands, a landscape shaped by Ice Age floods.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Grant County International Airport is a single-story building with a modest footprint. Upon entering, passengers find a small lobby with a check-in counter (staffed during flight times), a security screening area, and a waiting room. The facility is fully wheelchair-accessible: there is a ramp at the entrance, accessible parking spaces clearly marked, and wheelchair-accessible toilets. The waiting area offers free Wi-Fi, though speeds can vary. There is a changing table in the accessible restroom, which is helpful for families. Benches and a few chairs are provided; there are no food or beverage concessions inside the terminal, so bring snacks or purchase them in Moses Lake before arriving. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, typical of a regional airport with low passenger volume. Security screening is quick, and boarding is usually via walk to the aircraft on the tarmac. The busiest times are around midday: Monday and Wednesday at 12 pm, Tuesday and Thursday at 1 pm. Outside those windows, the terminal can be nearly empty.

Grant County International Airport and Moses Lake

Moses Lake itself is the commercial center of the Columbia Basin, a region that produces potatoes, apples, wheat, and wine grapes on a massive scale. The city is named after the nearby lake, which is actually a natural lake enlarged by irrigation projects to form a major recreational area. Visitors come for water sports, fishing, and birding—the lake hosts thousands of migratory waterfowl. The city's Potholes Reservoir and the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge offer hiking and wildlife viewing. Grant County is also home to the Gorge Amphitheatre, a world-famous concert venue set along the Columbia River, about 45 minutes west of Moses Lake. During summer, concertgoers flying private planes often use the airport's general aviation facilities. The airport itself has a unique history: it was Larson Air Force Base (formerly Larson Air Force Base) and hosted B-52 bombers during the Cold War. The runways are among the longest in the region, making the airport a designated alternate landing site for NASA's Space Shuttle program. Today, the airport also supports cargo operations for companies like Amazon Air, and it is a major maintenance hub for regional carriers. For the traveler, Moses Lake offers a glimpse into a working rural economy: farm stands, local diners, and a pace of life far removed from Seattle's bustle. The downtown area has a few motels and the well-maintained Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, which showcases local history and Native American artifacts. If you have a layover, the lakefront park on Westshore Drive provides a pleasant spot to walk or picnic.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours a day; it typically operates during daylight hours or when flights are scheduled. For specific hours, call the airport manager's office at +1 509-762-5363 or visit the Port of Moses Lake website: http://www.portofmoseslake.com/. The terminal has no ATM, so bring cash if needed. Restrooms are clean and include a wheelchair-accessible toilet and changing table. There is no baggage storage or lost and found on site—enquire with your airline. If you are driving to the airport, note that parking is free and ample. One concrete tip: because the terminal has no food options, eat before you arrive or pack a meal—the nearby McDonald's and grocery stores in Moses Lake are your best bet for takeaway.