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Redmond Municipal Airport (IATA: RDM, ICAO: KRDM, FAA LID: RDM) (Roberts Field) is in Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. It is owned and operated by the city of Redmond, Oregon.[1]

Key Information

It is the main commercial airport in Central Oregon, with nonstop scheduled passenger airline flights to several hubs in the western U.S. as well as seasonally to Dallas. The airfield serves Redmond and nearby Bend, Oregon.[4] It is the home of the Lancair factory and a base for aerial firefighting aircraft operated by private airtanker companies. The United States Forest Service (USFS) Redmond Air Center is on the airport and supports regional firefighting operations with this federal facility providing training and housing for smokejumper teams along with fuel, water and fire retardant for airtanker aircraft at its ramps along the north side of the field.

The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015 called it a primary commercial service airport.[5] Federal Aviation Administration records say the airport had 364,921 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2017, up from 306,517 in 2016.[6]

History

[edit]

Built in the 1920s, passenger flights arrived at the airport in 1940.[7] During World War II the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces as a bomber base. After the war the federal government sold the airport to the city for $1.[7]

Past airline service

[edit]

In 1947 United Airlines began flying Douglas DC-3s Portland–Redmond–Klamath Falls–Sacramento–San Francisco–Monterey–Santa Barbara–Los Angeles.[8] In 1959 United Convair 340s flew Seattle–Portland–Redmond–Klamath Falls–Sacramento–San Francisco.[8]

In 1959 West Coast Airlines replaced United; its DC-3s flew Portland, OR–Salem, OR–Redmond, OR–Klamath Falls, OR–Lakeview, OR–Burns, OR–Boise route.[8] West Coast Airlines later merged with Bonanza Air Lines and Pacific Air Lines to form Air West, which was later renamed Hughes Airwest. In 1972 Hughes Airwest Fairchild F-27s flew nonstop to Portland and direct to Sacramento, San Francisco and Seattle.[9] By 1975, Hughes Airwest had begun Douglas DC-9-10s and McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30s to Roberts Field. Hughes Airwest DC-9s flew nonstop to Portland and direct to San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX).[9] In 1980 Hughes Airwest had four DC-9 flights per day from Redmond, two to San Francisco via Redding and two to Seattle via Eugene.[9] In 1986 Hughes Airwest merged into Republic Airlines, which continued DC-9 service at Redmond.[9]

Terminal and ramp, with central Cascade Range in the distance, Dec. 2010

Other jets to Redmond included Alaska Airlines Boeing 727-200s for a few months in winter 1989–90 with nonstops to Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle, Pacific Express BAC One-Elevens to Portland, San Francisco and other cities, Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) BAe 146-200s to San Francisco, and Reno Air McDonnell Douglas MD-80s to San Jose, CA.[citation needed]

On August 1, 2006, Horizon Air began twice daily nonstops to Los Angeles with Bombardier Dash 8 Q400s; Horizon reduced service to one flight daily on June 24, 2008[10] and by 2010 this flight had ended.[11][12] In the late 2000s, Allegiant Air flew McDonnell Douglas MD-80s twice a week to both Las Vegas and Phoenix, Arizona's suburban airport Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). In early 2012 Allegiant Air announced it would fly to Oakland, California, beginning in April.[13] On May 23, 2012, Allegiant Air announced it would end service to the airport on August 12. Allegiant later resumed serving Redmond with Airbus mainline jetliners.[14]

In 2005 Delta Connection flights operated by SkyWest Airlines for Delta Air Lines began nonstop to Salt Lake City with Canadair CRJ-100s, now replaced by the larger CRJ-700.[15] All United Express flights operated by SkyWest Airlines on behalf of United Airlines are being flown with Canadair regional jets to Redmond following the retirement of Embraer EMB-120 Brasilias by SkyWest. Alaska Airlines flights are now largely operated by the Embraer E175, having replaced regular Q400 service.

Horizon announced cuts to Seattle and Portland service in 2009, as it continued to phase out its smaller aircraft in favor of the Q400. The airline's seat capacity from Redmond is expected to remain nearly the same. United Express announced it would operate its regional jet service to Denver year-round, thus giving RDM passenger service to a second hub in addition to the Delta Connection service to Salt Lake City.[16]

United Express announced it would upgrade its CRJ 200 flights to Denver from on the weekends only to daily and would expand service to San Francisco as the EMB-120 Brasilia was replaced with CRJ 200s. This increased the daily seats despite the reduction from three flights per day to two. Flight time was reduced by nearly an hour.[17]

Boardings increased in the first half of 2010.[18] United resumed three Redmond-San Francisco flights a day in November 2010 after several years with only two flights.[19] In 2011, passenger boardings were 3% higher than 2010 (through October), thus being the busiest year since the airport opened.[20]

In early 2013 American Eagle announced it would offer nonstop service to Los Angeles for American Airlines with these flights replacing the service by Alaska Airlines regional connector Horizon Air. A method known as a "travel bank" was used, where local individuals, businesses, and civic entities pre-purchased travel vouchers from the airline, acting as a commitment to the required level of demand on the route, which began in June, and was served by SkyWest Airlines Canadair CRJ-200s branded as American Eagle.[21][22][23]

By mid-2014, United announced the end of all flights between Portland and both Redmond and Eugene, due to SkyWest's elimination of the EMB-120 from its fleet; the routes are ostensibly unable to support CRJ service.[24] A year later, a transition of the once-daily Los Angeles flight to irregular seasonal operations was acknowledged by American Airlines with American Eagle service to LAX resuming in 2015.[citation needed]

In summer 2016, daily service was added on American Eagle started service between Redmond and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, also using regional contractor SkyWest's CRJ-700; the flights began sooner than expected due to travel-bank fundraising among the Central Oregon community.[25][26]

In 2017 Delta Air Lines added Delta Connection service to Seattle; in 2018 United Airlines added United Express service to Los Angeles.

In summer 2019 United added seasonal flights to its hub at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. This is the airport's only nonstop service to a destination east of the Mississippi River.

Avelo Airlines began new nonstop service between Redmond and the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in the Los Angeles area on May 13, 2021, with Boeing 737-800 mainline jetliners.[27] Avelo suspended service in October, 2025.[28]

Facility growth/passenger terminal

[edit]

A passenger terminal was built in 1950 and replaced in 1981 by a 6,000-square-foot (560 m2) terminal.[7] In 1992-93 the terminal was expanded to 23,000 square feet (2,100 m2).[7]

By late 2009, Roberts Field completed another large terminal expansion, designed by HNTB.[29]

Redmond, Oregon passenger terminal, upper deck restaurant area

Along with increased parking, the facility has increased its area by about 600%,[30] allowing more room for security and traveler services, as well as concessions and gate operations. While the new bi-level structure is capable of supporting jet bridges, the low frequency of full-size jets operating from the terminal, and no indication of tenant airline desire, means that these bridges are not currently included, though walking distance to and from planes has been reduced.[31][32][33]

In October 2009, most sections of the expanded passenger terminal opened for public use; the improvements include more numerous check-in counters and bathrooms, along with a two-story, windowed departure lounge. Travelers may now use covered walkways between aircraft and terminal.[34]

A year after the expansion's completion, a bar and restaurant opened in the secure area. Efforts to add additional concessions are currently underway. A restaurant was in the main terminal until 2009, but this is the first time that food and drink are available in the departure gate area.

Since the airport began displaying public art in the terminal, it has sold nearly $100,000 worth of artworks to travelers.[35]

Infrastructure

[edit]
USFS and aerial firefighting ramps at Roberts Field

The airport upgraded its mass-casualty vehicle in 2011 due to larger commercial jets using Roberts Field; while the old unit could handle 37 patients, the new truck is prepared for an incident involving over 100.[36] In early 2012, the airport began hosting a MEDEVAC helicopter operated by Lifeflight.[37][38] In May 2016 the airport runways were closed for nearly three weeks, allowing their intersection to be reconstructed as part of a project to re-pave them both.[39]

Facilities

[edit]

Roberts Field covers 2,518 acres (1,019 ha) at an elevation of 3,080 feet (940 m). It has two asphalt runways: 5/23 is 7,038 by 150 feet (2,145 by 46 m) and 11/29 is 7,006 by 100 feet (2,135 by 30 m). It has one concrete helipad H1, 48 by 48 feet (15 by 15 m).[1][40]

