Firebaugh, California: Your Local Airport Hub
Firebaugh sits in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, just 15 miles south of Fresno and 2 miles north of the historic Firebaugh State Prison. With a 2020 Census population of about 12,500, the city is a gateway for agricultural workers, small‑business owners, and travelers who need quick access to aviation services without the congestion of larger hubs. The valley’s flat terrain and clear skies make Firebaugh an ideal location for general‑aviation activities, flight training, and emergency medical transport.
Two airports dominate the aviation landscape for Firebaugh residents: the Firebaugh Municipal Airport (FAA: F84), a public‑use general‑aviation field located just 2 miles north of downtown, and the regional commercial hub Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), approximately 18 miles northwest. Both facilities are linked by State Route 99 and local county roads, providing seamless connections for private pilots, business travelers, and tourists heading to Yosemite National Park.
Firebaugh Airport Locations
Firebaugh Municipal Airport (F84)
The Firebaugh Municipal Airport sits at 1015 West Firebaugh Avenue, Firebaugh, CA 93622. The airport occupies 60 acres and features a single asphalt runway (13/31) that measures 3,000 feet in length and 60 feet in width, suitable for single‑engine pistons, light twins, and helicopters. The field is equipped with 100LL avgas, self‑serve fuel pumps, tie‑down spots for up to 30 aircraft, and a modest hangar complex owned by the Firebaugh Aviation Club. The airport’s fixed‑base operator (FBO) provides flight‑planning computers, pilot lounge, and basic maintenance services. According to the FAA’s 2023 Airport Master Record, the airport recorded 6,200 aircraft operations last year, with 92% attributed to general aviation and 8% to air taxi services.
For those needing on‑site assistance, the airport office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. The main phone line is (559) 394‑5300, and the office can arrange tie‑down reservations, fuel deliveries, and local charter quotes. The airport is a popular launch point for sky‑diving clubs operating out of nearby Central Valley Skydiving Center, which conducts weekend jumps over the surrounding farmlands.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Located at 5550 East Clinton Way, Fresno, CA 93720, Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest commercial airport offering scheduled airline service to Firebaugh. The airport sits 18 miles northwest of Firebaugh, a 25‑minute drive via State Route 99 northbound. FAT features two parallel runways—Runway 10L/28R (10,000 ft) and Runway 10R/28L (8,500 ft)—and serves more than 5 million passengers annually. Major carriers include United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest, providing nonstop flights to Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco.
FAT’s cargo facilities handle agricultural produce from the San Joaquin Valley, making it a critical logistics hub for Firebaugh growers. The airport offers rental car agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis), a shuttle service to downtown Fresno, and a dedicated “Yosemite Express” bus that departs every two hours for visitors heading to the national park.
How to Reach Airport in Firebaugh
Travelers leaving from the historic Firebaugh downtown district can reach the municipal airport by taking West Firebaugh Avenue north for 2 miles; the airport entrance is marked by a large “F84” sign just after the Southern Pacific Railroad crossing. For those heading to Fresno Yosemite International Airport, the most direct route is:
- Merge onto CA‑99 North from South Firebaugh Avenue (also known as County Road 3).
- Continue for 12 miles, passing the West Fresno County Fairgrounds and the Fresno River bridge.
- Take exit 124 toward Clinton Way, following signs for “Fresno Yosemite International Airport”.
The drive takes roughly 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Heavy agricultural equipment traffic can add 10‑15 minutes during harvest season (late summer), especially near the Hillside Road intersection.
For riders using public transit, Fresno Area Express (FAX) Route 9 connects Firebaugh’s southern bus stop to the FAT Transit Center in approximately 45 minutes, with a transfer at the Fresno State University stop. Ride‑share services (Uber, Lyft) also operate in Firebaugh, typically charging $30‑$45 for a direct trip to the airport.
Airport Services in Firebaugh
The Firebaugh Municipal Airport provides essential services for private pilots and local businesses. Fuel options include 100LL avgas (self‑serve) and Jet‑A for turboprop aircraft, available 24 hours via an automated kiosk. The airport’s hangar complex houses three maintenance bays operated by Central Valley Aircraft Services, a certified A&P shop that handles engine overhauls, avionics upgrades, and annual inspections.
Flight training is offered through the Firebaugh Flight Academy, which runs a fleet of two Cessna 152s and one Piper Warrior. The academy averages 150 flight‑hour students per year, focusing on private pilot certificates and instrument rating courses. The academy’s instructors are all FAA‑certified and provide ground school in the on‑site classroom adjacent to the pilot lounge.
For emergency medical transport, the airport partners with Air Methods to stage a helicopter on the western side of the runway. The med‑evac helicopter can be dispatched within 5 minutes of a call from the Firebaugh Regional Hospital, located 3 miles east on North Avenue.
Travelers needing ground transportation after landing at Fresno Yosemite International Airport can take advantage of the airport’s Rental Car Center, which houses Enterprise, Hertz, and Alamo. Additionally, the “Yosemite Express” shuttle departs every two hours from Terminal A, stopping at the Firebaugh Community Center (located at 500 East Main Street) for passengers heading to the national park.
All airport facilities are equipped with free Wi‑Fi, ADA‑compliant restrooms, and a small café serving locally roasted coffee from the Firebaugh Roasters cooperative. The café’s outdoor patio offers a view of runway 13/31, making it a popular spot for pilots awaiting clearance.
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 Firebaugh, 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 Firebaugh, 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 0 Municipal Airport in Firebaugh, California.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Firebaugh, California.
Eagle Airport
Firebaugh Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Firebaugh Airport Services
What is the phone number for the Firebaugh airport office?
The Firebaugh Municipal Airport office can be reached at (559) 394‑5300. The line is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and can assist with fuel orders, hangar reservations, and local charter quotes.
How far is the closest major airport from Firebaugh, California?
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the nearest commercial airport, located approximately 18 miles northwest of Firebaugh. The drive via State Route 99 takes about 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Where is the Firebaugh Municipal Airport located relative to the downtown Firebaugh neighborhood?
Firebaugh Municipal Airport sits at 1015 West Firebaugh Avenue, Firebaugh, CA 93622, which is roughly 2 miles north of the historic downtown district. It is directly across from the Southern Pacific Railroad crossing and adjacent to the Firebaugh State Prison fence line.
What are the airport office hours for Firebaugh airport?
The municipal airport office operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The office is closed on weekends and California state holidays. Outside of regular hours, pilots can use the 24‑hour self‑serve fuel kiosk.
Which airport near Firebaugh offers commercial airline service?
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) provides the only scheduled commercial airline service within a 20‑mile radius of Firebaugh. Airlines such as United, American, Alaska, and Southwest operate nonstop flights to major hubs including Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco.