Oregon's Top Airports: A Comprehensive Guide

what major airports are in oregon

Oregon is a large state with a lot to offer, and flying is a great way to get around and see the sights. There are 33 airports in Oregon, with 7 of them being major airports. Portland International Airport (PDX) is the most well-known, consistently named the best airport in the United States by Travel + Leisure. It offers 500 flights daily and boasts amenities like an easy light rail connection, local food and drinks, free Wi-Fi, and tax-free shopping. Eugene Airport (EUG), the fifth-biggest airport in the Pacific Northwest, is another major airport in Oregon, located 11km northwest of Eugene and serving 1 million passengers annually. Rogue Valley Airport in Medford and Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) in Central Oregon are also significant aviation hubs in the state.

Characteristics Values
Airports in Oregon Portland International Airport (PDX), Salem (SLE), Eugene (EUG), Medford (MFR), Pendleton (PDT), North Bend (OTH), Klamath Falls (LMT), Redmond (KRDM)
Best airport in Oregon Portland International Airport (PDX)
Best airport in the US Portland International Airport (PDX) in 2021 and from 2013-2019
Airport facilities Easy light rail connection, local food and drink, free Wi-Fi, tax-free shopping, 500 flights daily, VIP travel experience, bike parking

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Portland International Airport (PDX)

PDX has been recognised as one of the best airports in the United States, ranking first in Travel + Leisure's survey in 2021 and from 2013 to 2019. It offers travellers a superior experience with friendly guest interactions, free Wi-Fi, a variety of local food and drink options, and tax-free shopping. The airport also features unique touches like a large wood-framed skylight and living trees, welcoming travellers to the Pacific Northwest.

The history of Portland's aviation roots began with the Swan Island Municipal Airport, which opened in 1927. However, by 1935, it became apparent that a new airport was needed. Construction on the current Portland International Airport site began, and it has since undergone several renovations and expansions. In 2016, Concourse E was extended by 750 feet (230 m), adding six new gates. The airport's iconic carpet, installed in 1987, was also replaced with a new design in 2014, prompting locals to celebrate the original carpet as a cultural icon.

PDX is more than just an airport; it also houses an Oregon Air National Guard base on its southwest portion. This base is the host unit of the 142nd Fighter Wing, operating the F-15 Eagle. Additionally, the airport provides general aviation services through Atlantic Aviation. With its convenient location, transport connections, and array of amenities, Portland International Airport (PDX) serves as a gateway to the city of Portland and the Pacific Northwest region.

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Salem (SLE)

Salem Airport, also known as McNary Field (IATA: SLE, ICAO: KSLE, FAA LID: SLE) or Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, is a small airport located in Salem, Oregon, United States. The airport is situated in Marion County, about 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 February 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 Salem, operating a round-trip route between San Francisco (SFO), Medford (MFR), Salem (SLE), and Portland (PDX) from 1941 to 1942. This service was discontinued in 1980. After a period without passenger airline service, Delta Connection, operated by SkyWest Airlines on behalf of Delta Air Lines, resumed scheduled flights to Salem in 2007, offering two daily regional jet flights to Salt Lake City (SLC). However, these flights were also discontinued in October 2008.

In recent years, there have been efforts to restore passenger service to Salem Airport. In April 2011, SeaPort Airlines provided 11 weekly flights connecting Newport Municipal Airport (Oregon), Salem, and Portland International Airport. Unfortunately, this service was short-lived, ending in July 2011. On April 10, 2023, the Salem City Council approved an agreement with an undisclosed airline to initiate service to the Los Angeles area and Las Vegas, with potential future expansion to Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area. Terminal renovations and the purchase of ground support equipment were undertaken to accommodate these new services. As of April 2025, Xtra Airways is the only airline operating from Salem Airport, with flights to three destinations worldwide.

Salem Airport features a control tower, a restaurant, a general aviation centre offering limited flight training, and a small terminal. The terminal building, expanded in 2010, spans approximately 13,830 square feet and includes ticket counters, car rental counters, a baggage area, and a waiting area. The airport also has a single departure gate behind security and a general gate for arriving passengers. The control tower, built in 1973, stands at a height of 44 feet and consists of a square tower with a hexagonal cab. According to statistics for the year ending December 31, 2022, the airport handled 45,357 aircraft operations, averaging 124 per day, with the majority being general aviation flights.

