Bucholz Army Air Field (KWA)
Kwajalein, MH 🇲🇭 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
PKWA
IATA
KWA
Elevation
9 ft
Region
MH-KWA
Local Time
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GPS Code: PKWA
Local Code: KWA
Location: 8.72012° N, 167.731995° E
Continent: Oceania
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Bucholz Army Air Field (PKWA (KWA)) in Kwajalein, MH, primarily serves as a strategic United States Army airfield with restricted access, acting as a crucial hub for military and government aviation, including missile testing programs. While it functions as a gateway to the stunning Kwajalein Atoll, civilian access is limited and carefully managed. Traveler sentiment often reflects the unique military environment, with a focus on efficiency and the extraordinary natural beauty surrounding the atoll, rather than typical airport amenities.
What Travelers Love
- Scenic Approach: Tourists describe picturesque landing approaches, with planes descending over the enchanting Kwajalein Lagoon, offering breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
- Efficiency and Professionalism: Despite the military nature, operations are generally professional, ensuring a smooth transit for authorized personnel and sponsored visitors.
- Gateway to Natural Beauty: The airfield provides access to the surrounding islands, which are renowned for snorkeling, diving, rich coral reefs, and serene beaches, offering a unique tropical getaway experience.
- Unique Experience: For those interested in aviation and military history, the airfield offers an intriguing glimpse into the operations of the U.S. Army.
- Relatively Short Security/Immigration Wait Times: Recent data indicates relatively short wait times for check-in (15 min) and immigration (9 min) at Bucholz Army Air Field.
Common Complaints
- Restricted Access and Limited Tourism: The most significant complaint is the highly restricted access, requiring prior military authorization and a local sponsor, making general tourism almost non-existent. Non-military passengers on commercial flights are transported to and from the neighboring Ebeye Island.
- No Deplaning for Transit Passengers: Passengers transiting through Kwajalein on the same aircraft are not permitted to deplane, and photography is prohibited with window shades often required to be closed on the ground.
- Limited Amenities: As a military installation, the focus is on operational functionality rather than extensive passenger amenities. Information on terminal facilities, shopping, dining, and cleanliness for civilian travelers is not readily available, suggesting minimal offerings.
- Operational Restrictions: Pilots have noted potential for vertigo during night operations due to a lack of visual cues, and there are weight restrictions on certain taxiways for larger aircraft. Electro-magnetic radiation may exist daily within a 5 NM radius, requiring prior contact with base operations or the tower for de-confliction.
- No Public Parking Information: There is no specific information available regarding public parking facilities or services for travelers at Bucholz Army Air Field.
Overall, Bucholz Army Air Field offers a unique travel experience primarily geared towards military and authorized personnel, characterized by efficient operations and unparalleled access to the natural wonders of Kwajalein Atoll. However, its military nature means significant restrictions and a lack of typical civilian airport amenities, which potential visitors must be acutely aware of and prepared for.
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Current Weather Conditions
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Airport Routes
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Kosrae (KSA) new
- Amata Kabua Intl (MAJ) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
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Top Airlines
Operating at Bucholz Army Air FieldAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Air Marshall Islands
CWM
/ UA
|
1 | 6 | 1 | Jan 19, 2026 |
United
UAL
/ UA
|
1 | 3 | 1 | Jan 19, 2026 |
|
Asia Pacific Airlines
MGE
/ P9
|
1 | 2 | 1 | Jul 18, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
06/24 |
6668 ft | 198 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| A/G | SAN FRANCISCO ARINC | 299.8 MHz |
| APP | KWAJALEIN APP | 126.2 MHz |
| TWR | KWAJALEIN TWR | 126.2 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
There are no commercial taxi services available at Bucholz Army Air Field or on Kwajalein Island. The island is a controlled-access U.S. military installation with limited transportation options.
Rental Cars
Commercial car rental agencies (e.g., Hertz, Avis) do not operate on Kwajalein Island. Personal vehicles are highly restricted. The most common form of personal transportation for residents and personnel is the bicycle.
Public Transportation
The primary form of public transit is a free shuttle bus service operated by the U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll (USAG-KA). The shuttle runs on a fixed schedule, connecting the airfield with housing areas, workplaces, and key facilities around the island.