Rochester International (KRST), Minnesota
Landing essentials
Whether you can land, whether you can refuel, and how customs works here.
Overview
Rochester International (KRST) is a towered, public-use airport in southeastern Minnesota with two long paved runways and onsite CBP inspection services backed by a USDA compliance agreement. The field handled 13,524 business aviation operations against 22,984 total operations in 2025 according to FAA TFMSC data, placing it in Skystar's top operations tier. Its runway lengths, 24-hour fueling, and customs access support a range of business aviation traffic through the upper Midwest.
Runways
Rochester International has two paved runways. The longest, 13/31, is 9,034 ft long and 150 ft wide, with a concrete surface.
Runway geometry from published threshold coordinates. Not for navigation.
Runways are listed longest first.
Source: FAA Form 5010.
Fuel and airfield services
Rochester International has Jet A and 100LL available on the field. Fueling is available 24 hours a day, every day, and the airport has an operating control tower.
Source: FAA Form 5010 / NASR.
Customs
Rochester International has US Customs and Border Protection clearance available onsite, with general clearance for international arrivals. A USDA compliance agreement is in place.
Source: CBP list of ports of entry.
Business aviation traffic
Rochester International recorded 13,524 business aviation movements in 2025. Traffic peaks in July, August and October. Business aviation traffic at KRST is concentrated in the warmer months, with July through October showing consistently higher operations than the winter months.
Business jet movements, FAA TFMSC count. Peak month August, 1,324 movements in 2025.
Source: FAA TFMSC, business jet movements, 2025.
Climate
Rochester International averages 1.8 days above 90°F in July, 30.7 freeze days in January and 3.8 snow days in January. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 80.3°F, and January the coldest, at 22.5°F.
Weather station is on the field. Some values are estimated by the agency. 1991–2020 climate normals.
Source: NOAA NCEI.
Operating constraints
Rochester International has published operating constraints in four categories: access, runway notes, pavement strength and other notes.
US Customs is available Monday through Friday from 0830 to 1700; prior notice is required after hours and on weekends.
When the control tower is closed, the MALSR on Runway 13, the HIRL on Runway 13/31, and the MIRL on Runway 03/21 can be activated or have their intensity increased via CTAF. HIRL on Runway 13/31 is preset to low intensity. PAPI on Runways 13, 21, and 31, and VASI on Runway 03, operate continuously.
Runway 03 has a 2,075-foot concrete section at its end, a 3,777-foot asphalt section in the middle, and Runway 21 has a 1,449-foot concrete section at its end.
PCR VALUE: 890/R/D/W/T
PCR VALUE: 890/F/D/X/T
When the control tower is closed, snow removal equipment personnel monitor the common traffic advisory frequency.
Fuel is available 24 hours a day using a credit card.
Waterfowl are present on and in the vicinity of the airport.
For clearance delivery when the control tower is closed, contact flight service via the remote communications outlet; if unable to make contact that way, contact Minneapolis ARTCC.
Source: FAA Chart Supplement.
Nearby airfields
Rochester International has five airfields within 36 NM. The closest is Dodge Center (KTOB), 15.77 NM northwest.
Source: Skystar calculation from official coordinates.
Skystar at KRST
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 KRST.
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 longest runway at KRST?
Rochester International (KRST) has two paved runways, and Runway 13/31 is the longer at 9,034 feet with a width of 150 feet and a concrete surface. Runway 03/21 measures 7,301 feet long and is also 150 feet wide, with a mixed asphalt-concrete surface. Both runways support the bulk of business aviation traffic recorded at this airport. The field is towered, and lighting on both runways can be activated or adjusted from the ground when the tower is closed.
Is customs available at KRST?
Yes, CBP inspection services are available onsite at Rochester International, along with a USDA compliance agreement. Customs service operates Monday through Friday from 0830 to 1700, and prior notice is required for after-hours or weekend clearance. Aircraft arriving outside published hours should plan for that advance notice before requesting clearance. This makes KRST usable for international arrivals, provided operators coordinate timing with the customs schedule in advance.
What fuel is available at Rochester International?
Rochester International (KRST) offers both 100LL and Jet A fuel, available 24 hours a day using a credit card. This around-the-clock access supports operators arriving outside normal staffed hours. The airport's attendance schedule is listed as continuous, all days and all hours. Combined with towered operations and dual long runways, this fuel availability supports a steady mix of business aviation traffic throughout the year.
How busy is KRST for business aviation?
Rochester International recorded 13,524 business aviation operations against 22,984 total annual operations in 2025, according to FAA TFMSC data. Traffic is not evenly distributed across the year, with the lowest months falling in winter, such as February and December, and higher counts appearing from July through October, including a peak of 1,324 operations in August. This seasonal pattern reflects a general lift in activity in warmer months at KRST. The airport carries an operations tier of 1, reflecting its higher documented volume within Skystar's coverage.
What happens at KRST when the control tower is closed?
When the tower at Rochester International is closed, snow removal equipment personnel monitor the common traffic advisory frequency, and pilots can activate or increase intensity on the MALSR for Runway 13 and HIRL lighting for Runway 13/31 and Runway 03/21 via CTAF. HIRL on Runway 13/31 is preset to low intensity by default in this condition. PAPI systems on Runways 13, 21, and 31, and the VASI on Runway 03, operate continuously regardless of tower status. For clearance delivery when the tower is closed, pilots should contact flight service via the remote communications outlet, or Minneapolis ARTCC if unable to reach flight service that way.