Redding: Northern California's Gateway to Shasta Country
Redding Municipal Airport (RDD) serves as the commercial aviation hub for the vast Northern Sacramento Valley and Shasta Cascade region — a sparsely populated but geographically magnificent area encompassing Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Shasta Lake, the Trinity Alps, and the upper Sacramento River. For residents of Redding, Anderson, Shasta Lake City, and surrounding communities, RDD provides the critical commercial air link that eliminates what would otherwise be a three-to-four-hour drive to Sacramento or the Bay Area for air travel.
United Express connects Redding to San Francisco International, where travelers can access the full United global network. The airport's modest size belies its regional importance: Redding serves as the commercial center for a multistate corridor, drawing customers from as far north as the Oregon border and as far east as Nevada. Medical travel — patients accessing Redding's regional hospital systems or traveling to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento — is a significant driver of airport usage.
General aviation at Redding supports firefighting operations in the dense forests of Shasta and Trinity counties, with tanker and air attack bases activated during California's increasingly intense wildfire seasons. Our Redding team provides ground transportation throughout Shasta County and northern California's remote communities.
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 Redding, 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 Redding, 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 Redding, California.
Redding Municipal Airport - Rdd
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Redding, California.
Benton Airport
Tews Airport
Airports near Redding
Frequently Asked Questions — Redding Airport Services
What is the easiest way to reach Mount Shasta and Lassen from Redding Airport?
Redding Airport is the best commercial arrival point for both Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Mount Shasta city is approximately 60 miles north on I-5 (about an hour's drive), while the southwest entrance of Lassen is roughly 50 miles east on Highway 44. Renting a car from RDD is the standard approach, as public transportation options in this remote region are extremely limited.
How do air tankers and firefighting aircraft use Redding Airport?
Redding Municipal Airport serves as a major aerial firefighting base during California's wildfire season. Tanker aircraft — including P-2 Neptunes, DC-7s, and modern SEATs (Single Engine Air Tankers) — stage from Redding to fight fires in Shasta, Trinity, Siskiyou, and Tehama counties. Cal Fire's air attack operations use RDD as a coordination hub, and commercial passenger operations continue alongside firefighting missions during active fire incidents.
Is Redding Airport practical for business travel to the Bay Area?
Yes. The United Express connection to SFO takes approximately 70 minutes and is significantly faster than the 3.5-hour drive to Sacramento or the 4-hour drive to San Francisco. For Redding's growing professional and healthcare sector, regular air service to the Bay Area is important for medical partnerships, legal proceedings, and state government business in Sacramento.
What Northern California destinations can I reach by small plane from Redding?
Redding's general aviation facilities support flights to Dunsmuir (private strip), Fall River Mills (O85), Alturas (ATW), and dozens of other remote northern California strips. The region's private aviation community is active, and Redding-based pilots regularly access communities that have no commercial air service whatsoever.
Our Redding team provides reliable airport transfers throughout Shasta Country, including service to remote communities in Shasta, Trinity, Siskiyou, and Tehama counties.