Catalina Airport

Privately owned Catalina Airport (KAVX) is situated in the center of Catalina Island, 6.4 miles (10.2 km) northwest of Avalon, California's primary business district. The airport is accessible to the general public and permits landings by general aviation aircraft. For single pistons, the one-time landing costs are $38, for twin pistons, $44, for single turbines, $55, and for twin turbines, $110. A single engine costs $22 and a twin engine costs $27 for overnight expenses. General aviation is the airport's main use. Additionally, air freight from the mainland arrives at the airport. Daily deliveries of supplies are made to the island.

Situated 10 miles (30 minutes by car) from Avalon and 13 miles (45 minutes by car) from Two Harbors, Catalina Island's sole airport is privately owned. The airport is located on one of the highest locations on the island, a plateau 1,600 feet above sea level. The airport is accessible to the public and serves general aviation as its main purpose. Airport in the Sky is used by freight planes arriving from the mainland as well. There aren't any passenger flights planned to arrive at or depart from Catalina Island. The restaurant and gift shop Airport in the Sky, which serves Buffalo burgers, sandwiches, and their renowned cookies, is located in Airport in the Sky. The 30-minute stop at the Airport in the Sky is part of the Journey in the Sky Tour. There will be plenty of time for shopping, lunch, and the Nature Center visitation. Alternate routes to the airport include biking or trekking up, as well as taking the Catalina Island Conservancy Wildlands Express Shuttle.

The Wrigley family commissioned Airport in the Sky. The 3,200-foot runway was created by leveling two mountain summits and filling up the remaining canyon.  When Pearl Harbor was struck in 1941, the runway was almost finished with construction having started in 1940. Due to World War II, work was put on hold, and the airfield and the remainder of Catalina Island were leased to the US government for a dollar a year. To prevent hostile aircraft from using the runway as a base, it was covered with trash. The runway was paved, the tower and terminal building were completed, and the island was given back to the Wrigley Family and the Santa Catalina Island Company. In 1946, the airport had its formal opening.