Overview & History
Long Beach Airport, officially Daugherty Field, traces its aviation roots to 1923 and grew into a major manufacturing hub as the home of Douglas Aircraft and, later, Boeing's C-17 line. Today it is a busy mixed-use field combining limited commercial airline service with a strong general aviation and business jet community. Owned and operated by the City of Long Beach, KLGB sits roughly 3 miles from downtown Long Beach and offers fast freeway access to the greater Los Angeles and Orange County markets.
Runway Capability
The 10,000-foot Runway 12/30 makes KLGB one of the more capable general aviation fields in the LA basin, handling heavy and ultra-long-range jets without payload penalty under normal conditions. The crossing asphalt runways, 7R/25L at 6,192 ft and 7L/25R at 5,420 ft, support lighter aircraft and training. With a field elevation of just 60 ft MSL, density altitude is rarely a limiting factor even on warm days.
Noise Ordinance & Curfew
KLGB enforces one of the strictest airport noise ordinances in the United States. The field is open 24 hours, but a soft curfew applies from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., during which only Runway 12/30 is active and intersection departures are prohibited. Every operator, including charter and business jets, must stay within an assigned noise budget, and violations carry escalating fines that were increased in 2025. Crews should review the published noise abatement procedures and quiet-departure profiles before operating, as this is the single most important planning factor at this airport.
Charter Considerations
Two full-service FBOs, Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation, handle business jet traffic at LGB, both offering Jet-A and sustainable aviation fuel, hangar and ramp space, and crew and passenger facilities. While general aviation is not subject to the daily slot limits imposed on the airlines, GA and charter aircraft must comply with the noise ordinance. The Jet Finder sources Part 135 aircraft positioned around the LA basin and matches them to KLGB's runway capability and noise constraints.
Customs & International
Long Beach Airport does not have on-field U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance for general aviation. International arrivals cannot clear at LGB and must instead route through a port of entry such as Los Angeles International (LAX) before continuing. The Jet Finder can advise on the most efficient customs routing for international missions into the Long Beach area.
Weather & Operations
Long Beach enjoys a mild Southern California coastal climate with good flying weather most of the year. The main operational consideration is the marine layer (locally called 'June Gloom'), which produces low morning ceilings and reduced visibility, particularly in late spring and early summer, often clearing by midday. The field's ILS and RNAV approaches keep it operational in marginal conditions, and the active tower manages a busy mix of GA, training, and commercial traffic.
Regional Context
KLGB is one of several general aviation options serving the Los Angeles metropolitan area, alongside Van Nuys (KVNY), the world's busiest GA airport, and nearby reliever fields. Its 10,000-foot runway and central location between Los Angeles and Orange County make it attractive for larger jets, though the noise ordinance differentiates it sharply from less-restricted alternatives. Comparing drive time, FBO pricing, and curfew tolerance across LA-basin airports is key to selecting the right departure point.