In the year ending March 24, 2022 the airport had 75,150 aircraft operations, average 206 per day: 72% general aviation, 10% air taxi, 18% airline, and <1% military. 93 aircraft were then based at the airport: 80 single-engine, 7 multi-engine, 2 helicopter, and 4 jet.[1]

Airlines and destinations

[edit]
FAA diagram

Passenger

[edit]
AirlinesDestinations
Alaska Airlines Burbank,[41] Los Angeles, Portland (OR),[42] San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma
American Airlines Seasonal: Dallas/Fort Worth[43]
American Eagle Phoenix–Sky Harbor
Breeze Airways Burbank, Las Vegas (both begin March 13, 2026)[44]
Delta Connection Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma
United Airlines Denver, San Francisco
United Express Los Angeles, San Francisco

Cargo

[edit]
AirlinesDestinations
Ameriflight Eugene, Portland/Hillsboro (OR), Portland (OR)
FedEx Feeder Portland (OR)

Statistics

[edit]

Top destinations

[edit]
Top domestic routes out of RDM
(December 2023 – November 2024)[45]
Rank City Passengers Carriers
1 Washington (state) Seattle/Tacoma, Washington 189,160 Alaska, Delta
2 California San Francisco, California 88,580 Alaska, United
3 Colorado Denver, Colorado 86,750 United
4 Utah Salt Lake City, Utah 44,900 Delta
5 Arizona Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona 44,650 American
6 California Los Angeles, California 41,980 Alaska, United
7 California Burbank, California 24,640 Avelo
8 California San Diego, California 21,010 Alaska
9 Texas Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas 15,000 American
10 Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada 14,010 Avelo

Airline market share

[edit]
Largest airlines at RDM
(June 2023 - May 2024)[45]
Rank Airline Passengers Share
1 SkyWest Airlines 452,000 39.01%
2 United Airlines 238,000 20.49%
3 Horizon Air 193,000 16.61%
4 Alaska Airlines 183,000 15.83%
5 Avelo Airlines 89,000 7.65%
— Other Airlines 5,000 0.42%

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Roberts Field

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Roberts Field, officially designated as Redmond Municipal Airport (IATA: RDM, ICAO: KRDM), is a public-use situated approximately one mile southeast of , in the central part of the state. It functions as the principal commercial aviation hub for , accommodating around 30 daily scheduled passenger flights operated by major airlines to destinations including , , , , Phoenix, and . Owned and operated by the City of Redmond on behalf of the surrounding tri-county region, it ranks as the third-largest commercial service in by passenger volume and facility scale. The airport's origins trace back to 1928, when members of the American Legion Post and the Redmond Commercial Club selected and cleared a site southeast of the city for an initial airfield, constructing basic dirt runways through volunteer efforts by 1929. Development accelerated in the 1930s with funding from the , which improved the infrastructure using local rubble that also built Redmond's first city hall. In 1941, it was renamed Roberts Field in honor of J. , a pioneering Redmond businessman born in who co-founded a key local store in 1910, served on the city council, and advocated tirelessly for infrastructure as a long-term member of the Oregon Aeronautics Board, though he never learned to fly himself. During , the facility was commandeered by the U.S. Army Air Corps and redesignated as Redmond Army Airfield, where it trained pilots for B-17 Flying Fortress and P-38 Lightning aircraft until the war's end. Returned to civilian control postwar, commercial passenger service began in 1946 with the inaugural flight, on which Roberts himself was a passenger. Today, at an elevation of 3,081 feet above , Roberts Field features two primary asphalt runways—5/23 (7,038 feet by 150 feet) and 11/29 (7,006 feet by 100 feet)—along with support for , air cargo, and specialized operations such as and forest service dispatching. The existing 132,000-square-foot terminal operates 24 hours in public areas and is currently expanding by over 80,000 square feet to include seven additional jet bridges, expanded concessions with local flavors, enhanced accessibility features, and sustainable elements targeting Silver certification, with key phases completing by March 2026. Airlines providing service include , , , and , with scheduled to join in March 2026.