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Eugene (EUG)

Eugene Airport (EUG), also known as Mahlon Sweet Field, is located seven miles northwest of Eugene, Oregon. It is the fifth-largest airport in the Pacific Northwest and the second-largest in Oregon, generating over 800,000 trips annually. The airport provides commercial air service to a six-county region in mid-Oregon and is only 15 minutes from downtown Eugene.

The airport offers flights to several destinations across the United States, including Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix-Mesa, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle. Airlines serving EUG include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.

EUG is owned and operated by the City of Eugene. The airport's address is 28829 Lockheed Drive, Eugene, OR 97402. The airport provides both short-term and long-term parking options for travellers.

Several shops and restaurants are available at Eugene Airport. The Willamette Grill has two locations, one in the terminal lobby and the other past security. The Coast to Cascades Café is located near the A-Gates and offers a variety of beverages and snacks. Additionally, Emerald City News and Gifts has three locations within the airport: the terminal lobby, the A-gate area, and a store at the B-gates.

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Medford (MFR)

Medford Airport (MFR) is the third-largest commercial service airport in Oregon. It is situated in the Rogue Valley. Commercial airlines serving Medford Airport include Alaska Airlines, avelo, allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) categorizes Medford Airport as a "non-primary" commercial service airport, meaning it is publicly owned and receives scheduled passenger service, but with fewer than 10,000 passenger boardings (enplanements) per year.

The FAA further designates reliever airports to provide relief from congestion at large commercial airports and improve general aviation access for the community. Medford Airport is not classified as a reliever airport.

Private-use and military airports are also present in Oregon, but Medford Airport is a public-use airport.

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Redmond Municipal Airport

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is a convenient option for travellers looking to explore the region. The airport is served by five air carriers: American Airlines, Alaska Air, Avelo Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, offering 30 daily flights to various destinations.

The Redmond Municipal Airport terminal spans 132,000 square feet and showcases Central Oregon's design elements. Passengers can enjoy the region's award-winning microbrews and freshly prepared meals at the Avalon Aeropub or utilise the terminal's free Wi-Fi service for any last-minute travel arrangements. The public area of the terminal is open 24 hours a day, providing convenience for arriving and departing passengers at any time.

For travellers seeking seamless transportation options, Redmond Municipal Airport houses six full-service car rental agencies conveniently located near the baggage claim area. These agencies offer a diverse range of vehicles, including larger multi-passenger options and fully equipped 4WD sport utility models, ensuring a comfortable journey as you explore Central Oregon.

Direct flights from Redmond Municipal Airport include United Airlines, serving destinations such as DEN, LAX, and SFO; Delta Airlines, connecting passengers to SEA and SLC; Alaska Air, with routes to LAX, PDX, SAN, SEA, and SFO; American Airlines, offering flights to PHX and DFW; and Avelo Airlines, providing connections to BUR, LAS, PSP, and STS. It is always recommended to check the latest flight information and potential delays on the respective airline's website or through flight-tracking services.

Frequently asked questions

Here is a list of some of the major airports in Oregon:

- Portland International Airport (PDX)

- Eugene Airport (EUG)

- Medford Airport (MFR)

- Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM)

- Mahlon Sweet Field Airport

Portland International Airport (PDX) has been named the best airport in the United States by Travel + Leisure every year from 2013 to 2019 and again in 2021.

The MAX Light Rail is the most popular way to get to and from the airport. The Red Line takes riders from the airport to downtown in approximately 38 minutes. Other options include taxicabs, ride-share services, shuttles, and rental cars.

Portland International Airport offers an easy light rail connection, local food and drink, free Wi-Fi, tax-free shopping, and 500 flights daily.

Other airports in Oregon include Eugene Airport (EUG), Medford Airport (MFR), Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), and Mahlon Sweet Field Airport.

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