Elko, Nevada: Exploring Airport Accessibility And Options

Elko, Nevada is served by Elko Regional Airport (IATA: EKO, ICAO: KEKO, FAA LID: EKO), which is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of downtown Elko. The airport covers over 700 acres and features two asphalt runways, with the primary runway measuring 7,454 x 150 ft (2,272 x 46 m) and the secondary runway measuring 3,015 x 60 ft (919 x 18 m). Elko Regional Airport is the only airport in the area that operates year-round and serves as a gateway to the Ruby Mountains and the Cowboy West.

Elko Regional Airport's history and previous names

Elko Regional Airport is one of the earliest airports in the United States, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The airport has played a significant role in the development of aviation in the country and has undergone several name changes throughout its existence.

The history of Elko Regional Airport began in March 1919 when the U.S. Post Office requested the Mayor of Elko to establish a rudimentary airfield on the former Southern Pacific Railroad stockyards. The U.S. Army became the first to fly into Elko in the same year, captivating the local citizens with the modern marvel of aviation.

By 1920, a locally funded flight service station was constructed on the airport, and Elko became a significant waypoint for early east-west aviation traffic by 1924. A beacon constructed on Beacon Hill provided pilots with visual navigation from up to 100 nautical miles away. Elko was also a recipient of the 1925 Air Mail Act, further cementing its importance in aviation history.

Originally called Elko Airport, the airfield's name changed to Keddie Field by 1935 and then to Elko Municipal Airport by 1947. During this time, it served as a terminus for the first scheduled air mail run in the United States, operated by Varney Air Lines, which later became United Airlines. Elko remained a crucial stop on the mail route from Pasco to Boise, Elko, and Salt Lake City until the late 1930s.

In 1975, the airport was renamed J.C. Harris Field in honour of Jess C. Harris, a sheriff from Elko known as "The Flying Sheriff". Finally, by the 2000s, the airport had taken on its current name, Elko Regional Airport.

Throughout its history, Elko Regional Airport has been served by various airlines, including United Airlines, Scenic Airlines, Royal West Airlines, Casino Express Airlines (later Xtra Airways), and SkyWest Airlines. The airport continues to serve commercial, medical, firefighting, and general aviation, maintaining its significance in the region.

Airlines that have served Elko Regional Airport

Elko Regional Airport (IATA: EKO, ICAO: KEKO, FAA LID: EKO), formerly Elko Municipal Airport, is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of downtown Elko, in Elko County, Nevada, United States. The airport has a rich history, with several name changes and a diverse range of airlines serving the region over the years. Here is a detailed overview of the airlines that have served Elko Regional Airport:

Varney Air Lines:

On April 6, 1926, Elko Regional Airport became the terminus for the first scheduled air mail run in the United States, operated by Varney Air Lines. The route connected Pasco, WA, Boise, ID, and Elko, NV. By 1928, the mail route was redirected, and Elko became one of the stops on the San Francisco-Chicago route operated by Boeing Air Transport, a predecessor of United Air Lines.

United Air Lines:

By 1933, Boeing Air Transport and National Air Transport, a United Airlines predecessor, merged to form United Air Lines. United served the Elko region with various aircraft models, including Boeing 247s, Douglas DC-3s, Convair 340s, and Douglas DC-6Bs. The DC-6Bs flying the San Francisco-Salt Lake City route via Reno, Elko, and Ely were United's last prop service in the U.S. In 1970, United replaced the DC-6Bs with Convair 580s operated by Frontier Airlines.

Frontier Airlines:

Frontier Airlines, in partnership with United, operated Convair 580 aircraft on the San Francisco-Reno-Elko-Ely-Salt Lake City-Denver route from 1970 to 1982.

Scenic Airlines, Sun Valley Key Commuter, and Chaparral Aviation:

Several small commuter airlines served Elko in the 1970s and 1980s. Scenic Airlines flew to destinations like Ely and Las Vegas, while Sun Valley Key Commuter offered flights to Salt Lake City and Reno. Chaparral Aviation connected Elko to several smaller towns in northern Nevada during the early 1980s. Scenic Airlines returned in 1999 and operated until 2006, providing flights from Elko to Las Vegas via the North Las Vegas Airport.

Royal West Airlines:

Royal West Airlines briefly operated in 1987, offering nonstop flights to Las Vegas using BAe 146-200 jets.

