Eugene's Airport: Does It Exist?

Eugene Airport (EUG), also known as Mahlon Sweet Field, is a public airport located 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Eugene, Oregon, in the United States. It is the fifth-largest airport in the Pacific Northwest and the second-largest in Oregon, generating over 800,000 trips annually. The airport offers commercial air service to various destinations across the West Coast and beyond, including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. With its convenient location and range of amenities, Eugene Airport provides a seamless travel experience for passengers in the region.

Eugene Airport's location and ownership

Eugene Airport, also known as Mahlon Sweet Field, is a public airport located 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Eugene, in Lane County, Oregon, United States. It is owned and operated by the City of Eugene and is the fifth-largest airport in the Pacific Northwest. The airport covers 2,600 acres (1,052 ha) of land and features a terminal building with "A" gates on the upper level and "B" gates, ticketing, and baggage claim on the lower level. The airport also has an expanded air cargo facility and three fixed-base operators (FBOs) to handle general aviation. In 2023, the Eugene Airport handled 1,719,629 passengers, a 9.2% increase from the previous year.

The airport was named after Mahlon Sweet (1886-1947), a Eugene automobile dealer and avid supporter of aviation. Mahlon Sweet Field is the second-largest airport in Oregon, generating over 800,000 trips annually. The airport provides commercial air service to a six-county region in mid-Oregon, with flights to destinations such as Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix-Mesa, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle. It is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Eugene and offers both short-term and long-term parking options.

The original Eugene Air Park was built in 1919 at the request of Mahlon Sweet and was located at the southeast corner of West 18th Avenue and Chambers Street. This first airstrip served as the main aviation hub until the modern Mahlon Sweet Field opened in 1943. During World War II, the airfield was utilised by the United States Army Air Forces. Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and improvements, including the addition of new runways and the construction of an airport rescue and firefighting facility in 2010.

The Eugene Airport offers convenient amenities such as close and affordable parking, efficient check-in counters, fast baggage service, and a variety of ground transportation options. The airport also features the Willamette Grill in the terminal lobby, providing a pleasant space for travellers.

Airlines that fly out of Eugene Airport

Eugene Airport (EUG), also known as Mahlon Sweet Field, is a public airport located 7 miles northwest of Eugene, Oregon, in Lane County. It is owned and operated by the City of Eugene and is the fifth-largest airport in the Pacific Northwest. The airport offers a range of domestic flights across the west coast and beyond, with direct flights to destinations such as:

• Hollywood-Burbank (Avelo, Southwest)
• Las Vegas (Allegiant, Southwest)
• Los Angeles (Allegiant, American, Southwest)
• Oakland (Allegiant, Southwest)
• Orange County (Allegiant)
• Palm Springs (Allegiant)
• Phoenix-Mesa (Allegiant)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor (American)
• Sacramento (Southwest)
• Salt Lake City (Delta)
• San Diego (Alaska, Allegiant, Southwest)
• San Francisco (United)
• San Jose (Southwest)
• Seattle (Alaska, Delta)

The following airlines fly out of Eugene Airport:

• Alaska Airlines
• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Avelo Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

The airport's history

Eugene Airport (EUG), also known as Mahlon Sweet Field, is a public airport located 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Eugene, Oregon, in Lane County. It is owned and operated by the City of Eugene and is the second-largest airport in the state and the fifth-largest in the Pacific Northwest.

The history of Eugene Airport dates back over a century, with the city's first airport, Eugene Air Park, established in 1919. This airport was located on what is now 18th and Chambers streets and was the first municipally-owned, non-military airport on the entire West Coast of the United States. The airport was the brainchild of Mahlon Sweet, a local automobile dealer and aviation enthusiast. Sweet had moved to Eugene from the Midwest in 1909, and by 1919, he had helped found the "Eugene Chamber of Commerce Aviation Committee" and pushed for the establishment of the Eugene Air Park.

During its early years, the Eugene Air Park was a hub of aviation activity and excitement. The first commercial flights offered joyrides over downtown Eugene and Skinner Butte for $15. The same year the airport opened, Sweet and fellow aviation enthusiast E.C. Simmons organised the city's first air show. On Independence Day 1919, seasoned military pilot Lt. James Krull performed aerobatics over Willamette Street during the city's 4th of July Parade.

