Paso Robles Airport: Does It Exist?

Paso Robles, California, is a popular destination for travellers seeking an authentic wine country experience. With its charming downtown, world-class beers, exceptional wines, and farm-fresh culinary creations, it is no surprise that the city has been named one of the best places to visit. For those wondering how to get to this idyllic destination, the good news is that Paso Robles does indeed have an airport. In fact, there are several options for those travelling by plane.

Nearest airport: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP)

The closest airport to Paso Robles is the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), located in San Luis Obispo, California. It is approximately 27.1 miles from Paso Robles, or around 30 miles south of the town. San Luis Obispo Airport is easily accessible from Paso Robles, with a straightforward drive between the two locations.

The airport is served by three passenger airlines, with direct flights to eight cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Phoenix, and Seattle. In June 2021, direct flights to Portland and San Diego were also introduced. The airport is smaller, which means shorter lines and less stress for travellers.

The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is the closest commercial airport to Paso Robles. However, there is also the Paso Robles Municipal Airport, which is around four miles from downtown Paso Robles. This airport has two runways and one helipad, and it services aircraft and aviation businesses. However, it does not appear to be a commercial airport, and it has not had much success with passenger flights in the past.

Paso Robles is located in California, around a three-hour drive from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is a popular destination for travellers, known for its wineries and wine country experiences. There are a variety of ways to travel to Paso Robles, including by plane, train, or car.

Other nearby airports: Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles

Paso Robles, California, is a 3-hour drive from Los Angeles and is accessible via US 101 North. The nearest airport to Paso Robles is San Luis Obispo County Airport, which is 27.1 miles away. However, other nearby airports include Santa Maria Public Airport, 65 miles away, Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, 96.6 miles away, and Los Angeles International Airport, 159 miles away.

Santa Maria Public Airport is located 65 miles from Paso Robles, making it a convenient option for those looking to travel to the area. The airport offers flights to various destinations, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. From the airport, travellers can easily reach Paso Robles by car, taxi, or rideshare service.

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is approximately 96.6 miles away from Paso Robles. It is a convenient option for those travelling to the area, offering flights to several destinations, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver. Travellers can easily reach Paso Robles from the airport by car, bus, or shuttle.

Los Angeles International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the Greater Los Angeles area. It is located 159 miles from Paso Robles and serves as a major hub for domestic and international travel. The airport offers a wide range of flights to destinations worldwide, making it a convenient option for those travelling to Paso Robles from farther destinations.

History of Paso Robles Municipal Airport

The Paso Robles Municipal Airport is located about four miles (6.4 km) northeast of downtown Paso Robles, in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States. The airport covers 1,300 acres (5.3 km2) and has two runways and one helipad. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Paso Robles, with all policy decisions and directions provided by the City Council.

The history of the Paso Robles Municipal Airport dates back to World War II. On September 3, 1942, construction began on the airfield, intended to be used as a Marine Corps Bomber Base. On April 8, 1943, the field was dedicated as the Estrella Army Airfield for use by the Army Air Corps. The Marine Corps Units occupied buildings to the west, across Airport Road, in what is now the California Youth Authority. The airfield had 1259 acres of land, two 4,700-foot-long (1,400 m) runways, an operations building, and a three-bay fire station.

On August 29, 1947, the Federal Government transferred 1,057 acres to the County of San Luis Obispo for use as a commercial airport. Pacific Seaboard Air Lines was the first airline to serve the airport, with daily round trips to various destinations in California. In 1953, Pacific Seaboard was acquired by and merged into Delta Air Lines. The county extended runway 01/19, installed high-intensity lights, and constructed a large hangar, ten T-hangars, and a terminal building between 1949 and 1952.

In 1956, Southwest Airways, later renamed Pacific Air Lines, began serving the airport with flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other California cities. In 1968, Pacific Air Lines merged with other airlines to form Air West, which continued to serve the airport until 1970 when it was renamed Hughes Airwest. Hughes Airwest served the airport until 1974, after which Swift Aire Lines was the only airline serving Paso Robles in 1976.

