Monterey Regional Airport: Managing Busy Travel Seasons

Monterey Regional Airport (IATA: MRY, ICAO: KMRY, FAA LID: MRY) is a small, convenient airport located 3-3.5 miles from downtown Monterey, California. The airport offers direct flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, and San Francisco, with connections worldwide. It is praised for its quick and efficient security checks and boarding times, with travellers commenting that they were able to get through ticketing, security, and to their gate within 10 minutes. The airport is currently undergoing a transformation, with a new passenger terminal anticipated to be completed by May 2027.

Quick and efficient security checks

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is located 3-3.5 miles from downtown Monterey, California, and is known for its convenient and hassle-free experience. The airport covers 496 acres of land and has two runways. It is undergoing a transformation with a $37 million federal grant to build a new passenger terminal, with construction anticipated to begin in 2025 and be completed by 2027.

The small size of the airport makes it easy to navigate, with quick and efficient security checks. Passengers have reported getting through ticketing, security, and to their gate within 10 minutes. The airport provides a convenient alternative to larger airports in the region, such as San Jose, Oakland, or San Francisco International Airport.

To ensure a smooth and efficient security check experience at Monterey Regional Airport, here are some helpful instructions and tips:

• Passengers are expected to arrive at the ticket counter for check-in at least 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time. This allows adequate time for the check-in process and security screening.
• It is important to have all your documents ready, such as your ticket, passport, and any other necessary identification. Keep them easily accessible to expedite the process.
• Follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids: containers should be 3.4 ounces or less, placed in a 1-quart clear plastic bag, and only one bag per passenger.
• Remove electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them in a separate bin for screening. This includes laptops, tablets, and e-readers.
• Wear easily removable shoes and minimal accessories, as you may be asked to remove them during the security screening process.
• Keep an eye on the airport's website or social media for any updates or changes to security procedures.

By following these instructions and taking advantage of the airport's efficient security checks, passengers can ensure a quick and smooth journey through Monterey Regional Airport.

Easy to navigate

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is located 3-3.5 miles from downtown Monterey, California, covering 496 acres of land. It is a public entity owned by the municipalities that make up the Monterey Peninsula Airport District, and its board of directors is publicly elected.

The airport is easy and straightforward to navigate, with a directory map to help visitors find their way around the building. It offers a convenient and hassle-free experience, with quick and efficient boarding times and security checks. MRY is also unique in that it gets travellers through ticketing, security, and to their gate within 10 minutes.

MRY provides a range of transportation options, including rideshares, taxis, and buses, making it easy for travellers to get to their final destinations. The airport also offers both short-term and long-term parking facilities, with a premium parking lot located directly in front of the terminal.

In addition to its convenience, MRY provides direct flights to major cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, and San Francisco, with connections worldwide. Several airlines serve the airport, including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American, and United.

The airport is currently undergoing a transformation, with a new passenger terminal anticipated to be completed by May 2027. This is part of the MRY Metamorphosis, also known as the Safety Enhancement Program, which includes the construction of a replacement passenger terminal and an adjacent aircraft parking apron.

Seasonal routes

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is located 3 miles southeast of Monterey, California, covering 496 acres of land. The airport offers a convenient and hassle-free experience, with quick and efficient boarding and security checks. The terminal is easy to navigate, and transportation options like rideshares, taxis, and buses are readily available.

MRY has a rich history, dating back to the early days of aviation. It was known as the Monterey Peninsula Airport until 2011 and has been serving the region since 1936. The airport has undergone various transformations over the years, and it is currently in the midst of a significant metamorphosis to enhance safety and improve facilities.

When it comes to seasonal routes, Monterey Regional Airport has some exciting offerings. Semi-private jet company JSX offers seasonal summer routes with public chartered flights. In 2025, JSX relaunched its popular nonstop seasonal service to Monterey (MRY) from Burbank (BUR) and Orange County (SNA).

In addition to JSX, other airlines serving the airport include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American, and United. Mesa Airlines and SkyWest, operating as American Eagle and United Express, respectively, provide regional jet services. Horizon Air, operating on behalf of Alaska Airlines, serves the airport with Bombardier Q400s, the largest and fastest in the DHC-8 Dash 8 family.

Monterey Regional Airport has a diverse range of destinations, including direct flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, and San Francisco, with connections worldwide. The airport's convenient location provides easy access to numerous world-famous attractions in central California.

The airport is continuously transforming and expanding its routes, with federal grant money supporting its development. With its convenient location, efficient services, and expanding list of seasonal routes, Monterey Regional Airport offers a compelling option for travellers looking for a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience.

Special traffic considerations

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is located 3-3.5 miles from downtown Monterey, California, and is known for its convenience and efficiency. The airport is currently undergoing a transformation, with a new passenger terminal expected to be completed by May 2027.

Monterey Regional Airport caters to a diverse traffic mix, including local general aviation, air taxi, commercial, and military operations. The airport has two parallel runways with staggered thresholds, with the larger runway, RWY 10R/28L, being significantly wider and longer than RWY 10L/28R. TWY B between RWY 28L/R is often mistaken for RWY 28L, and aircraft tend to hold short of TWY B, not clearing RWY 28R. Maintenance run-ups can only be conducted in the 28L run-up area.

When it comes to special traffic, such as military, commercial, or helicopter operations, prior coordination is required for parking at the Military Ramp. The airport does not have self-service fuel, and the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) is located at the ends of RWYs 10R and 28L. High terrain to the east can trigger a Low Altitude Alert for RWY 28L IFR arrivals. During busy events, single-engine piston-driven aircraft may be directed to park at an alternate location when taxiing to Del Monte Aviation/Monterey Jet Center.

The airport's safety enhancement construction program, aimed at implementing federally mandated safety upgrades, is currently underway. This includes the construction of a new passenger terminal and an adjacent aircraft parking apron, with the terminal groundbreaking anticipated in 2025. These ongoing enhancements should be considered when planning operations at the airport.

Construction and safety enhancements

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is undergoing a metamorphosis with its Safety Enhancement Program (SEP) to make way for new federally required safety enhancement projects. The MRY Metamorphosis is a multiphase transformation that includes a replacement passenger terminal and an adjacent aircraft parking apron. The new terminal building is currently being designed by HOK and will have a similar footprint to the existing terminal. The construction of the new terminal is anticipated to begin in 2025, with an expected completion date of May 2027. The new facilities are being designed to be net-zero-carbon-ready and will provide a modern and efficient travel experience for passengers, with improved navigation and streamlined movement through the terminal.

The Safety Enhancement Program has been funded by a combination of federal grants and local matching funds. In 2022, construction began on the replacement Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in 2024. This was followed by the construction of relocated general aviation hangars in early 2023. The existing ARFF facility and the original hangars were demolished to clear space for the new terminal and associated infrastructure. The program has received support from the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with grants totalling $25 million.

As part of the multiphase program, Taxiway A, which supports Runway 10R-28L, will be relocated and improved to enhance operational safety. This relocation will shift the taxiway south by 52.5 feet. Several buildings, including the ARFF building and general aviation hangars, have been demolished and rebuilt in new locations to accommodate this federally required safety upgrade.

The transformation of Monterey Regional Airport aims to address the limitations of the previous terminal, which forced operations into limited and inefficient spaces. The new terminal will be designed to comply with modern aviation regulations and improve passenger movement, reducing travel-related stress. The construction process will also provide economic opportunities for the region by hiring local skilled workers.

Frequently asked questions