Casino Express Airlines/Xtra Airways:

Casino Express Airlines, established in 1987 and based in Elko, supported the Red Lion Hotel and Casino. They operated scheduled charter flights from Elko to various U.S. cities starting in 1989. In the mid-1990s, they offered weekend-only nonstop flights between Elko and several destinations, including Boise, Milwaukee, Portland, and Seattle. In 2005, Casino Express changed its name to Xtra Airways and ended jet service to Elko by 2010, moving its headquarters to Boise, Idaho.

SkyWest Airlines:

SkyWest Airlines began serving Elko in 1982 as an independent commuter carrier, replacing United Airlines. They initially flew Swearingen Metros to Reno, Salt Lake City, and Ely. Over the years, SkyWest underwent several changes, including operating as Western Express and becoming a Delta Connection carrier. They upgraded their aircraft to Embraer EMB-120 Brasilias and later to 50-seat Bombardier CRJ100/200s. SkyWest remains the only airline serving Elko Regional Airport as a Delta Connection carrier.

Delta Air Lines:

Delta Air Lines is currently one of the only airlines that flies domestically from Elko Regional Airport (EKO). They offer flights to various destinations, including Seattle - Tacoma International Airport, Cedar City Regional Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Boise Airport.

The airport's runways and facilities

Elko Regional Airport (IATA: EKO, ICAO: KEKO, FAA LID: EKO) is a public airport located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of downtown Elko, in Elko County, Nevada, United States. The airport covers 700 acres (280 ha) and has two asphalt runways: 6/24 is 7,454 x 150 ft (2,272 x 46 m) and 12/30 is 3,015 x 60 ft (919 x 18 m). The airport has a traffic pattern altitude of 1,000, and its common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) is 123.000 MHz.

The airport features a variety of navigational aids, including a medium-intensity approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights (MALSR) and precision instrument runway markings. The airport's visual slope indicator includes a 4-light precision approach path indicator (PAPI) on the left, with glide path angles of 3.00 and 3.25 degrees.

Elko Regional Airport offers a range of services and facilities for pilots and passengers. The airport is served by a variety of airlines and provides several destinations for travellers. In the year ending September 30, 2022, the airport recorded 13,863 aircraft operations, averaging 38 per day.

The airport's location and surroundings

Elko Regional Airport (IATA: EKO, ICAO: KEKO, FAA LID: EKO) is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of downtown Elko, in Elko County, Nevada, United States. The airport was formerly known as Elko Municipal Airport and has had several name changes over the years, including being named J.C. Harris Field in 1975 in honour of a sheriff from Elko, Jess C. Harris, who was known as "The Flying Sheriff".

Elko Regional Airport covers 700 acres (280 ha) and has two asphalt runways. The airport caters to a variety of aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, helicopter, and ultra-light planes. The busiest domestic route from Elko Regional Airport is Salt Lake City, Utah.

Elko Regional Airport has a rich history in aviation. On April 6, 1926, the airfield became the terminus for the first scheduled air mail run in the United States, operated by Varney Air Lines. By 1931, Elko was a stop on the passenger service between New York City and San Francisco. Over the years, various airlines have served Elko, including United Airlines, Scenic Airlines, Royal West Airlines, Casino Express Airlines, and SkyWest Airlines.

The airport is surrounded by a variety of natural features and landscapes. The area is known for its high elevation and desert-like conditions, with mountains and valleys nearby. The Humboldt River runs through Elko, offering a water source and a scenic view for those flying into and out of the airport. The region is characterised by wide-open spaces and a sparse population, giving the airport a remote and tranquil feel.

Elko Regional Airport's busiest routes

Elko Regional Airport, formerly Elko Municipal Airport, is a public airport located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of downtown Elko, in Elko County, Nevada, United States. The airport covers 700 acres (280 ha) and has two asphalt runways.

During the period of September 2023 to August 2024, the busiest domestic route from Elko Regional Airport was to Salt Lake City, Utah. This route is served by SkyWest Airlines, the only airline carrier currently operating at the airport.

Historically, Elko Regional Airport has been served by several airlines, including United Airlines and its predecessors, Boeing Air Transport and National Air Transport, which operated routes between Elko and various destinations such as San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Reno, and Ely. Other airlines that have served the airport include Scenic Airlines, Sun Valley Key Commuter, Chaparral Aviation, Royal West Airlines, Casino Express Airlines (later Xtra Airways), and Frontier Airlines.

The airport had 13,863 aircraft operations in the year ending September 30, 2022, averaging 38 per day, with 75% general aviation, 20% airline, and 5% air taxi.

Frequently asked questions