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Chennault International Airport (CWF/KCWF) is a public-use airport in Lake Charles, Louisiana, located on the site of the former Chennault Air Force Base. Named for Claire Lee Chennault, it now operates as an industrial airpark with general aviation, cargo, military, and aerospace maintenance activity. It is not the area's primary commercial passenger airport; that role belongs to Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH).
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know to check NOTAMs and FBO hours before arrival—CWF shares its field with industrial and military traffic, and services like fuel, customs, or hangar space may need prior scheduling.
🚖 Getting There
CWF is a short drive from downtown Lake Charles via I-210 and US 90, but public transit access is limited. A rental car, taxi, or rideshare is the most practical way to reach or leave the airport; arrange rides in advance because on-demand availability can be sparse. If you're arriving by private aircraft, ask your FBO about crew cars or rental car delivery.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Chennault International Airport have commercial passenger flights?
A: No. CWF does not have scheduled airline service; it primarily supports general aviation, corporate, cargo, military, and industrial aviation operations. Commercial passengers typically use Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH).
Q: What is the history of Chennault International Airport?
A: The airport began as a military airfield in the 1940s and later became Chennault Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command facility. It was renamed for Claire Lee Chennault, the Louisiana-born leader of the Flying Tigers, and transitioned to civilian and industrial use after the base closed in the 1960s.
Q: What facilities and services are available at CWF?
A: The airport offers runways, taxiways, hangars, FBO services, aircraft maintenance and repair, and industrial park space. Some services, such as customs or specialized maintenance, may require advance coordination.
Q: Is Chennault International Airport the same as Lake Charles Regional Airport?
A: No. CWF is a general aviation and industrial airport east of downtown Lake Charles, while LCH is the region's commercial passenger airport with scheduled airline flights.
AI-generated content · Generated Oct 1, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash