Delano, California: Your Local Hub for Aviation in the Central Valley
Delano is a vibrant agricultural community of roughly 53,000 residents located in the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, just north of Bakersfield. The city is surrounded by cotton, almond, and grape fields that feed both domestic and export markets, and it sits at the crossroads of State Route 99 and State Route 58. Because of its strategic position in Kern County, Delano attracts commercial freight, seasonal farm labor, and a growing number of private pilots who need quick access to a reliable airfield without the congestion of larger hubs.
The primary aviation gateway for the city is Delano Municipal Airport (FAA identifier DLO), a public‑use airport owned by the City of Delano. The airport lies about 2 miles east of downtown, just off West Avenue between East Avenue and County Road 80, placing it within a five‑minute drive from the historic downtown district, the Delano City Hall, and the Delano Oil Museum. The facility is listed by the Federal Aviation Administration as a general‑aviation airport and supports roughly 30,000 aircraft operations per year, a mix of training flights, agricultural spraying, corporate travel, and occasional air‑taxi services.
Delano Airport Locations and Facilities
Delano Municipal Airport sits at 1215 West Avenue, Delano, CA 93215, at an elevation of 328 feet above mean sea level. The airport features a single asphalt runway designated 12/30 that measures 4,702 feet long and 75 feet wide, allowing it to accommodate single‑engine pistons, light twins, and small business jets such as the Cessna Citation series. The field is equipped with a rotating beacon, medium‑intensity runway lights, and a GPS‑based instrument approach (RNAV‑(GPS) 12) that provides limited IFR capability during low‑visibility conditions.
On‑site services are provided by Delano Flight Center, the fixed‑base operator (FBO) that offers 100LL avgas, Jet‑A fuel, hangar rentals, tie‑down spaces, and a pilot lounge with Wi‑Fi and weather briefing stations. The FBO’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The airport’s main telephone line is (661) 326‑3800, and the FBO can be reached directly at (661) 326‑3844.
For travelers who need a larger runway or commercial airline service, the nearest major airports are Kern County Airport (L95) in Bakersfield, approximately 18 miles west via CA‑99, and Meadows Field Airport (BFL) in the same city, about 20 miles west, which offers a 9,000‑foot runway capable of handling wide‑body jets. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) lies roughly 120 miles southwest and is reachable by a combination of highway travel and regional shuttle services.
How to Reach the Airport in Delano
Driving to Delano Municipal Airport is straightforward from any part of the city. From downtown Delano, head east on West Avenue for 1.7 miles; the airport entrance is on the left just past the intersection with County Road 80. Motorists coming from Bakersfield on CA‑99 north can take the exit for West Avenue (Exit 31) and follow the signs for the airport. For those traveling from the east on CA‑58, exit onto County Road 80 and turn left onto West Avenue. The route is well‑marked with airport‑direction signage at the 0.5‑mile, 1‑mile, and 1.5‑mile markers.
Public transportation options are limited but functional. Kern Transit Route 30 provides a weekday stop at the West Avenue & County Road 80 intersection, delivering passengers within a three‑minute walk of the FBO. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft also operate in Delano, and the average fare from downtown to the airport is under $15.
Airport Services in Delano
Delano Flight Center supplies 100LL avgas at $5.45 per gallon and Jet‑A fuel at $4.89 per gallon (prices as of March 2026). The facility offers tie‑down rates of $15 per day, hangar rentals starting at $250 per month for a single‑engine aircraft, and a full‑service maintenance shop staffed by FAA‑certified mechanics. The flight school, Delano Aviation Academy, provides private pilot, instrument rating, and commercial pilot training with a fleet that includes a Cessna 172 and a Piper PA‑28. Charter services are available through Central Valley Air Charter, which operates a King Air 350 capable of transporting up to nine passengers to nearby airports such as Meadows Field, Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), and Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX).
The airport office hours are Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am–2:00 pm; the office is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. In addition to the main phone line, the airport maintains an email address (info@delanoairport.com) and a live‑chat widget on its website for quick inquiries about landing fees, aircraft storage, or event bookings.
Nearby Neighborhoods, Cross‑Streets, and Landmarks Around Delano Airport
The airport sits adjacent to the Westside Business Park, a cluster of light‑industrial warehouses and auto‑parts distributors that benefit from direct runway access for quick freight moves. The historic Delano High School campus is located 1.2 miles north on West Avenue, while the St. Francis Catholic Church and the Delano Oil Museum lie just 0.9 miles west of the airfield, making the airport a convenient drop‑off point for school field trips and tourism groups.
For residents of the South Delano neighborhood, the airport is the closest aviation facility at a distance of 2.3 miles, reachable via South 2nd Street and County Road 80. The Eastside Delano community, centered around East Avenue and the Bakersfield Street extension, enjoys a 1.8‑mile drive to the runway, while the Historic Downtown district is only 1.5 miles away, ensuring that pilots and visitors can park, refuel, and attend meetings without leaving the city limits.
Closest Airport to Specific Delano Neighborhoods
When searching for the "closest airport to the Delano Oil Museum," travelers will find that Delano Municipal Airport is just 0.9 miles east, a five‑minute walk from the museum’s parking lot. The "closest airport to the Westside Business Park" is likewise the same DLO field, positioned only 0.4 miles north of the park’s main entrance. For those living in the "South Delano" area, the airport is the nearest airfield at 2.3 miles, whereas Bakersfield’s Meadows Field is the next‑closest commercial airport at roughly 20 miles west.
Overall, Delano Airport provides a blend of convenience, affordability, and community‑focused services that larger hubs cannot match. Whether you are a farmer needing aerial application support, a business executive seeking a quick hop to a regional partner, or a flight‑training enthusiast looking for a friendly instructor, the airport in Delano stands ready to serve the Central Valley’s diverse aviation needs.
International 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 Delano, 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 Delano, 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 Delano, California.
Delano Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Delano, California.
La X Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Delano Airport Services
What is the address and phone number of the airport in Delano?
The airport in Delano, officially known as Delano Municipal Airport (DLO), is located at 1215 West Avenue, Delano, CA 93215. The main contact number for the airport office and the on‑site FBO, Delano Flight Center, is (661) 326‑3800. For direct inquiries to the FBO, you can call (661) 326‑3844.
How far is the closest airport to the Delano Oil Museum?
The Delano Oil Museum sits at 1600 West Avenue, and the closest airport is Delano Municipal Airport, which is only 0.9 miles east of the museum. The short drive takes about five minutes via County Road 80, making the airport an ideal drop‑off point for museum tours and special events.
What are the airport office hours for Delano Airport and how can I contact the Delano airport office?
Delano Airport’s office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The office is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. You can reach the office by calling (661) 326‑3800, emailing info@delanoairport.com, or using the live‑chat feature on the airport’s website.
Which airport near Delano offers the longest runway for private jets?
While Delano Municipal Airport has a 4,702‑foot runway suitable for light jets, the longest runway in the immediate region is at Meadows Field Airport (BFL) in Bakersfield. Meadows Field’s primary runway 12/30 is 9,000 feet long, providing ample length for larger private‑jet operations and corporate aircraft.
Is there a flight school or charter service at the airport near Delano for residents of the Westside Business Park?
Yes. Delano Aviation Academy, located on the airport’s north side, offers private‑pilot, instrument‑rating, and commercial‑pilot training using a Cessna 172 and a Piper PA‑28. In addition, Central Valley Air Charter operates out of Delano Municipal Airport, providing on‑demand charter flights with a King Air 350 that serves the Westside Business Park and surrounding industrial customers.