Fresno Yosemite Airport: A Traveler's Guide To Fresno, Ca

Fresno, California is served by the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), a joint military-public airport. The airport is located eight miles from the city centre and offers nonstop flights to major cities across the United States, as well as international flights to Mexico.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport's history

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is a joint military-public airport in Fresno, California. It is the primary commercial airport for the San Joaquin Valley and three national parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. The airport offers scheduled passenger flights to several major airline hubs in the United States and international service to Mexico.

The airport opened in June 1942 as Hammer Field, a military airfield, just six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to the United States' entry into World War II. The new airfield was used as a training facility for new pilots of the Fourth Air Force. It had a single northwest/southeast-oriented runway with a length of 7,200 feet (now runway 11L/29R). Night fighter training, using Northrop P-61s, was moved to Hammer Field in January 1944, and training for the Bell P-59 Airacomet was added to the mission in 1944.

After World War II, Hammer Field was inactivated, and the city of Fresno acquired the site to create a commercial airport. In 1948, the newly renamed Fresno Air Terminal (FAT) opened, with Trans World Airlines (TWA) and United Airlines operating flights to San Francisco/Oakland and Los Angeles. In 1996, the airport's name was changed again to Fresno Yosemite International Airport to attract out-of-state and international visitors to Yosemite National Park.

The airport has seen significant expansion and remodeling projects over the years. In 1959, construction started on a new, larger passenger terminal, which opened in 1962. The first significant expansion to the passenger terminal came in 1978 with the addition of an enclosed and climate-controlled concourse. At the turn of the 21st century, the city began a series of projects to expand and remodel the passenger terminal, including the extension of the concourse and the addition of a new two-level section with jet bridges.

In 2006, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility was added, allowing the airport to receive scheduled international commercial flights. The first international service started in April 2006 with flights between Fresno and Mexico City, with a stop in Guadalajara. The airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities, including the addition of a new parking garage, the widening and strengthening of the secondary runway, and various expansion projects to the terminal and other facilities.

Airport facilities and services

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is a joint military-public airport in Fresno, California. The airport offers a range of facilities and services for travellers. Here is an overview:

Terminal and Check-In

The airport consists of a small, partially renovated terminal with various eateries and shops on both sides of security. The terminal includes a baggage claim area, a central lobby, and a ticketing area. The airport is currently undergoing a significant expansion project to enhance the security screening area, add new gates, and build a new international arrivals facility.

Ground Transportation

Fresno Airport provides convenient ground transportation options. Car rental services are available on-site, with companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise offering rentals. Additionally, the airport is accessible via public transportation, with FAX local bus routes 26 and 39 serving the airport. The V-LINE shuttle bus service also connects the airport to nearby Visalia and Visalia Municipal Airport.

Dining and Shopping

Fresno Airport offers a variety of dining options, including the John Muir Tavern, Home Team Sports Bar & Grill, and Starbucks, with locations both before and after security. For travellers looking to grab snacks, drinks, or last-minute travel goods, there are Hudson News shops located in the lobby, corridor, and concourse.

Passenger Comfort and Convenience

The airport provides essential amenities for passenger comfort and convenience. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and mobile device charging outlets can be found in various locations. Additionally, a mother's room is available airside between Gates 1 and 3. For those seeking a quick refresh, there is a barber shop open from Tuesday to Friday, with Saturday hours until 3:00 PM.

Airport Lounges

Fresno Airport does not have any private or pay-per-use airport lounges.

Nearby Accommodations

For travellers with layovers or those seeking accommodations near the airport, there are several hotels in the vicinity, including the Wyndham Garden Fresno Yosemite Airport, Quality Inn Fresno Yosemite Airport, and Best Western Plus Fresno Airport Hotel.

Transport to and from the airport

Transport to and from Fresno Yosemite International Airport

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is located in Fresno, California, and is the primary commercial airport for the San Joaquin Valley. The airport is easily accessible by various means of transportation, including private cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, buses, and rental cars.

Private Cars

If you are driving to or from the airport, the airport is about a mile north of California State Route 180, with Peach Avenue connecting the airport to the highway. California State Route 180 provides access to other major highways in the area, including California State Route 41, California State Route 99, and California State Route 168.

Taxis

Taxi cabs are readily available at the airport terminal and can be utilised on a first-come, first-served basis. Several taxi companies operate at the airport, providing convenient transportation to and from the airport.