History

Origins and Early Operations

Roberts Field, the municipal airport serving , traces its origins to the late 1920s amid growing interest in in . In 1928, members of the local Post and the initiated development of a basic airfield on land a mile southeast of the city. This early site was established primarily to support local agricultural activities, such as aerial dusting and surveying, and to facilitate mail flights along emerging air routes. J. Roy Roberts, a prominent local businessman and enthusiast who arrived in Redmond in 1911, played a key role in promoting these efforts, advocating for infrastructure to attract pilots and foster regional connectivity. By the early , the airfield consisted of rudimentary dirt runways and basic hangars suitable only for small propeller-driven aircraft, limiting operations to occasional private and services. During this decade, ownership transferred to the City of Redmond, which utilized funds to further enhance the site under municipal control, ensuring its viability for broader civilian use. The airport was formally named Roberts Field in in honor of J. for his foundational contributions to aviation. Commercial passenger service commenced in 1940 when Oregon Airways introduced scheduled flights to the airport, marking the start of regular for locals using small on routes connecting to larger hubs. These initial operations were modest, accommodating limited passengers and cargo with the era's propeller planes on unpaved surfaces, but were short-lived as the airfield transitioned to military use by the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942.

World War II and Post-War Development

In 1942, as the ramped up its military aviation efforts amid , the City of Redmond leased Roberts Field to the federal government to establish a bomber training facility known as Redmond Army Airfield. The site underwent significant expansions to support heavy bomber operations, including the construction of two 7,000-foot paved runways, extensive taxiways, two large OBH-2 hangars measuring 120 by 80 feet, a flight operations building, and an air traffic control tower. These improvements accommodated training for B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and P-38 Lightning fighters, with squadrons stationed there for final combat preparation. The airfield also featured a area with approximately 50 buildings for housing, barracks, mess halls, administrative functions, a motor pool, and munitions storage, transforming the modest civilian airstrip into a key U.S. Army Air Forces installation. Following the end of in 1945, the federal government decommissioned the military base and sold the property back to the City of Redmond in 1946 for a nominal fee of $1, facilitating a complete transition to civilian control. This handover marked the airport's return to public use, with the surrounding land also transferred to support ongoing community aviation needs. Commercial air service resumed shortly thereafter, as inaugurated scheduled passenger flights on October 1, 1946, operating aircraft (branded as Mainliners) on routes connecting Redmond to Portland, Klamath Falls, and points south toward . This service represented the first regular commercial operations at the facility since the pre-war era, leveraging the wartime infrastructure to reestablish Roberts Field as a regional transportation hub. Initial post-war development focused on adapting the military-era facilities for civilian purposes, including the maintenance of the existing paved runways to handle growing air traffic. In , the city invested in further upgrades by constructing the airport's first dedicated passenger terminal on the north side of the field, a 3,400-square-foot structure costing $40,000 that provided basic amenities for arriving and departing travelers. These enhancements, supported by local advocates like J. Roy Roberts, laid the groundwork for sustained commercial growth while preserving the airfield's strategic paved runways and support infrastructure from the war period.

Commercial Airline Growth

Commercial airline service at Roberts Field began to expand in the post-war period, building on the initial resumption of flights in 1946 following . United Airlines, which initiated service to Redmond in 1946 using aircraft, maintained a dominant presence through the 1950s and into the 1960s, providing scheduled flights to major hubs such as Portland and . West Coast Airlines also entered the market during this era, offering service to regional destinations in , including Redmond, as part of its network spanning Washington, , and by the early 1960s. The introduction of jet service marked a significant milestone in the 1960s, with West Coast Airlines (later merging with Bonanza Air Lines and Pacific Air Lines to form Air West in 1968, and subsequently in 1970) deploying aircraft on routes from Redmond to key hubs like and Portland. This upgrade facilitated faster travel times and attracted more passengers to , contributing to steady growth in scheduled services. By the 1970s, operated multiple daily DC-9 and 727 flights from Roberts Field, connecting to via intermediate stops and via Eugene, enhancing connectivity for the region's growing population. United Airlines continued to hold a leading position through the late , but the of 1978 introduced increased competition at small like Roberts Field. The led to route adjustments and new entrants, including and its regional affiliate , which began serving Redmond in the early 1980s with flights to and Portland, challenging United's monopoly on regional routes. 's acquisition of Air Oregon in 1982 further consolidated service in , adding capacity and options for passengers. These changes spurred overall growth, with annual enplanements rising from modest levels in the to 226,400 by 2010, largely driven by to Central Oregon's outdoor attractions. Deregulation also brought service disruptions, such as temporary route reductions amid fare wars and carrier consolidations in the , but it ultimately fostered the addition of seasonal nonstop flights to major destinations like and . For instance, United's service to started as seasonal before becoming year-round in , reflecting demand from ski and summer . These developments solidified Roberts Field's role as a vital gateway for through the 2010s.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Airport Layout and Runways