In the 1920s, Eugene's airfield served as the temporary home base for the "Forest Patrol," a group of Army flyers commanded by Major H.H. "Hap" Arnold, who later became a five-star general in World War II and commander of the Army Air Corps. Eugene Air Park was also the starting point for the first circumnavigation of the globe by aircraft, which took place in 1924. Four planes—the Seattle, the New Orleans, the Boston, and the Chicago—took off from Eugene and flew north to Seattle, then on to Alaska and the rest of the world. Unfortunately, the Seattle crashed in the Alaskan mountains, and the Boston stalled and sank off the coast of Iceland. However, the Chicago and the New Orleans successfully completed the trip, returning to Eugene on September 27, 1924, to a crowd of 8,000 spectators.

As aviation technology advanced, the Eugene Air Park's runways became inadequate for newer aircraft, and the city needed a larger, more modern airfield. In 1939, Mahlon Sweet convinced city officials of the need for a new airport, and construction began in 1941. The new airport, also known as Mahlon Sweet Field, opened on May 1, 1943, and the original Eugene Air Park ceased operations in 1956.

During World War II, Mahlon Sweet Field was used by the United States Army Air Forces. The first commercial airline to serve the airport was United Airlines, which began flights to Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in June 1944. Over the following decades, other airlines began serving the airport, including West Coast Airlines, Horizon Air, American Airlines, and Cascade Airways. Today, Eugene Airport continues to serve the region, offering flights to various destinations across the country and contributing to the rich aviation history of Eugene.

Facilities and amenities at the airport

Eugene Airport (EUG), also known as Mahlon Sweet Field, is a public airport located 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Eugene, Oregon, in Lane County. Owned and operated by the City of Eugene, it is the fifth-largest airport in the Pacific Northwest. The airport offers various facilities and amenities to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for its passengers.

The terminal building at Eugene Airport has a clear and functional layout, with "A" gates on the upper level and "B" gates, ticketing, and baggage claim on the lower level. The airport provides essential services such as ATMs, located across from rental cars in the main lobby and upstairs near the Coast to Cascades Cafe. For those seeking directions or information, the Eugene Airport Navigators are a team of volunteers who staff the information booth and are always ready to help. The airport also provides maps and directions, which can be conveniently obtained from the Information booth.

When it comes to accessibility, Eugene Airport ensures that wheelchairs are available at all airline ticket counters. Additionally, the airport offers lactation suites, providing private areas for nursing mothers. Restrooms are conveniently located in the terminal lobby, the A-gate area, and the B-gate area, ensuring easy access for all passengers.

For passengers travelling with service pets, the airport provides a dedicated service pet relief station. An escort to the relief station can be requested at the airline ticket counter or gate counter. In the event of an emergency, heart defibrillators are strategically placed in the terminal lobby, A-Gate area, and B-Gate area for quick access.

The airport also caters to the mailing needs of its passengers and staff, offering both a FedEx drop box and a U.S. Postal drop box located outside the front terminal entrance. Additionally, a TTY public pay phone is available in the A-Gate area and the lobby, ensuring accessible communication options.

Overall, Eugene Airport strives to provide a comprehensive range of facilities and amenities to meet the diverse needs of its passengers and ensure a safe and convenient travel experience.

Transport options to and from the airport

Eugene Airport (EUG), also known as Mahlon Sweet Field, is located 7 miles northwest of Eugene, Oregon. It is owned and operated by the City of Eugene and is the fifth-largest airport in the Pacific Northwest. The airport is only 15 minutes from downtown Eugene and offers both short-term and long-term parking.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport, with several companies providing services, including City Taxi, Bio Taxi, Executive Taxi, Go Taxi, and Jerry's Taxi Service. The cost of a taxi ride from the airport to Eugene is approximately $35-50, and the journey takes around 14 minutes.

Bus

There is a direct bus service from the University of Oregon Parking Lot 18 to Eugene Airport, operated by Groome Transportation. The bus departs every four hours and takes approximately 35 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket is $19-24, making it a more affordable option compared to a taxi.

Driving

If you prefer to drive yourself, Eugene Airport is easily accessible by car. The distance from Eugene to the airport is 11.2 miles, and the drive typically takes about 14 minutes. Driving is the cheapest option, with estimated costs of $2-3 for the trip.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, also operate in the area and provide convenient and flexible transportation options to and from the airport.

Shuttle

Shuttle services are available from some local hotels, including Valley River Inn, Hotel Eugene-Springfield, Holiday Inn (Eugene-Springfield), Courtyard by Marriott, Phoenix Inn Suites, Inn at the 5th, and Tipi Village Retreat. These shuttles offer a convenient and often complimentary option for guests staying at these hotels.

Limousine

For those seeking a more luxurious option, limousine services are available at the airport. Local companies such as Eugene Limo and Sunshine Limo Service can provide stylish and comfortable transportation to and from Eugene Airport.

Frequently asked questions