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The Redding Regional Airport Soars to New Heights

With new air service to Denver, a major runway repair project in the Fall, and new business opportunities to secure,  plenty is on the horizon at the Redding Regional Airport for 2025. The small but mighty airport crew and dedicated community partners are working diligently to make it happen.  

The inaugural flight from Redding to Denver was cleared for takeoff on Thursday, May 22nd, offering daily, non-stop service for travelers who have long awaited an eastbound destination.  Securing Denver was a game-changer for Redding. It opens up the entire central and eastern U.S. for travelers. Denver is a major United Airlines hub, so this connection gives the community access to 62 new destinations and over 150 one-stop destinations. It also supports economic development by making it easier for business travelers to connect with clients, vendors, and employment talent across the country.

“We are committed to making Redding Regional Airport the preferred travel choice for our community. With four destinations currently available, we can likely see more routes through the support of business and leisure travelers in the years to come."  Andrew Solsvig, Airports Manager

COMMUNITY POWERED SUCCESS

The airport is joined in its mission to make Redding Regional Airport a vital connection for travelers by the Shasta EDC, Visit Redding, the Chamber of Commerce, Redding Tourism and Marketing Group, Shasta County, the City of Shasta Lake, the City of Anderson, and local businesses and organizations, including Sierra Pacific Industries, Bethel, and Black Bear Diner, in addition to every community member who is committed to traveling locally. 

The airport and its partners are actively exploring connections to Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and the Pacific Northwest. Cities like San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Portland are high on their radar. While Burbank was a very popular route, there are limited airline options for this specific destination, and potential seasonal routes that cater to both business and leisure travel are being explored.

To sustain current flights and entice other airlines to come to the Redding Regional Airport, however, it will take consistent utilization of the services.

“The best thing community members can do is to use the air service we have. Fly local whenever possible,” says Solsvig. “Also, share your good travel experiences on social media and with friends. Positive word-of-mouth helps change perceptions and builds demand.  We want RDD to be the regional preferred choice when it comes to air travel.”

The City of Redding plays its part in retaining current flight options and securing new ones by supporting infrastructure improvements, advocating for federal and state grants, and fostering partnerships that reduce airline financial risk.

“Airlines want to see a city that’s committed for the long haul—and we are!” says Solsvig. 

RUNWAY REHAB PROJECT: HOW THE AIRPORT IS INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

With the Redding Regional Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project slated to begin in Fall 2025, RDD has their sights set on creating sustainability for future flights and is hopeful for expansion. The exact dates for the runway closure will be Tuesday, September 23 through Monday, October 20. If you plan to travel during this time please make travel arrangements through other cities and work with your airlines to rebook.  The Redding Regional Airport knows this is a significant inconvenience to travelers but this project is essential. These dates were selected because it’s after the heavy summer travel season,  is at the tail end of the fire season, and gives work crews a chance to complete the project before the winter rains set in.

“Our runway is decades old and nearing the end of its useful life. It’s vital to maintain safety and reliability—not only for current aircraft operations but also to meet the requirements of federal regulations. Delaying this project risks losing service altogether and potentially impacting wildfire operations, as well as other business users,” says Solsvig. “There is a lot of pavement at airports between runways, taxiways, and aprons. The runway itself is like paving 6.5 miles of a two-lane highway. Similar to fixing roads, we need to fix runways. Additionally, this project will include an upgrade to the runway lighting system, replacing bulbs with LED lights, and installing all new airfield signage. It’s a significant investment without using any local taxpayer dollars.”

Solsvig sees the runway project as a means of solidifying the long-term success of the airport: “It lays the foundation - literally - for the future. A rehabilitated runway ensures we can support existing aircraft, continue safe operations, and maintain FAA compliance. It’s a necessary investment to keep RDD competitive and capable of serving our region’s needs for decades to come.”

WHY FLY LOCAL?

So, why should community members fly RDD? Solsvig’s answer is a powerful one: “Time is our most valuable asset, with convenience being the second. You can park close, check in quickly, avoid long drives, traffic, and parking hassles. Plus, with competitive fares and time saved, the value proposition is stronger than people may think. A person can save both time and money by flying RDD. Supporting the local airport increases demand and shows airlines the potential for new markets or an increase in capacity for existing locations.”

Still, there are some community members that believe it isn’t affordable to fly through RDD. Solsvig encourages them to compare the total cost of flying from RDD—time being our most valuable asset, gas, parking, food, lodging, bag fees — versus driving hours and back to and from other airports. Often, it’s more affordable and certainly more convenient to fly local. And with added competition, prices will become increasingly more attractive. The Redding Regional Airport does its best to work with airline partners for comparable, or at least, competitive rates.

Solsvig wishes more people understood how their travel choices directly impact air service at RDD: ‘When you fly out of RDD, you’re investing in the future of the airport and helping attract more routes. Every ticket sold shows the airlines that Redding is worth the investment.

Airport administration is often asked if airport staff receives flight benefits. “We do not, since we do not work for the airline. We are City of Redding employees,” says Solsvig. “Airport administration is considered a ‘jack of all trades’ profession. We need to know a lot about everything, including, but not limited to: customer service, janitorial and grounds, contracts, federal grants, building maintenance, project management, implementing federal regulations, following environmental regulations, wildlife management, budgeting, marketing, navigating the political atmosphere, tenant and community relations, emergency response, security, safety, and so many other subjects. We are a small but mighty team working hard to provide a safe and secure airport for our community.”

When Solsvig looks down the proverbial runway toward the future, he sees the airport moving onward and upward: “In a year, we hope to see increased utilization of the Denver and existing routes with a slight chance of an additional flight. With the improvements made to RDD’s main runway and parking lot, the infrastructure improvements will last a long time. In three years, we anticipate more flight options and improvements to terminal facilities. In five to ten years, we aim to be the airport of choice for Northern California, with enhanced services, upgraded facilities, and more frequent flights connecting us nationally. As demand grows and additional flights are added, expansion of the terminal building will be needed.”

The next time you plan a vacation or a business trip, please consider flying through the Redding Regional Airport first. With all of the exciting changes that have already taken place - and more still to come - there has never been a better time to fly with the Redding Regional Airport. Your commitment to flying locally doesn’t just help secure and maintain flights at RDD. It’s a strong way to show support for your community.