Calipatria, California: Your Guide to the Nearest Airport Facilities
\nCalipatria is a small agricultural city in Imperial County, perched on the western shore of the Salton Sea. With a 2020 census population of 7,112, the community is surrounded by cotton fields, the historic Calipatria State Prison, and the bustling Calipatria City Hall at 100 East Main Street. Although the city does not host a large commercial hub, its aviation needs are met by a blend of public‑use general‑aviation fields and nearby regional airports that together keep businesses, emergency services, and travelers connected to the rest of California and the nation.
\n\nCalipatria Airport Locations
\nThe primary public‑use airfield that carries the city’s name is Calipatria Airport (FAA: 0C9). Located just 2 miles north of downtown, off South Calipatria Road near the intersection with West Avenue D, the airport sits at an elevation of 124 feet above sea level. The single asphalt runway 12/30 measures 3,400 feet, making it suitable for single‑engine planes, light twins, and occasional corporate jets. The facility is owned by the City of Calipatria and operated by the Imperial County Airport Authority. Services include 100LL avgas, self‑serve fuel pumps, tie‑down spots, and two hangar rentals. The airport’s phone number is (760) 385‑2310, and the on‑site Fixed‑Base Operator (FBO) is “Calipatria Aviation Services.”
\n\nFor travelers who need scheduled airline service, the closest commercial airport is Imperial County Airport (IPL), located 12 miles north‑northeast of Calipatria on Highway 86 near the town of Imperial. Imperial County Airport features two paved runways—5,500‑foot Runway 12/30 and 5,900‑foot Runway 3/21—both capable of handling regional jets. United Airlines operates daily flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Denver International Airport (DEN), with 2023 enplanements recorded at 94,000 passengers. The airport’s terminal offers rental car counters, a free Wi‑Fi lounge, and a short‑term parking garage. Contact Imperial County Airport at (760) 393‑3791.
\n\nA second regional option is El Centro Metropolitan Airport (ECA), situated 22 miles east of Calipatria along Highway 111. El Centro’s 8,500‑foot runway accommodates larger aircraft, and the airport provides nonstop service to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) via American Eagle. In 2022, the airport reported 1.2 million boardings, making it the busiest airport within a 40‑mile radius of Calipatria. The airport’s main office can be reached at (760) 776‑0050.
\n\nHow to Reach Airport in Calipatria
\nDriving to Calipatria Airport (0C9) from the city center is straightforward: head north on South Calipatria Road for 1.8 miles, turn right onto West Avenue D, and the entrance is marked by a prominent “Calipatria Airport” sign. The drive typically takes 5–7 minutes, and ample free parking is available on the north‑side apron.
\n\nTo access Imperial County Airport, motorists travel north on Highway 86 for 12 miles, passing the historic Imperial Valley Mall and the Imperial County Fairgrounds. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes, and the airport provides a dedicated shuttle service that picks up passengers at Calipatria City Hall twice daily at 7 am and 5 pm.
\n\nFor those heading to El Centro Metropolitan Airport, the most efficient route follows Highway 111 eastward for 22 miles, crossing the Salton Sea Bridge and the historic “Old Town” district of El Centro. The drive is about 25 minutes, and a public‑transit bus (#30) runs hourly from the Calipatria Transit Center to El Centro’s terminal.
\n\nAirport Services in Calipatria
\nCalipatria Airport’s FBO offers a range of pilot amenities: 24‑hour self‑serve fuel, a modest pilot lounge with complimentary coffee, and a weather briefing station equipped with the latest METAR data for the Salton Sea region. The airport also supports a small flight training school, “Desert Sky Flight Academy,” which provides private pilot instruction and tailwheel endorsements. Hangar space is available for rent at $150 per month, and the airport’s tie‑down fees are $5 per day.
\n\nEmergency medical transport is coordinated through the Imperial County Health Services Air Ambulance, which utilizes a Bell 412 helicopter stationed at Imperial County Airport. The air ambulance can reach Calipatria in under 10 minutes, providing critical care for residents of the Calipatria State Prison and surrounding agricultural communities.
\n\nFreight and cargo operations are modest but essential for the local economy. The Calipatria Airport’s cargo handling area processes an average of 12,000 pounds of agricultural produce per month, primarily cotton and alfalfa, which are shipped to larger distribution centers via Imperial County Airport’s cargo terminal.
\n\nFinally, the airport’s proximity to the Salton Sea makes it a popular launch point for aerial photography and environmental monitoring flights. The California Department of Water Resources frequently contracts with local pilots to conduct low‑altitude surveys of water quality and shoreline erosion, leveraging the airport’s convenient location just minutes from the shoreline.
\nInternational Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major California Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Calipatria, California.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Calipatria, California.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 1 Municipal Airport in Calipatria, California.
Calipatria Municipal Airport - Clr
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Calipatria, California.
Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport
Airports near Calipatria
Frequently Asked Questions — Calipatria Airport Services
\nWhat is the nearest airport to Calipatria for commercial flights?
\nThe closest commercial airport to Calipatria is Imperial County Airport (IPL), located about 12 miles north‑northeast on Highway 86. United Airlines offers daily nonstop service to Los Angeles (LAX) and Denver (DEN), and the airport handled 94,000 enplanements in 2023.
\n\nHow far is Calipatria Airport (0C9) from the Calipatria State Prison?
\nCalipatria Airport sits roughly 2.3 miles east of the Calipatria State Prison, a drive of about 5 minutes via West Avenue D and South Calipatria Road.
\n\nWhat are the operating hours of the Calipatria Airport office?
\nThe Calipatria Airport FBO office is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. After‑hours pilots can use the self‑serve fuel pumps, which operate 24 hours a day.
\n\nWhere can I find the phone number for the Calipatria Airport FBO?
\nThe FBO, Calipatria Aviation Services, can be reached at (760) 385‑2310. Calls are answered during regular office hours, and voicemail provides after‑hour service information.
\n\nWhich airport near Calipatria offers the most frequent flights to Los Angeles?
\nImperial County Airport (IPL) provides the highest frequency of Los Angeles service, with three United Airlines flights each weekday and additional weekend departures, making it the preferred “airport near Calipatria” for LA travel.
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