Majors Airport – Bakersfield, California

Majors Airport (FAA identifier: L45) is a general aviation facility serving the greater Bakersfield area in Kern County, California. Located in the southern San Joaquin Valley, the airport provides essential aviation infrastructure for private pilots, charter operators, and small aircraft operators who depend on accessible airfields outside of the larger Meadows Field Airport (BFL), which handles commercial traffic to the north of the city.

The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 394 feet above sea level and features a single asphalt runway capable of accommodating single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft. For pilots flying into California's Central Valley, Majors Airport offers a quieter alternative to the busier Meadows Field while remaining within easy reach of downtown Bakersfield's business districts, industrial corridors, and agricultural operations that define Kern County's economic backbone.

Bakersfield itself is California's ninth-largest city, with a population exceeding 400,000 residents in the metro area. The city's economy is driven by oil production, agriculture, logistics, and a growing healthcare sector. Kern County ranks among the top oil-producing counties in the United States, and Majors Airport serves as a practical access point for energy industry professionals, agricultural consultants, and business travelers who need flexible, on-demand air access without navigating the scheduling constraints of commercial aviation.

General aviation airports like Majors play a critical role in California's transportation network. With the San Joaquin Valley stretching over 400 miles from north to south, small airfields reduce travel time dramatically for those moving between agricultural communities, oilfield sites, and regional business centers. Pilots flying from the Bay Area or Southern California can land at Majors Airport and be in central Bakersfield within minutes, bypassing hours of highway driving on Interstate 5 or Highway 99.

The surrounding region offers additional aviation resources for operators based in the area. Meadowlark Airport serves as another general aviation option in the broader Central Valley corridor, while Livermore Municipal Airport to the northwest provides a Bay Area-connected node for cross-valley routing. For those coordinating air transportation logistics into the Oakland metro area, Clean Energy Oakland International Airport and Oakland Airport Security represent key infrastructure points along the Western California aviation corridor. Regional shuttle services including Direct Airport Shuttle connect ground transportation between these facilities and urban centers, giving passengers and pilots flexibility in multi-modal travel planning.

Kern County's climate makes flying conditions at Majors Airport generally favorable for a large portion of the year. The region experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, with fewer weather-related delays than coastal or mountainous airports. Tule fog, common to the Central Valley from December through February, can reduce visibility and affect VFR flight planning, so pilots are advised to check local NOTAMs and METARs carefully during winter months. In summer, high-density altitude conditions can affect aircraft performance, particularly for heavily loaded light aircraft departing from the field.

For those requiring aviation fuel, maintenance services, or tie-down accommodations, pilots should contact local fixed-base operators (FBOs) serving the Bakersfield area for current service availability at Majors Airport. Flight planning resources including ForeFlight, SkyVector, and the FAA's official Airport/Facility Directory provide up-to-date data on runway dimensions, frequencies, and airspace classifications relevant to operations at this facility.

Whether you're an owner-pilot relocating for business, a flight school student building cross-country hours, or an agricultural operator coordinating aerial application services in the southern San Joaquin Valley, Majors Airport represents a valuable and accessible piece of California's general aviation infrastructure.

Majors Airport Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Bakersfield, Colorado.

Name Majors Airport
Address 34357 Merced Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93308 Map
Phone (909) 763-7600
Website
Hours

Map of Majors Airport


Frequently Asked Questions About Majors Airport in Bakersfield, California

Majors Airport (L45) is a general aviation facility designed for single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft. It is not equipped for commercial airline operations or large jet aircraft. Private pilots, flight training students, charter operators using light aircraft, and agricultural aviation services are the primary users of the field. Pilots considering operations at Majors should review current FAA Airport/Facility Directory data for runway length, weight limits, and available services before planning a flight.

Meadows Field Airport (BFL) is Bakersfield's primary commercial service airport, offering scheduled airline flights with carriers such as United Airlines connecting to hubs including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Majors Airport, by contrast, is a general aviation-only facility with no scheduled commercial service. It serves private pilots and small operators who need flexible, self-directed air access in and out of the Bakersfield area without the infrastructure overhead of a commercial airport. The two airports complement each other within Kern County's broader aviation ecosystem.

The Central Valley's tule fog presents the most significant weather hazard for VFR pilots operating at Majors Airport, typically occurring from late November through February. Visibility can drop to near zero without warning during morning hours, making flight planning critical during winter months. Summer operations require attention to high-density altitude conditions, as Bakersfield temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, reducing aircraft climb performance especially for fully loaded light aircraft. Pilots should always obtain current METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs for the Bakersfield area before departure or arrival.

Yes. Kern County is California's leading oil-producing county, and Bakersfield serves as the administrative hub for major energy operations throughout the region. General aviation airports like Majors Airport provide energy industry personnel — including engineers, executives, and field supervisors — with fast, flexible access to the area without relying on commercial flight schedules. Private and charter aircraft can land at Majors and reach oilfield sites, corporate offices, or refinery facilities in and around Bakersfield quickly, making it a practical choice for business aviation in the energy sector.

Because Majors Airport is a general aviation facility without a dedicated passenger terminal, ground transportation options differ from commercial airports. Travelers typically arrange rental vehicles, rideshare services, or private car pickups in advance. Regional shuttle providers including Direct Airport Shuttle offer connections between Bakersfield-area airports and destinations throughout the Central Valley and into neighboring counties. For those needing to connect onward to the Bay Area or Southern California, coordinating with services linked to Oakland International Airport or other regional hubs provides additional multi-modal flexibility.

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