Bend, Oregon: Airport Accessibility And Ease Of Travel

Bend, Oregon, does have an airport, but it's not a commercial airport. The Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN) is a general aviation airport used for private planes, flight training, and similar purposes. It is located about 5-6 miles northeast of Bend and covers approximately 415-420 acres of land. The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1942 when it was used for pilot training during World War II. While Bend Municipal Airport does not cater to commercial flights, the nearest commercial airport, Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), is just a 20-minute drive away.

Bend Municipal Airport is 5-6 miles northeast of Bend, Oregon

Bend Municipal Airport is located 5-6 miles northeast of Bend, Oregon. The airport covers approximately 420 acres, and is categorised as a Category 2, High Activity Business and General Aviation airport by the Oregon Department of Aviation.

The airport is home to numerous businesses, including two flight training schools, and is the third busiest airport in the state of Oregon in terms of takeoffs and landings. Bend Municipal Airport is also the base for around 300 aircraft.

The site was first used for pilot training during World War II. After the war, the City of Bend maintained the airstrip for general use, and it slowly grew during the 1950s and 1960s. In the 1970s, it became clear that the airport was becoming part of the Central Oregon transportation network, and an Airport Master Plan was developed in 1979. This plan predicted significant growth for the airport, but a downturn in the economy in the 1980s and early 1990s meant this did not occur until the late 1990s, when general aviation began to resurge.

The airport has a single 5,260-foot runway, with full-length dual parallel taxiways. In 2017, construction was completed on an 8-acre Helicopter Operations Area, which improved safety and capacity by separating fixed and rotor wing operations.

It is a general aviation airport, not a commercial airport

Bend, Oregon, does have an airport, but it is a general aviation airport, not a commercial airport. The Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN) is located about five to six miles northeast of Bend. It covers approximately 415 to 420 acres of land and is home to about 300 aircraft.

The airport caters to the needs of general aviators and hosts two flight training schools. It is also a base for numerous businesses, including Epic Aircraft, Leading Edge Aviation, Precise Flight, and more. The combined operations of these businesses make the Bend Municipal Airport the third busiest airport in Oregon in terms of takeoffs and landings.

The history of the Bend Municipal Airport dates back to 1942 when a group of citizens deeded a piece of farmland to the City of Bend for a municipal landing strip. During World War II, the site was used for pilot training. After the war, the city maintained the airstrip for civil use, and it gradually expanded over the years.

While the Bend Municipal Airport is a vital hub for general aviation, it is not a commercial airport. For those seeking commercial flights, the closest option is Roberts Field Airport (RDM) in Redmond, Oregon, located about 16 to 20 miles north of Bend. This airport serves as the primary gateway for air travelers visiting Bend and offers convenient connections to major hubs.

In summary, while Bend does have an airport, it is primarily a general aviation facility catering to private planes, flight training, and similar purposes. Commercial travellers will need to utilise nearby airports, such as Roberts Field Airport in Redmond.

It is home to Epic Aircraft and X-Air

Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN) is located five miles northeast of Bend, Oregon. Covering approximately 420 acres, the airport caters to general aviators, hosts two flight training schools, and is home to numerous businesses. One of these businesses is Epic Aircraft, a general aviation aircraft manufacturer. Epic Aircraft is headquartered in Bend, Oregon, and was founded in the city in 2004 due to public incentives, including state loans and grants of $1.3 million. The company produces the Epic E1000 GX single-engine turboprop design, which received its FAA type certification in November 2019.

Epic Aircraft is currently seeking talented and creative individuals to support its industry-leading and award-winning E1000 GX aircraft. The company offers highly competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits program.

Another business based at the Bend Municipal Airport is X-Air, an aviation company that provides scenic flights and aerial tours of the region. X-Air offers a unique perspective of the area's stunning natural beauty, including the Cascade Mountains, the high desert, and the lush forests of Central Oregon.

The Bend Municipal Airport is a vital gateway to Central Oregon for both general and business aviation. With its combined operations and busy flight schedule, the airport plays a significant role in the region's transportation network.

The closest commercial airport is Roberts Field Airport, Redmond, 16-20 miles away

Bend, Oregon, does not have its own major airport. However, the closest commercial airport is Roberts Field Airport, Redmond, 16-20 miles away. This airport is served by several airlines, including United, Delta, Horizon, and Allegiant Air. The drive from the airport to Bend takes around 20-30 minutes.

Roberts Field Airport is located in Redmond, Oregon, about 16-20 miles northeast of Bend. It is the closest commercial airport to the city and serves as the primary gateway for air travelers visiting Bend. The airport is well-connected, offering direct flights from major hubs like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver.

Airlines such as Alaska, Delta, United, and American Airlines operate flights to and from Redmond, providing travelers with a convenient way to fly into Central Oregon. The airport has a luxurious terminal and has won awards for its design and construction. It also offers several amenities, including a pub, free WiFi, an ATM, and a conference room.

Getting to and from the airport is easy, with several transportation options available. These include airport and private shuttle services, rental cars, private limousines, taxis, and ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. The short distance between the airport and Bend makes it a convenient option for those travelling to the city.

Other major airports nearby include Portland International Airport, 159 miles away, and Eugene Airport, 130-137 miles away

Bend, Oregon, is served by several airports, including the in-city Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN). However, this airport is a general aviation facility, not a commercial airport, and is used primarily for private planes, flight training, and similar purposes.

The closest airport with commercial services is Roberts Field in Redmond, Oregon, located about 16-20 miles and a 20-30-minute drive from Bend. However, for those seeking more availability or affordable tickets, there are a few other major airports within driving distance.

The Portland International Airport (PDX) is located 159 miles away from Bend, about a 3.5-hour drive. This large airport is served by a dozen different airlines and offers a wide range of services and entertainment options for travellers. It is also known for being easily navigable.

Another option is the Eugene Airport (EUG), which is located about 130-137 miles from Bend, or a 3-hour drive away. This airport offers scenic valley views and a range of nonstop flight options from various airlines. Car rental services and shuttle options to Bend are also available from this airport.

While these airports offer alternative options for travellers, it is important to consider the additional travel time and potential challenges of navigating mountain passes when choosing an airport further away from Bend.

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