In the late 1970s, several commuter airlines attempted to establish themselves at the airport, but none were successful. In 1973, the County of San Luis Obispo sold the airport to the City of Paso Robles for $1, and the city made various improvements to the infrastructure. Today, the airport has grown significantly, with over 500,000 square feet of industrial building space, providing over 700 jobs and housing nearly 50 businesses. The number of aircraft based at the airport has also increased from 55 in 1973 to around 220 today.

Airlines that serve the airport

Paso Robles Municipal Airport is located four miles (6.4 km) northeast of downtown Paso Robles, in San Luis Obispo County, California. The airport covers 1,300 acres (5.3 km2) and has two runways and one helipad. The nearest commercial airport to Paso Robles is the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), just 30 miles south.

The first airline to serve the Paso Robles Municipal Airport was Pacific Seaboard Air Lines in 1933, with two daily round trips between Los Angeles and San Francisco, stopping at Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Monterey, Salinas, and San Jose. Pacific Seaboard later moved its operations to the eastern US and was renamed Chicago and Southern Air Lines. In 1953, it was acquired by and merged into Delta Air Lines.

In 1956, Southwest Airways, later renamed Pacific Air Lines, began serving the airport with flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other California cities. In 1968, Pacific Air Lines merged with Bonanza Air Lines and West Coast Airlines to form Air West, which continued to serve the airport until 1970, when it was renamed Hughes Airwest. Hughes Airwest served the airport until 1974.

After the cessation of service by Hughes Airwest in 1974, San Luis Obispo-based Swift Aire Lines was the only airline serving Paso Robles in 1976, with nonstop flights from San Francisco (SFO) and San Jose (SJC), as well as direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX) with intermediate stops in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo.

In the late 1970s, several commuter airlines, such as Golden Carriage Air and Eagle Airlines, served Paso Robles, but none proved successful.

Passenger flights returned to Paso Robles when SkyWest Airlines (Delta Connection) established a base at the airfield, flying to several California cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Fresno. However, this business plan proved unviable, and SkyWest withdrew from Paso Robles.

Today, there are no airlines that fly directly into Paso Robles Municipal Airport. However, the airport is still active and supports various military, air charter, corporate, air ambulance, and other flying services.

The airport's industrial park

The Paso Robles Municipal Airport, located about four miles (6.4 km) from downtown Paso Robles, is surrounded by the Airport Road Industrial Park. The industrial park has witnessed significant development, with the city directing improvements in utilities and infrastructure. The construction of aircraft hangars and aviation service facilities has transformed the area, now boasting over 500,000 square feet of industrial space. This space is occupied by nearly 50 businesses, a stark contrast to the mere four businesses operating in 1973. The number of jobs provided by these businesses has also increased substantially, with over 700 jobs now available in the community.

The Airport Road Industrial Park is a hub for aviation-related businesses, including aviation maintenance providers, aviation parts manufacturers, and other complementary enterprises. The airport itself has a rich history, initially serving as a Marine Corps Bomber Base during World War II. After the war, it became a commercial airport, with various airlines offering flights to different destinations. The airport covers 1,300 acres and features two runways and one helipad, providing essential aviation services to the region.

The closest major airport to Paso Robles is the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), situated 27-34 miles away. This airport offers a convenient and boutique experience, with shorter lines and easy access to and from Paso Robles. It provides direct flights to several cities, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Seattle. Other nearby airports include Santa Maria (SMX), approximately 65 miles away, and Santa Barbara (SBA), which is 93-126 miles from Paso Robles.

Paso Robles is a sought-after destination, known for its wineries, hospitality, and charming atmosphere. With its central location between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it offers a quintessential California road trip experience. The city's accessibility is enhanced by its well-connected highways, active railroad, and, of course, its very own municipal airport, making it a desirable and convenient destination for travellers.

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