Ride-sharing Services

Ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber are authorised to provide transportation to and from the airport. Passengers can use the respective apps to request a ride once they are ready to be picked up. The designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up locations are situated outside the departure doors.

Buses

Public transportation is also an option for travelling to and from the airport. Fresno Area Express (FAX) operates two bus routes with half-hourly service. Route 26 connects the airport to North Fresno via Southeast and Downtown Fresno, while Route 39 runs between the airport and West Fresno. Additionally, the V-LINE bus service connects the airport to the Visalia Transit Center and Visalia Airport, offering free long-term parking for up to ten days.

Rental Cars

For those who prefer to rent a car, the airport offers in-terminal car rental services from various companies, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. The rental car pick-up process can be conveniently completed at the Car Rental Centers located across from baggage claim, and drop-offs can be made at the adjacent Car Rental Lot. Additionally, a consolidated rental car facility is available at the terminal's west end, providing easy access to rental car services.

Airlines operating at the airport

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is a joint military-public airport in Fresno, California. It offers scheduled passenger flights to several major airline hubs in the US and international flights to Mexico. The airport is home to several airlines, including:

SkyWest Airlines

SkyWest Airlines is the nation's largest regional airline and has a large operations base at Fresno Yosemite International Airport. SkyWest carries about 34% of the airport's passenger traffic, more than any other carrier. The airline operates under contract with mainline partners such as American Eagle, Alaska Airlines, Delta Connection, and United Express. SkyWest has a 17-acre maintenance and overnight parking facility at the airport, with 21 aircraft positions and an approximately 92,000-square-foot hangar.

Aeroméxico and Volaris

Aeroméxico and Volaris operate international flights between Fresno and Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and a major airline hub. Volaris also offers service to Morelia, the capital of Mexico's Michoacán state, and León, the largest city in Mexico's Guanajuato state. These direct international services are some of the busiest flights from the airport.

United Airlines

United Airlines has a long history at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, having served the airport since its opening day. United offers flights to various destinations, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Harry Reid International Airport, and Portland International Airport.

American Airlines

American Airlines operates flights to destinations such as Harry Reid International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines provides flights to Sky Harbor International Airport and Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport in Mexico.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines began serving Fresno Yosemite International Airport in April 2021, offering daily flights to Las Vegas and Denver. The airline also provides seasonal service to Dallas.

Hotels near Fresno Yosemite International Airport

Yes, Fresno, California, has an airport: the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). The airport is conveniently located within walking distance of several hotels. Here is a list of hotels near Fresno Yosemite International Airport:

Wyndham Garden Fresno Yosemite Airport

Located just 0.1 miles from the airport, the Wyndham Garden Fresno Yosemite Airport is a clean and spacious hotel. While the shuttle service is no longer available, the hotel is just a 3-minute walk from the airport terminal. The hotel received a 7/10 rating from reviewers.

Piccadilly Inn Airport

The Piccadilly Inn Airport is 0.3 miles from Fresno Yosemite International Airport and offers a free shuttle service. The hotel provides spacious rooms with free WiFi and on-site dining. It received a rating of 7.4/10 from reviewers, who praised the knowledgeable and helpful staff.

Quality Inn Fresno Yosemite Airport

The Quality Inn Fresno Yosemite Airport is located 0.3 miles from the airport and offers friendly and helpful staff. The hotel provides concierge services, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. It received a rating of 7.6/10 from reviewers.

Best Western Plus Fresno Airport Hotel

The Best Western Plus Fresno Airport Hotel is located 0.4 miles from the airport and offers a free 24-hour transfer service. The hotel serves a daily continental breakfast, and reviewers praised the friendly staff and well-kept facilities. It received an 8.6/10 rating.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fresno Yosemite International Airport

Located 0.4 miles from the airport, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott offers free bikes, private parking, and an outdoor swimming pool. Reviewers praised the friendly and helpful staff, spacious rooms, and excellent breakfast options. It received a rating of 9.2/10.

Hampton Inn Fresno Airport

The Hampton Inn Fresno Airport is located 0.9 miles from the airport and features an outdoor pool, gym, and free breakfast. Reviewers praised the cleanliness and quick airport transfer. It is rated 8.8/10.

Frequently asked questions