4 Airports Shared By The US And Canada

The US and Canada share many things including lakes, rivers, a border, and even airports. 

Just like the natural wonders that refuse to adhere to political boundaries, strangely enough, the airports in this list have part of their facilities on the American side of the border, and the rest sitting in Canada. Here is a bit more to know about each facility. 

4. Del Bonita/Whetstone International Airport

The Del Bonita/Whetstone International Airport straddles the border between Del Bonita, Alberta and Del Bonita, Montana, which are both small towns with tiny populations, by urban standards. The airport toes the line so tightly that its sole runway sits exactly on the borderline. 

Del Bonita/Whetstone is officially owned by the state of Montana and is run by the Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division. It is set up for use by the general public as well as the American military. Remaining low key, this airport focuses on smaller planes only that hold a maximum of fifteen passengers. 

3. Coronach/Scobey International Airport

This airport is situated on the border between Cronach, Saskatchewan in Canada and Scobey, Montana in the US. In addition to the name listed above, it is also known as East Poplar International Airport, just to confuse matters further. 

Interestingly, Coronach/Scobey International Airport has a runway that lies directly on the US/Canada border, just as the Del Bonita/Whetstone airport does, and it also handles smaller aircraft holding a maximum of fifteen passengers at a time. 

In a true show of teamwork, this airport is co-owned by both the American and Canadian governments.

2. Piney Pinecreek Border Airport

Owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Piney Pinecreek Border Airport sits between the rural towns of Piney, Manitoba and Pinecreek, Minnesota. Of all the airports on this list, this one is the only one to have a paved runway, so if that matters to you as a pilot, keep it in mind as a destination. 

The Piney Pinecreek Border Airport has a bit of history to it. The story goes that originally, this airport sat entirely within the US, but the need to expand caused the runway to cross the border into Canada, with Canada’s permission, of course. 

A variety of flyers are said to pass through this airport. They include hunters, fishermen and also tourists, presumably all heading towards the vast outdoors available to seekers in both Minnesota and Manitoba. 

1. Avey Field State Airport

The Avye Fields State Airport sits on the border between Washington State in the US, and Canada’s province of British Columbia. It is privately owned and has a runway that extends 500 feet (150 m) into Canada. 

Built back in 1962, this airport was originally a spot to land in an emergency. It is unattended, and sees about 66 flights coming in per month. 

Airflight is a wonder of the modern world, even at tiny, shared airports. May you always have clear skies and safe landings.