Roberts Field, officially known as Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), encompasses a total area of 2,518 acres (1,019 ha) situated at an elevation of 3,081 ft (939 m) above mean , with geographic coordinates approximately 44°15′15″N 121°08′59″W. The 's layout features two intersecting asphalt runways oriented in a roughly east-west and north-south configuration, forming an "X" pattern that optimizes wind coverage in the region's variable weather conditions. Supporting infrastructure includes a network of paved taxiways, multiple aprons capable of accommodating over 10 aircraft simultaneously, and a single designated for private use. The primary runway, 05/23, measures 7,038 ft (2,145 m) in by 150 ft (46 m) in width, surfaced with grooved asphalt in good condition, and is equipped with high-intensity edge lighting. This runway supports operations for large commercial jets, including the and similar , with a pavement weight-bearing capacity of up to 399,000 lbs for double tandem gear. The secondary runway, 11/29, is 7,006 ft (2,134 m) long by 100 ft (30 m) wide, also asphalt-grooved with medium-intensity edge lighting, and has a capacity rated for single-wheel loads up to 109,000 lbs. Both runways intersect near their midpoints, facilitating efficient ground movement but requiring coordinated scheduling during peak operations. The airport's system includes parallel and pavements, such as Taxiways A, B, and F, with recent redesignations in 2022 to enhance clarity and ; these are illuminated for night operations and connect directly to the runways and terminal areas. Aprons adjacent to the passenger terminal and facilities provide ramp space for parking and loading, supporting a mix of commercial, , and private . A single concrete (H1), measuring 48 ft x 48 ft (15 m x 15 m), is available for operations. In 2016, a major reconstruction project rehabilitated the intersection of runways 05/23 and 11/29, replacing pavement to improve and longevity, which temporarily closed the airfield for three weeks. Navigation aids at Roberts Field include an (ILS) for 23 approaches, operating on 109.1 MHz, which provides precision guidance for low-visibility landings. Additionally, the Deschutes VORTAC (DSD) station, located 6.1 nautical miles away on 117.6 MHz, serves as the primary very high-frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) and (DME) for en route and approach navigation. These aids, combined with automated surface observing system () weather reporting on 119.025 MHz, ensure reliable instrument procedures for the airport's diverse traffic.

Passenger Terminal

The passenger terminal at Roberts Field, now known as Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), originated with a modest structure built in to support early commercial operations in . This initial facility was replaced in 1981 by a new 6,000-square-foot terminal designed to accommodate growing demand from regional airlines. Between 1992 and 1993, further modifications expanded the building to 23,000 square feet and incorporated four gates, enhancing passenger flow and boarding efficiency. A significant overhaul occurred in 2009, dramatically increasing the terminal's footprint by over 500% to approximately 136,000 square feet through a multi-phase construction project completed by mid-year. This expansion introduced eight gates, dedicated TSA screening checkpoints to meet post-9/11 security standards, expanded baggage claim facilities with a second carousel, and covered walkways for improved weather protection during boarding. These upgrades transformed the terminal into a more modern hub capable of handling increased enplanements while maintaining a compact layout suited to the airport's regional scale. Today, the terminal offers essential passenger amenities to support comfort and convenience, including a centralized rental car center adjacent to baggage claim with services from six major providers. Dining options feature the Avalon Aeropub for full-service meals and beverages, alongside a coffee and gift shop for quick bites. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the facility, enabling seamless connectivity for travelers. Art installations, such as vibrant murals and sculptures celebrating Oregon's cultural heritage and high-desert landscape, are integrated into public areas to enhance the aesthetic experience. The terminal supports an annual passenger capacity of 1.2 million, aligning with recent traffic volumes and facilitating efficient processing for domestic flights. Accessibility is prioritized with features like complimentary wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis, designated ADA spaces in all lots, ramps for level , and priority lanes via the TSA Cares program for passengers with disabilities. The Sunflower Lanyard program further aids those with non-visible disabilities by signaling staff for discreet assistance.

