Cedar City Airport: Does It Exist?

Cedar City, Utah, is served by Cedar City Regional Airport (IATA: CDC, ICAO: KCDC, FAA LID: CDC), which is located two miles northwest of the city. The airport offers a range of ground transportation options, including car rentals, taxis, ride-sharing services, airport shuttles, and public transportation. It is also known for its unique red rock views visible from the terminal. The airport has a rich history, dating back to its establishment as a military training base during World War II. Today, it serves as a hub for SkyWest Airlines and provides connections to various destinations across the United States.

Cedar City Regional Airport's location and transport options

Cedar City Regional Airport is located two miles northwest of Cedar City, in Iron County, Utah. The airport is owned by the Cedar City Corporation and is the closest airport to the majority of the National Parks located in the southwest. It is also the closest airport to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Breaks.

The airport covers 1,040 acres of land at an elevation of 5,622 feet. It has two asphalt runways: 2/20, which is 8,650 by 150 feet, and 8/26, which is 4,822 by 60 feet. In the year ending December 31, 2022, the airport had 119,544 aircraft operations, averaging 327 per day. Most of these operations were general aviation (99%), with a small percentage of air taxi (1%), airline (1%), and military (1%) operations. 106 aircraft are based at the airport, including 62 single-engine, 3 multi-engine, 7 jet, and 34 helicopters.

As of May 2024, Delta is the main domestic airline at the airport, offering flights to Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. Other airlines that have served Cedar City Regional Airport include SkyWest Airlines, Air Midwest (a subsidiary of Mesa Airlines), Western Airlines, Bonanza Air Lines, and Hughes Airwest.

While there are no hotels within the immediate surroundings of the airport, options are available nearby. These include the Ramada by Wyndham Cedar City and the Americas Best Value Inn Cedar City.

The airport's history and development

Cedar City Regional Airport is located two miles northwest of Cedar City, in Iron County, Utah. The airport is owned by the Cedar City Corporation, and airline flights are subsidised by the Essential Air Service program. The airport is in close proximity to many of the National Parks located in the southwest, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Breaks.

The history of the airport dates back to the 1940s when Western Airlines provided the first flight services to Cedar City. In the late 1950s, Bonanza Air Lines replaced Western Airlines, operating DC-3s on routes including Phoenix, Prescott, Grand Canyon Airport, Page, and Salt Lake City. In 1977, Hughes Airwest, which had continued the service previously operated by Air West, discontinued flights to Cedar City.

SkyWest Airlines provided Essential Air Service to Cedar City from 1972 until 2005, utilising aircraft such as the Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner and the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia. In 2005, SkyWest was replaced by Air Midwest, a subsidiary of Mesa Airlines, which prompted concerns from the community and local government. However, Mesa Airlines also filed to discontinue service to Cedar City in late 2007, leading to a new contract being awarded back to SkyWest.

Today, SkyWest Airlines continues to serve Cedar City with Delta Connection flights, offering nonstop services to Salt Lake City using Canadair regional jets. The airport has two asphalt runways and can accommodate large wide-body jets, charters, and firefighting operations. The terminal, located off Highway 56, provides amenities such as a business conference room, car rental agencies, and free long-term parking, making it convenient for both business and leisure travellers.

Airlines operating from the airport

Cedar City does have an airport, the Cedar City Regional Airport (IATA: CDC, ICAO: KCDC, FAA LID: CDC). It is located two miles northwest of Cedar City, in Iron County, Utah, and is owned by the Cedar City Corporation.

SkyWest Airlines provided Essential Air Service (EAS) from 1972 until 2005 when Air Midwest, a subsidiary of Mesa Airlines, took over. However, Mesa Airlines later filed to discontinue service to Cedar City, and SkyWest once again became the carrier for Cedar City Regional Airport.

SkyWest serves Cedar City with 76-seat Canadair regional jets as Delta Connection, offering nonstop flights to Salt Lake City. Delta is currently the only airline flying from and to Cedar City as of December 2024.

In addition to Delta, other airlines that have flown to Cedar City in the past include Western Airlines (in the 1940s), Bonanza Air Lines (in the late 1950s), and Hughes Airwest (until 1977).

Top destinations served from the airport

Cedar City does have an airport: the Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC), which is located two miles northwest of the city in Iron County, Utah. The airport is owned by the Cedar City Corporation.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

This is a popular destination for travellers departing from Cedar City Regional Airport, with Delta offering regular flights between the two airports. Salt Lake City is a vibrant city with a thriving cultural scene, beautiful natural surroundings, and a lively downtown area. It is also a hub for outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking.

Phoenix, Prescott, and Grand Canyon Airport

In the 1950s, travellers could fly from Cedar City to Phoenix, Prescott, and the Grand Canyon Airport. This route was served by Bonanza Air Lines DC-3s, offering passengers stunning views of the region's natural landmarks.

Page and Las Vegas

Bonanza Air Lines and its successor, Air West/Hughes Airwest, included Page and Las Vegas as stops on their flights originating from Cedar City. Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene, and Page, located near the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell, offer diverse experiences for visitors.

Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Breaks National Parks

Cedar City Regional Airport is the closest airport to many of the National Parks in the southwest, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Breaks. These parks offer breathtaking scenery, with majestic canyons, towering rock formations, and diverse plant and animal life.

The airport's facilities and services

Cedar City Regional Airport is located two miles northwest of Cedar City, in Iron County, Utah. It is owned by the Cedar City Corporation, and airline flights are subsidised by the Essential Air Service program. The airport is 5,622 feet (1,714 m) above ground level and covers an area of 1,040 acres (421 ha). Cedar City Regional Airport has two asphalt runways: 2/20, which is 8,650 feet (2,637 m) long and 150 feet (46 m) wide, and 8/26, which is 4,822 feet (1,470 m) long and 60 feet (18 m) wide.

In the year ending 31 December 2022, the airport recorded 119,544 aircraft operations, averaging 327 per day. These operations were mostly general aviation (99%), with smaller proportions being air taxi (1%), airline (1%), and military (1%). As of 31 December 2020, 106 aircraft were based at the airport: 62 single-engine, 3 multi-engine, 7 jet, and 34 helicopters.

The airport is served by Delta Connection, which operates 76-seat Canadair regional jets. Top domestic destinations include Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). SyberJet Aircraft, the manufacturer of the SJ30i and SJ30x business jets, also operates out of the airport.

Cedar City Regional Airport is the closest airport to most of the National Parks located in the southwest, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Breaks.

Frequently asked questions