Acadiana Regional Airport (ARA)

Current Conditions at KARA

Acadiana Regional Airport, New Iberia, LA

Airport Overview

Located in LA, Acadiana Regional Airport (KARA) serves as a general aviation point of entry for the New Iberia area. The airfield offers 2 runway(s) — 8,002 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Private and corporate operators value Acadiana Regional Airport for efficient departures without commercial terminal congestion. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KARA.

Private Aviation Briefing

Acadiana Regional Airport (KARA) serves New Iberia at 24 ft MSL elevation. This briefing covers the private aviation considerations for operators, passengers, and flight departments using this facility.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Acadiana Regional Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a LA facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting New Iberia to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KARA for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

With 8002 feet of runway, Acadiana Regional Airport accommodates the full spectrum of business aviation aircraft. Light jets, midsize jets, super-mids, and heavy jets (including Gulfstream G650, Global 7500, and Boeing BBJ) can operate from KARA under standard conditions. Long runway availability also provides comfortable safety margins for hot-day and high-gross-weight departures.

Charter Considerations

When chartering from Acadiana Regional Airport, consider the round-trip economics. One-way charters incur a repositioning fee (the empty leg back to base). Round-trips from KARA eliminate this cost. For one-way flights, The Jet Finder checks for aircraft that need to reposition through New Iberia anyway, reducing or eliminating the empty-leg premium.

What to Know Before You Fly

Arrive at the FBO 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That is the entire pre-flight process for private charter from Acadiana Regional Airport. No security lines, no boarding groups, no gate announcements. Your vehicle pulls up to the aircraft, luggage is loaded directly, and you board at your convenience.

Safety & Planning

The Jet Finder sources charter aircraft exclusively from FAA Part 135 certified operators. Every crew flying from Acadiana Regional Airport meets federal duty time, rest, and recurrency requirements. We verify operator certifications, audit history, and insurance coverage before presenting any aircraft option from KARA to our clients.

Airport Selection Strategy

Acadiana Regional Airport serves the New Iberia market for private aviation. Airport selection affects charter cost through positioning fees, landing charges, and fuel prices. An airport 20 miles farther from your destination but with lower fees and better aircraft availability can save thousands on a charter. The Jet Finder runs this analysis for every booking from the New Iberia area.

Seasonal Factors

Summer density altitude affects aircraft performance at Acadiana Regional Airport, particularly on hot afternoons when field elevation of 24 ft MSL increases effective altitude. Early morning departures maximize payload and performance from KARA. The Jet Finder schedules departures to optimize aircraft performance when density altitude is a factor.

Location & Address

Geographically, Acadiana Regional Airport (KARA) is located at 30.0378° N, -91.8839° W near New Iberia, LA. Private aviation clients arriving at KARA save the 2-3 hours commercial passengers spend on check-in, security, and baggage claim.

Runways & Facilities

Acadiana Regional Airport's 8,002-foot runway accommodates every private jet in current production, including ultra-long-range aircraft like the Gulfstream G700, Bombardier Global 7500, and Falcon 8X. No runway length restrictions for any private jet category.

FBOs & Ground Services

FBO services at KARA cover the standard general aviation needs: fuel, parking, and ground handling. Service levels vary by facility size and staffing. Pilots and passengers should coordinate arrival requirements in advance, particularly for after-hours operations at Acadiana Regional Airport.

Charter a Jet from Acadiana Regional Airport

Private charter from KARA starts with a single call. Pricing from KARA depends on aircraft type, distance, and availability. Contact us for a quote tailored to your routing and schedule.

Fly Private from KARA

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Acadiana Regional Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KARA's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Acadiana Regional Airport
ICAO Code	KARA
IATA Code	ARA
FAA Identifier	ARA
Address	New Iberia, LA
Elevation	24 ft MSL
Coordinates	30.0378° N, 91.8839° W
FAA Data	AirNav ARA

Operations & Facilities
Runways	16/34: 8,002 ft (CON) 16W/34W: 5,000 ft (WATER)
FBOs	Airport Services
Customs	Not available
Fuel	Contact airport for availability
Hours	Contact airport for hours
Approaches	Contact airport for approach information
Tower / Freq	See Airport/Facility Directory

Regional Aviation Context

Louisiana's GA infrastructure serves the oil and gas industry, particularly operators flying to offshore platforms. Gulf moisture creates frequent low-ceiling IFR conditions.