Support Facilities and Services

Roberts Field supports through a network of accommodating over 40 T-hangar units, primarily for single-engine and multi-engine aircraft, with additional corporate hangar space provided by the . The airport is home to 110 based aircraft, mostly , enabling storage and maintenance for local operators. Skyservice, the primary on the north ramp, offers comprehensive services including aircraft hangaring, maintenance, and crew amenities in a 32,000-square-foot facility equipped for and . Fueling infrastructure at Roberts Field includes availability of Jet A and 100LL , provided through Skyservice with full-service options and guaranteed pricing for efficient refueling. De-icing services, including anti-icing treatments, are also facilitated by the FBO to support winter operations for general and . In 2011, the airport upgraded its mass-casualty response vehicle to handle over 100 patients, addressing the needs of larger commercial jets operating at the facility. Ground transportation options connect passengers to nearby destinations such as Bend and Sunriver via multiple shuttle providers, including Enviro Shuttle and 541 Airport Shuttle, offering shared and private rides starting at $59 one-way to Bend. The airport provides over 1,000 parking spaces across main and lots, with ADA-accessible spots and charging stations available in the terminal area and at the FBO for sustainable parking options. Operational support includes an Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) weather station providing real-time data on wind, visibility, and temperature at an elevation of 3,048 feet. The air traffic control tower manages ground and tower frequencies from 0600 to 2200 local time, ensuring safe coordination for the airport's diverse traffic mix.

Current Airlines and Destinations

Passenger Services

Roberts Field, officially known as Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), offers scheduled passenger services primarily through regional affiliates of major U.S. carriers, connecting to key West Coast and national hubs. As of November 2025, the airport is served by four main airlines providing nonstop flights to nine domestic destinations, with a total of approximately 30 daily departures focused on leisure and business travel to the , , and select Rocky Mountain cities. is scheduled to begin low-fare nonstop service to (LAS) on March 13, 2026, using aircraft with twice-weekly flights. Alaska Airlines dominates passenger operations at RDM, operating more than 20 daily flights through its regional partner Horizon Air using Embraer E175 aircraft. These services link to Seattle/Tacoma (SEA), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), and Burbank (BUR, daily since October 26, 2025). SEA and PDX serve as primary hubs for Alaska's network, facilitating connections across the West Coast and beyond. United Express, operated by regional partners such as , provides service to (DEN) as a key hub, along with (SFO) and (LAX), with multiple daily frequencies to support connections to the eastern U.S. and international routes. , primarily via SkyWest, connects to (SLC) as its main hub and (SEA), offering daily flights; seasonal service to (ATL) operates during peak summer months but is not active in late 2025. American Eagle, through and , flies to Phoenix (PHX) year-round and seasonally to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) from June through October. Low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines previously offered service to Burbank (BUR) but suspended all flights from RDM effective October 20, 2025, as part of its broader exit from West Coast operations.
AirlineOperating PartnerKey HubsNonstop Destinations from RDMFrequency Notes
(SEA), Portland (PDX)LAX, PDX, SAN, SEA, SFO, BUR (since Oct 2025)20+ daily total
(DEN)DEN, LAX, SFOMultiple daily
(SLC)SLC, SEA; ATL (seasonal summer)Daily
American Eagle, /Fort Worth (DFW), Phoenix (PHX)PHX (year-round), DFW (seasonal Jun-Oct)Daily to PHX; 3-4x weekly to DFW
Upcoming: (mainline) to LAS (from Mar 2026), 2x weekly planned. All services emphasize regional jets for efficient short-haul routes, with holding the largest market share due to its extensive connectivity.

