Chinle Municipal Airport

Chinle Municipal Airport (KE91) in Chinle, US, is a small, publicly owned general aviation airport primarily serving the local community and facilitating access to the Canyon de Chelly National Monument. There are no readily available recent traveler reviews or experiences from commercial passengers, as the airport does not offer commercial airline services. Information gathered reflects the operational aspects of a general aviation facility rather than passenger sentiment.

Known Strengths/Features:

• Essential services: The airport serves as a crucial base for three fixed-wing air ambulance aircraft, providing emergency medical transportation for residents in the remote Chinle area.
• Support for tourism: Approximately 75% of the airport's operations are conducted by aerial tour operators bringing visitors to Canyon De Chelly National Monument.
• Open to the public: The airport is publicly owned by the Navajo Nation and is open to public use.
• Long runway: It features a single asphalt runway (18/36) measuring 6,902 by 60 feet, which is in good condition.
• Basic lighting: Runway lighting (MIRL) and PAPI for runway 36 are available and can be activated via CTAF.

Known Issues/Limitations:

• Unattended status: The airport is unattended, meaning there are no regular staff on-site, and airport lighting needs to be activated by contacting Navajo Hospital Security at night or during inclement weather.
• Limited facilities and amenities: There is no fuel available at the airport. Additionally, there are no listed FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators), airframe or power plant repair services, ground transport providers, or aircraft catering.
• Parking apron condition: The parking apron has large cracks and loose aggregate.
• No customs or immigration: As a municipal general aviation airport, customs and immigration services are not available.
• No control tower: The airport operates without a control tower.

Chinle Municipal Airport (KE91) functions primarily as a general aviation facility, playing a vital role in regional emergency services and tourism for the Navajo Nation. Travelers should be aware of its unattended status and the absence of many services typically found at commercial airports. Pilots and visitors should plan accordingly, especially regarding fuel and ground transportation.