Santa Barbara's Airport: Does It Exist?

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, also known as SBA, is located 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California. The airport covers 948 acres of land and has three runways. SBA offers multiple daily nonstop flights to and from major hubs, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver. With its convenient location and flight options, SBA provides easy access to Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas, making it a popular choice for travellers looking to experience the beauty and culture of the region.

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

The history of aviation in the area dates back to 1914 when Lincoln J. Beachey flew an airplane across Goleta Valley. In 1928, Gordon Sackett and Royce Stetson landed a Hisso-powered airplane in a cow pasture and established a flight school, marking the beginning of what would become the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. With the growth of airplane manufacturing in the late 1930s, the airstrip expanded into an airfield.

During World War II, the airport became MCAS Santa Barbara (Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara), serving as an aviator training base for the U.S. Marines. It was expanded with additional hangars and buildings. In 1946, after the war, the airport reverted to civilian use. The original Spanish-style terminal building, designed by William Edwards and Joseph Plunkett, has been preserved and incorporated into the new terminal, which features environmentally sustainable elements.

History of aviation in the area

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, also known by its airport code SBA, is located 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California. The airport covers 948 acres of land and has three runways. It is bordered by the Goleta Slough, a wetland area, and is near the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the city of Goleta.

The history of aviation in Santa Barbara dates back over a century. In 1914, Lincoln J. Beachey became the first person to fly an airplane across Goleta Valley. Two years later, in 1916, the Loughead brothers (who later changed their name to Lockheed) established a seaplane factory on State Street, constructing a wooden ramp on West Beach to launch their planes.

In December 1910, a French flyer named Dadier Masson was brought to Santa Barbara by Milo Potter, owner of the Potter Hotel. Masson flew a Farnham-Curtiss biplane, a pusher-type machine with the engine in the back and the pilot's seat in front of the wings. He performed a stunt called the "glide of death" over the Goleta Valley on January 1, 1911, thrilling onlookers.

In 1928, Gordon Sackett and Royce Stetson landed a Hisso-powered airplane in a cow pasture and set up a flight school, marking the beginning of what would become the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. As airplane manufacturing grew in the late 1930s, the airstrip expanded into an airfield. Western General set up production of Meteor airplanes, and Frederick Stearns II of Santa Barbara Airways built two additional runways and two large hangars, also installing the airfield's first radio equipment.

In 1932, commercial service began with Pacific Seaboard Airlines, and in 1936, United Airlines started service from Santa Barbara/Goleta. In 1941, with World War II approaching, the United States Government initiated a program to build 250 airports across the country, and Santa Barbara secured its place in the program. The airport became MCAS Santa Barbara (Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara) in 1942, serving as an aviator training base for the U.S. Marines. It reverted to a civilian airport in 1946.

In 1947, the Santa Barbara Flying Club was formed to promote general aviation in the region. The airport has since been served by various airlines, including Southwest Airways, Pacific Air Lines, Air West, and Hughes Airwest. In 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration categorized it as a small hub primary airport.

Airlines that serve the airport

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California, and is the Tri-County regional airport of choice. The airport has a unique laid-back atmosphere and showcases distinctive architecture and art, reflecting the culture of the area.

The airport offers multiple nonstop daily flights to and from major hubs, including Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City.

As of 2024, the following airlines serve Santa Barbara Airport:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

These airlines provide 23 daily nonstop flights to 12 major destination hubs, with connections to the rest of the world.

The history of aviation in the area dates back to 1914, when Lincoln J. Beachey flew an airplane across Goleta Valley. The Santa Barbara Municipal Airport itself has its origins in 1928, when Gordon Sackett and Royce Stetson set up a flight school in a cow pasture. The airfield expanded over the years, especially during World War II when it became a Marine Corps Air Station, and it continues to serve the region today with a focus on safety, quality, and meeting the needs of its customers.

Transport options to the airport

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, also known as SBA, is located 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California. The airport offers multiple nonstop daily flights to and from various destinations, including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Denver (DEN).

Airport Shuttle

The Santa Barbara Airport Shuttle provides transportation to and from the airport. This service offers a shared ride, private service, and group transportation options. It is known for its flexible schedule and competitive rates. The shuttle pick-up location is at the curb outside the baggage claim area, and it runs every 15 minutes.

Rideshare and Taxi Services

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at SBA. You can utilize these services for pick-up and drop-off in front of the terminal, but there is currently no designated pick-up zone, so be sure to follow the instructions in the app to meet your driver. Taxi services are also readily available at the airport, providing a faster and more exclusive travel experience.

Public Transportation

For those seeking a more economical option, public transportation is available. The MTD public buses have a stop located on Moffett Road, across the Airline Terminal. Additionally, the nearby Amtrak Train offers another public transportation alternative.

Rental Cars

Rental car services are conveniently located near the airport, providing visitors with the flexibility to explore Santa Barbara and its surroundings at their own pace.

Bicycle

For those who prefer a more active and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, uncovered bicycle racks are available near the Airport Terminal building. Future improvements to the terminal will include covered bicycle accommodations.

Airport facilities and amenities

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, also known as SBA, is located 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California, United States. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. With daily nonstop flights to and from major hubs, including Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City, travelling to Santa Barbara is convenient and straightforward. The airport boasts an impressive Public Art Program, showcasing commissioned art, loaned existing art, and rotating exhibits of regional art, providing travellers with a unique cultural experience.

SBA offers a range of facilities and amenities to enhance the travel experience for its customers. The airport features three runways and an environmentally sustainable terminal building, incorporating the original Spanish-style design by architects William Edwards and Joseph Plunkett. The terminal includes a variety of shopping and dining options, with something to suit every taste and preference. For those seeking a quick bite or a coffee fix, there are grab-and-go options available, while those looking for a more relaxed dining experience can enjoy a meal at one of the airport's restaurants.

The airport also provides a range of services to meet the needs of its diverse clientele. For business travellers, SBA offers a selection of meeting rooms and workspaces equipped with modern amenities and high-speed internet access. The airport also caters to families, with play areas and entertainment options available to keep children engaged and entertained during their wait. Additionally, the airport offers a range of ground transportation options, including car rental services, taxi services, and a complimentary shuttle service to nearby hotels and restaurants.

What sets SBA apart is its commitment to exceeding expectations in safety and quality of service. The airport provides 24-hour surveillance and security, ensuring the protection and peace of mind of its customers and staff. SBA also offers a range of accessibility options, including ADA-compliant parking spots and facilities, to accommodate travellers with special needs. The airport's website provides up-to-date information on flight schedules, parking availability, and any ongoing promotions or awards the airport has received.

Santa Barbara Airport has been recognised for its excellence, having been nominated for the 2025 Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards for Best Small Airport and receiving an award from the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce in 2025. The airport's hassle-free experience and world-class service make it a popular choice for travellers visiting the beautiful city of Santa Barbara.

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