Oregon's Airport Cities: Where To Fly In And Out

what cities in oregon have airports

Oregon is a state in the USA that is home to several airports, including publicly and privately owned ones. The cities of Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford, Pendleton, North Bend, Klamath Falls, and Redmond all have airports, with Portland International Airport serving as the primary gateway to the state. These airports vary in size and purpose, with some offering commercial passenger services and others catering to private aviation.

Characteristics Values
Cities in Oregon with airports Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford, Pendleton, North Bend, Klamath Falls, Redmond
Airport codes PDX, SLE, EUG, MFR, PDT, OTH, LMT, KRDM
Airport types Commercial service–primary, Commercial service–non-primary, Reliever
Commercial service–primary hubs Large, Medium, Small, Non-hub

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Portland International Airport (PDX)

PDX has been consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the United States, including being named the World's Best Domestic Airport by Travel + Leisure from 2013 to 2019. It offers travellers a superior guest experience, with friendly staff, free Wi-Fi, great local food and drink options, and tax-free shopping without markups. The airport also showcases local art and music, and its iconic carpet design, installed in 1987, has become a source of pride for many Portland residents.

The history of Portland's aviation predates PDX. The city's first airport was the Swan Island Municipal Airport, located northwest of downtown Portland on the Willamette River. It became operational in 1927 but was replaced by PDX in 1940 due to obsolescence.

PDX has undergone several renovations and expansions to improve its facilities and capacity. In 2016, the Port of Portland renovated the security checkpoints and immigration facilities as part of the PDXNext project. This included relocating and widening the exit lanes and upgrading security. Additionally, Concourse E was extended by 750 feet (230 m), adding six new gates, and becoming the home of Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.

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Salem Airport (SLE)

Salem Airport, also known as Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, is located in Salem, Oregon, in the United States. The airport is situated in Marion County, just two miles southeast of downtown Salem, which owns it. The airport is named after U.S. Senator Charles L. McNary of Oregon, who passed away in 1944, a couple of years after the airport began operations.

Salem Airport has a rich history of airline service. United Airlines was the first airline to serve the airport, operating a round-trip route between San Francisco, Medford, Salem, and Portland during the early 1940s. This service was eventually discontinued in 1980. After a period without passenger airline service, Delta Connection, operated by SkyWest Airlines, resumed flights to Salem in 2007, offering two daily regional jet flights to Salt Lake City. However, this service also ended in October 2008.

The airport has seen several developments and improvements over the years. In 2010, the terminal building underwent an expansion, adding ticket counters, car rental counters, a baggage area, and an enlarged waiting area. The expanded terminal is more than twice the size of the old one. Additionally, the airport has a control tower, a restaurant, and a general aviation centre with limited flight training.

Salem Airport is home to the Oregon Department of Aviation, and the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems categorised it as a primary commercial service facility based on enplanements in 2008, with over 10,000 enplanements per year. The airport also serves the Oregon Army National Guard and charter flights. The Salem City Council has proposed future improvements aimed at enhancing operational safety, supporting community economic development, and achieving financial resiliency.

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Eugene Airport (EUG)

Eugene Airport (IATA: EUG, ICAO: KEUG, FAA LID: EUG), also known as Mahlon Sweet Field, is a public airport located 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Eugene, in Lane County, Oregon, United States. Owned and operated by the City of Eugene, it is the fifth-largest airport in the Pacific Northwest and the second-largest in Oregon, generating over 800,000 trips annually. The airport is just 15 minutes from downtown Eugene and features the Willamette Grill in the terminal lobby. It provides commercial air service to a six-county region in mid-Oregon, serving destinations such as Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix-Mesa, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle. Various airlines operate out of the airport, including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.