Cargo and General Aviation

Roberts Field supports regional operations primarily through feeder services, focusing on time-sensitive freight such as packages and perishable goods from Central Oregon's agricultural and sectors. provides daily cargo flights to using Caravan aircraft, handling small package deliveries and connecting to larger networks. FedEx feeder operations at the airport are managed by Empire Airlines, which operates Cessna 208 to transport to major hubs, emphasizing regional distribution without significant international volume. These services cater to local businesses, including shipments of fresh and online retail items, leveraging the airport's proximity to high-desert farms and distribution centers. constitutes the majority of non-commercial activity at Roberts Field, accounting for approximately 72% of total operations and exceeding 55,000 movements annually, driven by recreational, business, and training flights. The airport hosts over 90 based , including around 60 single-engine, 20 multi-engine, and 13 jets, supported by tie-downs and T-hangars on the north and south ramps. Local operators offer air tours over the Cascade Mountains, providing scenic views of volcanic peaks and forests. The community engages in events such as annual fly-ins, fostering enthusiasts' gatherings and showcasing vintage and modern . facilities accommodate these operations, with transient parking available for visiting pilots. Cargo and activities underscore Roberts Field's role as a vital regional hub for freight and private flying, distinct from its focus.

Passenger Traffic and Economics

Annual Enplanements and Operations

Roberts Field has experienced steady growth in annual enplanements, reflecting Central Oregon's expanding and trends. In 2017, the airport recorded 364,921 enplanements, serving as a baseline for subsequent expansion in commercial air service. By 2024, enplanements reached 601,152, surpassing 2019 pre-pandemic levels of 482,676 and underscoring the airport's role as a key regional hub. Projections for 2025 estimated around 650,000 enplanements, supported by continued recovery in visitor arrivals and new route additions amid strong demand; as of October 2025, year-to-date enplanements totaled 556,600, on track to exceed this estimate. Aircraft operations at the airport remain dominated by non-commercial activity. In 2022, total operations totaled 75,150, averaging about 206 per day. This figure slightly declined to 74,911 in 2024, with accounting for 72% of movements, commercial operations 20%, and military 8%. These operations highlight the airport's balanced use for local flying, scheduled flights, and occasional military training. Passenger traffic has surged 168% since 2020's low of 224,600 enplanements, fueled by remote work migration and the allure of outdoor destinations like the Cascade Mountains. This growth trajectory, building on commercial airline developments from the 1960s, positions the airport for sustained economic influence.

Top Destinations and Market Share

Roberts Field's leading nonstop routes are dominated by major West Coast hubs, reflecting the airport's role as a gateway for travelers to business centers and vacation spots. In 2024, (SEA) was the busiest destination, handling 189,160 passengers, primarily served by and flights. (SFO) ranked second with 88,580 passengers, operated by and , while (DEN) followed with over 75,000 passengers through and services. These routes account for a significant portion of the airport's total enplanements, underscoring connectivity to and Mountain regions.
RankDestinationPassengers (2024)Primary Airlines
1Seattle/Tacoma (SEA)189,160, Delta
2San Francisco (SFO)88,580, United
3Denver (DEN)75,000+United, Southwest
Market share at Roberts Field is concentrated among regional carriers operating under major airline codeshares, with leading at 39.01% of total passengers in the period from June 2023 to May 2024, primarily through partnerships with and . , a subsidiary of , captured 35% of the market, focusing on short-haul routes to the . held 15%, supporting and Delta connections to hubs like /Fort Worth and . This structure highlights the reliance on regional jets for efficient service to smaller markets like Redmond. Seasonal variations influence route performance, particularly for leisure-oriented destinations. Traffic to Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) experiences peaks during summer months, driven by demand for resort travel and access to Arizona's golf courses and Nevada's entertainment, with additional boosts from winter ski traffic to Colorado routes. Looking ahead, top routes are projected to see approximately 10% growth by 2026, supported by infrastructure expansions and new entrants like Breeze Airways, which will launch nonstop service from Redmond to Las Vegas, Burbank, and Provo starting March 2026. This expansion is expected to enhance capacity for high-demand leisure markets and contribute to overall passenger increases at the airport.