Operational Considerations

Acadiana Regional Airport's 24-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 1,824 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 8,002-foot runway provides approximately 7,996 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Subtropical conditions at Acadiana Regional Airport mean warm temperatures dominate year-round. The primary weather challenge is convective: afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly during the warm season, often reaching maturity between 14:00 and 18:00 local time. Morning departures (before 10:00 local) consistently provide the smoothest, clearest conditions. Haze and humidity can reduce visibility below VFR minimums without obvious cloud formation. The cooler months offer the most reliable flying weather.

Two runways at Acadiana Regional Airport provide crosswind flexibility. When the primary runway's crosswind component exceeds aircraft limitations, the secondary runway typically offers a more favorable alignment. Runway selection should account for wind, obstacle clearance, and any published procedures.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Acadiana Regional Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Abbeville Chris Crusta Memorial Airport

KIYA · 11 NM from KARA

Lafayette Regional Airport

KLFT · 11 NM from KARA

Le Maire Memorial Airport

K2R1 · 14 NM from KARA

Ken Guidry #4 Airport

62LA · 17 NM from KARA

Frequently Asked Questions

Acadiana Regional Airport is designated KARA in the FAA system. Pilots and dispatchers use this code for flight planning, weather briefings, and NOTAMs associated with the airport.

Acadiana Regional Airport is situated in New Iberia, LA, at coordinates 30.0378° N, 91.8839° W. Field elevation is 24 feet above mean sea level.

Runway 16/34 is the main strip at Acadiana Regional Airport, providing 8,002 feet of CON runway. The airport has 2 total runway(s).

KARA supports private jet operations. The 8,002-foot runway accommodates light jets and turboprops in most conditions. Pilots of larger aircraft should calculate required distances based on weight, temperature, and elevation before committing.

Ground services at KARA are provided by the on-field operator. Available services may include aircraft parking, tiedowns, fuel, and basic passenger amenities. Confirm availability before arrival.

Acadiana Regional Airport has a field elevation of 24 feet above mean sea level. This affects aircraft performance calculations, particularly during hot weather when density altitude increases.

Instrument approach availability at Acadiana Regional Airport depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at KARA.

The Jet Finder arranges private charter from Acadiana Regional Airport (KARA). Tell us where you need to go, when, and how many passengers. We handle the aircraft sourcing, operator vetting, and logistics.

General aviation aircraft including piston singles, turboprops, and light jets routinely use Acadiana Regional Airport. The 8,002-foot runway is the determining factor for larger categories. Consult aircraft performance data for specifics.

Check the Airport/Facility Directory for KARA's tower status. Acadiana Regional Airport may be towered, non-towered, or part-time tower. Appropriate communication procedures depend on tower operating hours.

Confirm fuel availability at KARA before arrival. Acadiana Regional Airport may offer 100LL, Jet-A, or both. Pricing is set by the FBO. AirNav provides crowd-sourced fuel price reports from visiting pilots.

Flying internationally from Acadiana Regional Airport? CBP clearance is mandatory. Whether KARA has on-field customs depends on the facility. Nearby airports with customs capability may be a better option — contact The Jet Finder for routing advice.

Aviation weather for Acadiana Regional Airport is reported under identifier KARA. Monitor METAR, TAF, and PIREP data through official sources. LA's climate affects ceiling, visibility, and wind conditions at the field.

KARA provides access to New Iberia, LA. Ground transfer time from Acadiana Regional Airport to local destinations is generally efficient. The airport's GA-specific environment means no terminal queues — just a direct walk from ramp to vehicle.

Transient aircraft parking at KARA is available through the on-field operator. Acadiana Regional Airport typically provides tiedown space on the ramp. Hangar availability and rates vary — inquire before arrival.

The Jet Finder provides personalized charter quotes from Acadiana Regional Airport. Submit your trip details at thejetfinder.com/contact.html — departure date, destination, party size. No obligation. We match KARA's runway to the right aircraft.

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Acadiana Regional Airport (KARA)