The airport covers 2,600 acres (1,052 ha) of land and has a terminal building with "A" gates on the upper level and "B" gates, ticketing, and baggage claim on the lower level. It has an expanded air cargo facility and three fixed-base operators (FBOs) to handle general aviation. In 2024, the airport handled 1,682,311 passengers, a slight decrease from the previous year. The airport was named after Mahlon Sweet (1886-1947), a local automobile dealer and aviation enthusiast who advocated for the development of the original Eugene Air Park in 1919 and the current airfield in 1943. The original air park ceased operations in 1956, and the current airport has seen several expansions and improvements over the years, including the addition of a new rescue and firefighting facility in 2010.

Eugene Airport has a history of aviation incidents, including a collision between a West Coast Airlines Douglas DC-3 and a Fairchild PT-23 aircraft in 1951, resulting in damage but no fatalities. In 2012, a Cessna Citation Excel made a gear-up landing due to a malfunction, sliding down the runway but surviving with all occupants unharmed. Another incident in 2021 involved a Beechcraft Super King Air experiencing electrical malfunctions and making an emergency landing without extending the landing gear.

The airport has received mixed reviews from travellers. Some have praised its easy navigation, bright and clean environment, and efficient check-in and security processes. However, others have noted the lack of lounge options and functional Wi-Fi, which can be inconvenient during delays. Overall, Eugene Airport serves as a significant transportation hub for the region, offering convenient access to various destinations across the country.

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Medford Airport (MFR)

Medford Airport has a strong track record of positive passenger statistics, with consistent monthly gains. In 2019, the airport accommodated 1,087,873 arriving and departing passengers, reflecting a notable 7.6% increase from the previous year. This growth highlights the airport's popularity and busy schedule.

The airport witnessed 41,563 aircraft operations in the year ending December 31, 2020, averaging 114 flights per day. The breakdown of these operations included 59% general aviation, 22% airline, 16% air taxi, and less than 1% military flights. Additionally, 201 aircraft were based at Medford Airport at that time, with a mix of single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, and glider planes.

Medford Airport has a rich history of airline services. Over the years, it has been served by various airlines and aircraft types. United Airlines, Hughes Airwest, West Coast Airlines, and Pacific Southwest Airlines are just a few carriers that have contributed to the airport's diverse aviation story. The airport continues to evolve, with recent additions like Avelo and Allegiant, ensuring efficient connectivity for travellers visiting Medford and the surrounding areas.

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North Bend Airport (OTH)

Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH), formerly known as North Bend Municipal Airport, is located in North Bend, Coos County. Covering 619 acres of land, it is the only airport on the Oregon Coast with passenger service. The airport changed its name in 2006 to avoid confusion with Bend, in central Oregon.

The airport has a long history, opening in 1932 as the North Bend/Coos Bay Airport. The U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station began operating in 1936 and was commissioned in May 1943. In 1947, the airport was transferred to the City of North Bend as military surplus property, and the first airline flights were West Coast DC-3s. However, in 1979, the airline Hughes Airwest, which had taken over from West Coast, pulled out of the airport.

In July 1999, the management of the airport was transferred to the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay. The Coos County Airport District has been responsible for operating the airport and has made significant improvements over the years, including the opening of a new terminal facility in 2008 and a new air traffic control tower in 2009.

Regarding air travel, United Express (SkyWest) has been serving the airport since 2008, offering nonstop flights to San Francisco International Airport. Previously, United Express provided flights to Portland International Airport until February 2012. Additionally, they operate a seasonal nonstop flight to Denver. SeaPort Airlines briefly offered daily flights to Portland from 2012 until March 2016, when they ceased operations at North Bend. PenAir then took over the route, but their service was short-lived, ending in August 2017. Horizon Air also provided direct flights to Portland International Airport from 1982 until 2008.

Frequently asked questions

Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford, Pendleton, North Bend, Klamath Falls, and Redmond all have international airports.

Yes, there are private-use airports in Oregon, but these are not located in major cities.

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the primary airport in Oregon.

Commercial service airports are publicly-owned airports with scheduled passenger services and more than 10,000 passenger boardings annually.

Yes, Portland has non-stop flights to both Europe and Asia, making it the smallest market in the US to offer this service.

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