Recent Developments and Future Plans

Terminal Expansion Project

The Terminal Expansion Project at Roberts Field, officially known as Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), commenced with groundbreaking on June 18, 2025, marking the start of a three-year, $180 million initiative to modernize and enlarge the passenger terminal. This project adds over 80,000 square feet of new space, designed to accommodate projected growth to more than 1.7 million annual passengers by 2036, thereby enhancing the airport's ability to handle increased demand from tourism and regional economic expansion. The expansion builds on the existing terminal infrastructure without altering core operational layouts from prior developments. Key enhancements include the addition of seven new jet bridges, bringing the total to 12 and eliminating the need for passengers to walk across the in inclement weather; expanded waiting areas with 71% more and over double the current seating, including new lounges with comfortable beam seating; upgraded security screening facilities for improved efficiency and flow; and over 6,000 square feet of additional concessions . Sustainability features are integrated throughout, such as solar panels, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and design elements targeting Silver certification, reflecting a commitment to in Central Oregon's landscape-inspired . These improvements also prioritize , with wider walkways, an additional and , a companion care restroom, and a relief area, alongside a state-of-the-art . Funding for the project totals $180 million, sourced exclusively from federal grants, contributions, and airport-generated revenues such as parking fees, concessions, and leases, ensuring no burden on local taxpayers. A significant portion includes an $8.38 million grant from the (FAA) awarded in June 2025 to support terminal enhancements and increased passenger processing capabilities. Additional support comes from airline rates and charges that cover debt obligations, as well as bonds backed by non-taxpayer airport funds. Construction is executed in phases to minimize disruptions, with initial roadway and walkway modifications leading to temporary traffic detours, including a curved path past the TSA checkpoint, from November 2025 through March 2026. Despite these ground-level changes, the project is structured to avoid any interruptions to flight operations, maintaining normal schedules for passengers and airlines throughout the build.

Safety Drills and Community Engagement

On October 23, 2025, Redmond Municipal Airport, also known as Roberts Field, conducted a full-scale mock plane crash drill in collaboration with local from the Redmond Fire Department, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, and other agencies. The exercise simulated a mass-casualty incident on the , involving over 75 volunteers acting as victims and testing protocols for , evacuation, medical transport, and coordination among multiple jurisdictions. This federally required triennial drill aimed to enhance the airport's response capabilities and ensure seamless integration with community resources. In September 2025, Roberts Field received a nomination for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award in the "Best Resort Airport" category, highlighting its unique blend of functionality with resort-like amenities such as local installations, comfortable lounges, and family-friendly features that reflect Central Oregon's outdoor . The nomination underscored the airport's efforts to create a welcoming environment for travelers, drawing attention to elements like the Kid-Port play area and regional artwork displays that enhance the passenger experience. Although it did not secure the top spot, placing 9th in the awards announced on October 15, 2025, the recognition affirmed Roberts Field's commitment to community-oriented design and service excellence. Roberts Field actively supports community engagement through initiatives like the Experimental Aircraft Association's program, which provides free introductory flights to youth ages 8-17 in , fostering interest in careers and STEM education. Local chapters host regular events at , where volunteer pilots offer hands-on experiences that have inspired numerous participants to pursue pilot training or related scholarships. Complementing these efforts, the airport maintains a noise abatement program in partnership with nearby residents, implementing voluntary procedures such as preferred flight paths, engine run-up restrictions, and public outreach to minimize disturbances in surrounding neighborhoods while complying with federal noise standards of 65 decibels or lower over 24-hour periods. During the U.S. from October 1 to November 12, 2025, Roberts Field experienced disruptions from unpaid TSA staffing, prompting officials to develop contingency plans including extended screening hours, additional local support, and traveler advisories to mitigate holiday travel delays. With reports of nationwide flight reductions and longer lines due to furloughs affecting over 50,000 federal aviation workers, the emphasized proactive communication with airlines and passengers to maintain operational resilience, with only minor lingering impacts reported after the shutdown ended. These measures highlight Roberts Field's role in bolstering local preparedness against broader federal challenges.

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