Chennault International (KCWF), Louisiana
Landing essentials
Whether you can land, whether you can refuel, and how customs works here.
Overview
Chennault International (KCWF) sits in Lake Charles, Louisiana, roughly 48 nautical miles from the nearest metro center, and operates as a towered public-use airport with CBP inspection services available onsite. Its single 10,702-foot concrete runway and heavy-duty pavement rating make it a capable field for large aircraft and cargo operations, distinguishing it from the smaller general aviation fields in the surrounding area.
Runways
Chennault International has one paved runway, 15/33, 10,702 ft long and 200 ft wide, with a concrete surface.
Runway geometry from published threshold coordinates. Not for navigation.
Source: FAA Form 5010.
Fuel and airfield services
Chennault International has Jet A1+ and 100LL available on the field. Fueling is available from 6am to 10pm, daily, and the airport has an operating control tower.
Source: FAA Form 5010 / NASR.
Customs
Chennault International has US Customs and Border Protection clearance available onsite, with general clearance for international arrivals.
Source: CBP list of ports of entry.
Business aviation traffic
Chennault International recorded 2,501 business aviation movements in 2025. Traffic peaks in April. Business aviation traffic at KCWF is concentrated in a handful of months, with April, November, and September posting the highest operation counts of the year.
Business jet movements, FAA TFMSC count. Peak month April, 284 movements in 2025.
Source: FAA TFMSC, business jet movements, 2025.
Climate
Weather station is 4.6 NM from the field. Some values are estimated by the agency. 1991–2020 climate normals.
Source: NOAA NCEI.
Operating constraints
Chennault International has published operating constraints in five categories: access, runway notes, environmental, pavement strength and other notes.
Prior permission is required for aircraft and helicopter operations in the industrial area.
Fixed-wing and rotor-wing refueling is available from 0600 to 2200. A 24-hour prior notice and a frequency check with ATC on 124.2 are required before landing for rapid refuel operations and procedures to the south ramp. Two aircraft simultaneous operations are available.
When the ATCT is closed, activate the MALSR on runway 15, REIL on runway 33, PAPI on runways 15 and 33, and HIRL on runway 15/33 via CTAF.
Birds are present on and in the vicinity of the airport.
PCR VALUE: 1449/R/D/W/T
Index E is available with 24 hours notice; call the airport manager.
For fuel, self-service is available 24 hours a day with a credit card.
When the ATCT is closed, contact Houston ARTCC for clearance delivery.
For port of entry requests, contact the Director of Operations via email at least three business days (Monday through Friday) prior to the planned arrival.
Contact the airport manager for designated ramp space for public use.
Source: FAA Chart Supplement.
Nearby airfields
Chennault International has five airfields within 31 NM. The closest is Lake Charles Regional (KLCH), 6.56 NM southwest.
Part of the Texas Gulf Coast area.
Source: Skystar calculation from official coordinates.
Skystar at KCWF
We arrange catering, fuel and trip support here. Supplier prices reach you unchanged; our coordination fee sits on its own line.
The same order, priced two ways.
$2,400.00 catering order at KCWF.
Unchanged.
What the kitchen invoices us is what your quote reads.
One line, fixed.
It does not move with the size of the order.
At cost.
Passed on at the exact amount the processor took.
Market practice figures are industry averages, not a specific competitor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the runway length at KCWF?
Chennault International (KCWF) has one runway, 15/33, a 10,702-foot concrete surface that is 200 feet wide. This is the longest runway in the region and one of the reasons the field handles heavy jet and cargo traffic. The pavement is rated at a PCR value of 1449/R / D/W / T, supporting frequent operations by larger aircraft. Dispatchers planning for heavy or wide-body types will find this single runway sufficient for most performance requirements. No other runways are listed for this airport.
Does Chennault International have customs and CBP inspection services?
Chennault International (KCWF) has CBP inspection services available onsite, according to the airport data. Operators planning a port of entry arrival must contact the Director of Operations by email at least three business days in advance, Monday through Friday, before the planned arrival. This advance coordination requirement applies specifically to port of entry requests. The airport does not list a nearby alternate customs facility, since inspection is handled directly on the field. Dispatchers should build the notice period into any international trip planning to KCWF.
What fuel is available at KCWF, and when?
Chennault International (KCWF) stocks both 100LL and Jet A-plus (A1+) fuel. Self-service fuel is available 24 hours a day with a credit card. Full-service fixed-wing and rotor-wing refueling operates from 0600 to 2200 local time. Rapid refuel operations to the south ramp for two aircraft simultaneously require 24-hour prior notice and a frequency check with ATC on 124.2 before landing. Operators needing after-hours full service should plan around the published attended hours.
How busy is Chennault International, and is traffic seasonal?
Chennault International (KCWF) recorded 5,871 total annual operations in 2025, with 2,501 of those classified as business aviation activity according to FAA TFMSC data. Business aviation traffic at KCWF is concentrated in certain months, with April, November, and September showing the highest monthly counts. This is a Tier 1 field, reflecting its status as one of the more heavily trafficked and documented airports in the network. The nearest metro area sits roughly 48 nautical miles away. Dispatchers should expect month-to-month variation rather than a flat traffic pattern.
Are there any operational restrictions or wildlife hazards at KCWF?
Chennault International (KCWF) reports birds on and in the vicinity of the airport, a hazard operators should factor into arrival and departure planning. Prior permission is required for aircraft and helicopter operations in the industrial area of the field. Public-use aircraft also need to contact the airport manager for designated ramp space before arrival. When the tower is closed, clearance delivery is handled through Houston ARTCC, and pilot-controlled lighting is activated on the CTAF for the MALSR on runway 15, REIL on runway 33, PAPI on both ends, and HIRL on 15/33.