Salem, Oregon: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Salem, Oregon, is served by several airports in the region, including Salem Municipal Airport, which is the closest airport to the city. However, Salem Municipal Airport does not currently offer commercial passenger services, although there have been recent efforts to change this. Other nearby airports include Portland International Airport (around 50 miles away), Eugene Airport (approximately 58 miles away), and Roberts Field (about 104 miles from Salem). These airports offer alternative options for travellers flying to or from Salem, Oregon, and the availability of multiple airports can provide flexibility in terms of flight choices and pricing.

Salem Municipal Airport

Salem, Oregon, does have an airport: Salem Municipal Airport, also known as McNary Field, Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, and SLE. The airport is located two miles southeast of downtown Salem and is owned by the city. It is named after U.S. Senator Charles L. McNary of Oregon, who died in February 1944, a couple of years after the airport became operational.

The airport has a variety of aircraft based there, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, glider, and military planes. In the year ending December 31, 2022, the airport had 45,357 aircraft operations, averaging 124 per day, with 86% general aviation, 7% military, 8% air taxi, and less than 1% commercial.

While Salem does have its own airport, the closest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), which is 49.8 miles away from Salem.

Nearest airports

Salem, Oregon, does have an airport, known as Salem Municipal Airport. However, it does not currently offer commercial air service. In 2022, the city received an $850,000 federal grant to attract airlines to the airport and provide commercial air service to the region. The airport covers 751 acres and is home to more than 130 aircraft hangars and businesses, as well as the Oregon National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility.

There are several other airports near Salem, Oregon, that offer alternative options for air travel. The closest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), located approximately 49.5-49.8 miles from Salem. This airport offers domestic and international flights and can be reached by bus from Salem in approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Another nearby airport is Eugene Airport (EUG), situated around 57.3-57.9 miles from Salem. Redmond Airport (RDM), also known as Roberts Field, is a little further away at 104.4 miles from the city. For those seeking additional options, the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport is located around 121.4 miles from Salem.

Commercial air service

Salem Municipal Airport in Salem, Oregon, has been trying to establish commercial air service for years. In 2011, SeaPort Airlines operated 11 weekly flights to and from the airport, but the service was discontinued after just three months due to market trends and high prices. In 2022, the city received an $850,000 federal grant to attract airlines to provide commercial air service to the region.

The grant is intended to recruit, initiate, and support new air service to California, Nevada, and Arizona, with potential flight destinations including Phoenix, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. The addition of commercial air service in Salem is expected to bring several benefits to the region, including increased tourism, reduced traffic and congestion, and less dependence on nearby airports in Portland and Eugene.

However, significant investments are required to bring the airport up to FAA and TSA standards before commercial air service can begin. Salem Municipal Airport covers 751 acres and features over 130 aircraft hangars and businesses, including manufacturing facilities for aeronautical and non-aeronautical commercial ventures. It is also home to the Oregon National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility.

The airport manager, John Paskell, acknowledges the competition from nearby airports but remains optimistic about the potential for commercial service in Salem. He highlights the airport's functional terminal and strategic business plan, expressing that they are well-prepared to resume commercial operations if an airline chooses to return.

Funding and grants

Salem Municipal Airport, also known as McNary Field Airport, has not had commercial flights since 2011. However, the airport has received funding and grants to revive commercial air service.

In August 2022, the airport received an $850,000 federal grant to attract commercial airlines. This grant is intended to provide minimum revenue guarantees for airlines and market flights. The grant was awarded after two previous bids were rejected by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In January 2023, the Salem City Council approved $2.4 million in funding to renovate the terminal and hire additional staff, including airport, police, and fire personnel. This funding includes a transfer of $2,366,000 from the General Fund and a one-time construction cost of $1.9 million. The council's decision was based on the potential economic benefits of increased tourism and access to Oregon's wine region.

The Fly Salem Steering Committee, formed in 2018, has also played a role in funding efforts. The committee has utilized private funds, grants, and matching private donations to conduct studies and develop strategic plans for the airport. The ROAR Grant from the Oregon Department of Aviation, along with tourism funds, supported a two-year marketing plan by Travel Salem.

Despite these efforts, significant investments are still required to bring the airport up to FAA and TSA standards for commercial air service. The airport manager, Paskell, has expressed the need for funding to address security plans, equipment, and terminal upgrades. While some funding has been approved, additional sources of funding are being explored, including local contributions, economic development contributions, and state and federal grants.

The restoration of commercial air service in Salem is expected to have economic benefits for the region, but it has also faced opposition from residents concerned about the environmental impact and the potential diversion of funds from other priorities.

Airport transport options

Salem, Oregon, does have an airport—Salem Municipal Airport. However, it does not currently offer commercial air service. In 2022, Salem received an $850,000 federal grant to attract airlines to the airport and provide commercial air service to the region. The grant is intended to support the economy of the Mid-Willamette Valley, increase tourism, and reduce traffic and congestion along the I-5 corridor.

The closest major airport to Salem is Portland International Airport (PDX), which is approximately 50 miles away. Other nearby airports include Eugene Airport (EUG) (57.9 miles away), Redmond (RDM) (104.4 miles away), and Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) (121.4 miles away).

There are several transport options for travelling to and from these airports. By bus, it takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes to travel between Salem and Portland International Airport. There may also be options to travel by train or car. For example, in 2011, SeaPort Airlines operated a service between Salem Municipal Airport and Portland International Airport, but this was discontinued after just three months.

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