Medford Airport: Size, Scale, And Significance

Medford Airport (MFR) is the third-largest commercial airport in Oregon. It is situated in the Rogue Valley, just three miles from Medford's centre. The airport was elevated to international status in 1995 and renamed Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport. It features a 110,000-square-foot terminal building, aircraft parking aprons, pedestrian walkways, and roads.

Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport's history

The history of the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport dates back to the late 1920s when the City of Medford began searching for a suitable location for an airport that could accommodate future expansion. In 1929, Medford put forth a bond proposal to fund the construction of a new airport, which was overwhelmingly approved by the voters. This marked the beginning of the Medford Municipal Airport, which included a 3,600-foot gravel runway and an administration building with an attached hangar. The airport construction provided much-needed employment opportunities during the Great Depression, with local men hired to work on the site.

However, by 1953, the old administration building had become inadequate, and a new facility was constructed. This new Medford Municipal Airport featured a terminal dedicated to commercial travel, complete with a waiting room, ticket counters, and modern amenities. This expansion signalled a shift in air travel and technological advancements. Over the years, the airport has been served by various airlines, including United Airlines, Hughes Airwest, West Coast Airlines, and Pacific Southwest Airlines, among others.

In 1995, the Medford-Jackson County Airport was elevated to international status, and a naming contest was held. The winning entry was the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, reflecting its new status and location. This marked a significant milestone in the airport's history. To accommodate the increasing demand and international designation, construction of a new terminal began, replacing the 33,000-square-foot terminal built in the 1950s.

The new 110,000-square-foot terminal building, along with new aircraft parking aprons, pedestrian walkways, and roads, opened for airline operations on January 11, 2009. Since then, the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport has experienced a notable expansion in air service, offering travellers convenient access to a wide range of destinations. The airport has continued to post favourable passenger statistics, with monthly gains in 2019 resulting in over one million arriving and departing passengers.

Medford Airport's commercial air service providers

The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, also known as Medford Airport (MFR), is a vital transport hub in Medford, Oregon, and is the third-largest commercial service airport in the state. The airport facilitates around 40 to 50 daily arrivals and departures, providing nonstop services to 10 destinations.

Commercial Air Service Providers

• Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air: The largest carrier at the airport, Alaska Airlines offers nonstop flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Portland International Airport (PDX). It provides complimentary snacks and beverages, a generous baggage policy, and connections to over 115 destinations worldwide through its partnerships.
• Delta Air Lines: Delta facilitates nonstop travel to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and offers connections to over 300 destinations through its global network.
• United Airlines: United connects travellers to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Denver International Airport (DEN) with direct flights and offers connections to over 350 destinations through its global network.
• Allegiant Air: Allegiant specialises in low-cost flights, connecting Medford to various locations, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers.
• Avelo: A newer entrant to the airport, Avelo provides competitive pricing and friendly service, focusing on convenience and simplicity.
• American Airlines: American Airlines offers routes to key US destinations and is known for its extensive network and customer service.

These carriers offer flights to and from destinations such as San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Burbank, Orange County, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Phoenix-Mesa, Salt Lake City, and San Diego.

Medford Airport's ranking in Oregon

The Medford Airport, also known as the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, is the third-largest commercial service airport in Oregon. The airport has a rich history, with the construction of the Medford Municipal Airport initiated following a successful vote in its favour. Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and improvements, including the addition of a new administration building, a longer runway, and a new facility constructed in 1953, which included a terminal for commercial travel, a waiting room, ticket counters, and a control tower. In 1995, the airport was elevated to international status, and a naming contest was held, resulting in its current name.

The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport provides commercial air service through various airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These carriers offer approximately 40 daily flights to and from destinations such as San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Burbank, and Denver. The airport also caters to general aviation traffic, including corporate and business travel.

While the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is not considered a large airport, it provides easy access to nearby destinations and has seen an expansion in air service since the construction of its current terminal in 2009. The airport offers amenities such as an observation deck, a gift shop, and an information booth staffed by Travel Medford volunteers.

Medford Airport is a valuable transportation hub for the region, providing convenient travel options for locals and visitors alike, contributing to its ranking as the third-largest commercial service airport in Oregon.

Medford Airport's location

Medford Airport, also known as Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, is located in Medford, Oregon, in the Rogue Valley. It is situated just three miles from the centre of Medford, making it a convenient gateway to the region. Medford Airport is the third-largest commercial service airport in Oregon, providing commercial air service to and from various destinations across the United States.

The airport's address is Medford, Oregon, OR 97504, and it has been serving the region for several decades. The airport began as the Medford Municipal Airport, with construction starting on a new administration building, an attached hangar, and a 3,600-foot gravel runway. Over time, the airport expanded to meet the growing needs of air travel. In 1953, a new facility was constructed, which included a terminal for commercial travel, a waiting room, ticket counters, a control tower, and a U.S. Weather Bureau facility.

In January 1971, the airport's ownership was transferred to Jackson County, and it became known as the Medford-Jackson County Airport. Later, in 1995, the airport was elevated to international status, and a contest was held to rename it. The winning entry was the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport.

Today, the airport offers a range of amenities for travellers, including an observation deck, a gift shop, and an information booth staffed by Travel Medford volunteers. It also provides access to Southern Oregon's diverse attractions, including its renowned wine country, natural areas, and cultural offerings.

Medford Airport's terminal size

The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) is the third-largest commercial service airport in Oregon. It is located in the Rogue Valley, just 3 miles from the centre of Medford, Oregon. The airport has been in operation for over 50 years, initially using a 33,000-square-foot terminal built in the 1950s.

In 2009, a new 110,000-square-foot terminal building was constructed and opened, replacing the previous terminal. This new terminal building is significantly larger than its predecessor, with almost four times the floor space. The project also included the construction of new aircraft parking aprons, pedestrian walkways, and roads, improving the overall infrastructure of the airport.

The Medford Airport provides commercial air service through various airlines, including Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These carriers offer approximately 40 arriving and departing flights daily to and from several destinations within the United States, including San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Burbank, Orange County, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Phoenix-Mesa, Salt Lake City, and San Diego.

The airport also caters to general aviation traffic, including extensive corporate and business travel. It provides an observation deck for visitors to enjoy the view and offers unique attractions like the KC-97 Stratofreighter, which is available for public viewing on Saturdays. The airport's rendition of the "Oval Office" is also available for rent for special events and meetings, providing a unique venue option for the community.

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