Modesto Airport: Gateway To Las Vegas?

Modesto City-County Airport in Modesto, California, is a small airport that does not offer any commercial air service. However, there are nearby airports in Merced and Stockton, California, that offer commercial flights and are located within 30 minutes of Modesto. Modesto Airport used to have commercial flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles, but these were discontinued in the early 2000s due to various reasons, including a pilot shortage and weather-related issues. While Modesto Airport does not currently serve Las Vegas directly, there are cheap flights available from Modesto to Las Vegas, with prices as low as $20 for a one-way trip. These flights typically depart from Oakland International Airport, located near Modesto, and arrive at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, with a flight time of around 1 hour and 23 minutes.

Modesto City-County Airport does not offer commercial flights

In 2016, the city of Modesto and the airport management conducted a study to identify the travel preferences of the Modesto community. The study found that Las Vegas was one of the top five destinations that locals were interested in, alongside Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Guadalajara in Mexico. While the Modesto City-County Airport does not currently offer commercial flights to Las Vegas, nearby airports in Merced and Stockton, both located 30 minutes away, do provide commercial flight services.

Modesto City-County Airport is classified as a "general aviation airport" and offers private air charter services. The airport covers approximately 470 acres and has two runways. It is located on the border of Modesto and Ceres along the Tuolumne River. Modesto's airport management is always evaluating market opportunities and re-examining the potential for commercial flight services.

Although Modesto City-County Airport does not currently offer commercial flights, there is a demand for an easy-to-reach regional airport with multiple destinations and connection opportunities. A combined Modesto-Stockton Airport, or Central Valley Regional Airport, has been proposed to cater to the large catchment area of San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, as well as travellers from nearby foothill and neighbouring counties. The Stockton Airport terminal is around five times larger than Modesto's and can accommodate 400 passengers at a time, but it is currently underutilized.

Modesto Airport previously had flights to LAX and SFO

Modesto City-County Airport, two miles southeast of Modesto in Stanislaus County, California, does not currently offer any commercial air service. The airport, which is the nation's first municipally-owned airport, opened in 1918 and has been used for private aviation and the training of military personnel.

In the past, Modesto Airport offered flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). In the early 2000s, the airport ran three flights a day to LAX through a minimum revenue guarantee grant. However, when the grant ran out, the service ended. SkyWest's commuter flights to SFO also ceased in 2016 due to a national pilot shortage and frequent weather-related delays and cancellations.

The Modesto Bee reported in 2023 that Claudia Avalos, a former customer service agent for SkyWest affiliate United Express, expressed a desire for the return of commercial flights to SFO. Avalos stated, "I think it would bring really good business here in Modesto. We need it." The article also mentioned a study conducted by the city of Modesto and the airport in 2016, which found that Las Vegas was an area of interest for potential travel destinations from Modesto.

While Modesto City-County Airport does not currently offer commercial flights to Las Vegas, nearby airports in Merced and Stockton, California, provide commercial air service and are located within a 30-minute drive of Modesto. Additionally, Orbitz offers cheap flights from Modesto to Las Vegas, connecting through Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, or San Jose. These larger airports offer a wider range of destinations and connection opportunities for travellers from Modesto.

Stockton Airport is an alternative, larger airport close to Modesto

Modesto City-County Airport is a small airport that does not offer any commercial air service. For those seeking to fly to Las Vegas, there are a few nearby airports with commercial air service, including the Stockton Metropolitan Airport, located 30 minutes north of Modesto.

Stockton Airport is a larger airport that can accommodate 400 passengers at a time. It is around five times the size of Modesto Airport, with a passenger terminal of 44,355 square feet. The airport is easily accessible, situated just three miles southeast of downtown Stockton, and is close to Highway 99 and Interstate 5.

Stockton Metropolitan Airport has a rich history, initially serving as an Army training facility during World War II. It continued to be used by the military through the Korean War and beyond, with the California Army National Guard maintaining a presence even today. The airport has seen several airlines operate from its premises, including United Airlines, which offered the airport's first jet flights in 1968, and Pacific Southwest Airlines.

The airport has a range of facilities, including a full-service restaurant and bar, as well as a Subway. There is also ample parking available. Stockton Airport is an excellent alternative for travellers from Modesto, providing a more extensive range of services and destinations compared to the smaller Modesto Airport.

Modesto Airport is a general aviation airport

Modesto Airport, or Modesto City-County Airport, is a general aviation airport. It is located in Modesto, California, and is approximately 470 acres in size. The airport has two runways and is situated on the border of Modesto and Ceres along the Tuolumne River. Modesto Airport does not currently offer any commercial air service, but private air charter services are available.

In the early 2000s, the airport operated three daily flights to LAX through a minimum revenue guarantee grant. However, when the grant ended, the service was discontinued. SkyWest's commuter flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) ceased in 2016 due to a national pilot shortage and frequent weather-related cancellations. Modesto Airport has not offered commercial flights to destinations like San Francisco and Los Angeles since then, but airport officials are considering bringing them back.

Modesto Airport is a small airport without full-service restaurants. Snacks and drinks are available from vending machines near the terminal's waiting area. Modesto travelers often have to make long trips to other airports for commercial flights, highlighting the need for a Central Valley Regional Airport. Nearby airports with commercial air service include Merced and Stockton, both within a 30-minute drive of Modesto.

While Modesto Airport does not directly serve Las Vegas, cheap flights to Las Vegas from Modesto are available through various airlines. These flights typically depart from nearby airports such as Oakland International Airport (OAK), offering nonstop services to McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. Modesto Airport's role as a general aviation airport means it primarily serves private and charter flights rather than commercial air services.

Modesto Airport is considering bringing back commercial flights

Modesto City-County Airport currently does not offer any commercial air service. However, there are ongoing discussions and plans to bring back commercial flights to the airport.

In the past, the Modesto Airport offered flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles. These services ended due to various reasons, including the expiration of a minimum revenue guarantee grant, the SkyWest company pulling out, and issues with fog and weather-related delays and cancellations.

The city of Modesto and the airport conducted a study in 2016 to identify the travel interests of the Modesto community. The study found that Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Guadalajara, Mexico, were areas of interest for potential destinations. Airport officials are evaluating the size of the runway and the aircraft it can accommodate as part of their planning process.

There is a strong interest in a Central Valley Regional Airport from travellers and major airlines due to the large pool of potential flyers in the region. The proposed airport would combine the Modesto and Stockton Airports, providing a huge catchment area and multiple destinations and connection opportunities. Stockton Airport, located 30-45 minutes from downtown Modesto, is currently underutilized and could accommodate a larger number of passengers.

Modesto City-County Airport is always evaluating market opportunities and re-evaluating the possibility of bringing back commercial flights. The airport offers private air charter services and is easily accessible from Interstate 5 and Highway 99.

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