Meadows Field Airport (BFL) – Bakersfield, California

Meadows Field Airport, designated by the IATA code BFL and the ICAO code KBFL, serves as the primary commercial and general aviation gateway to Bakersfield and the southern San Joaquin Valley. Located at 3701 Wings Way in northwest Bakersfield, Kern County, the airport sits at an elevation of 510 feet above sea level and operates two asphalt runways: Runway 12L/30R at 10,850 feet and Runway 12R/30L at 6,002 feet, making it capable of handling wide-body regional jets and large cargo aircraft.

Bakersfield is the ninth-largest city in California with a population exceeding 415,000 residents and serves as the seat of Kern County, one of the nation's most productive agricultural and oil-producing regions. Meadows Field is operated by the Kern County Airports Department and plays a critical role in connecting this inland economic hub to major airline hubs across the western United States. The airport is named after Thomas Meadows, a pioneer aviator and aviation promoter who was instrumental in establishing aviation infrastructure in Kern County during the early twentieth century.

Commercial air service at BFL is provided by United Airlines and American Airlines, offering daily nonstop flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Denver International Airport (DEN), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). These connections allow Bakersfield travelers to reach virtually any domestic or international destination via one-stop itineraries. The airport's passenger terminal, which underwent significant renovation in recent years, features centralized check-in counters, TSA security screening lanes, a post-security gate lounge, food and beverage concessions, and ground transportation coordination services.

The airport's cargo and general aviation operations are substantial. Meadows Field supports active fixed-base operators (FBOs) including Signature Flight Support, which provides fueling, hangaring, and charter coordination for private and corporate aircraft. The Kern County Airports Department maintains the facility's instrument landing systems (ILS), ATIS broadcasts, and runway lighting to FAA standards, supporting IFR operations around the clock. BFL's relatively uncongested airspace and long primary runway make it a preferred diversion airport for aircraft unable to land at more congested Bay Area or Los Angeles-area facilities.

Ground transportation options from Meadows Field are plentiful. Rental car agencies with on-site counters include Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National. Taxi and rideshare services including Uber and Lyft operate from the designated pickup zones outside the baggage claim area. Public transit connections via Golden Empire Transit (GET) bus routes provide service into downtown Bakersfield and surrounding communities. For travelers requiring scheduled shared-ride service, regional shuttle operators connect BFL to communities throughout Kern and Tulare counties.

Meadows Field is located approximately 4 miles northwest of downtown Bakersfield, accessible via State Route 99 and Buck Owens Boulevard. The drive to central Bakersfield typically takes under 10 minutes outside of peak commute hours. Notable destinations within an hour's drive include the Kern River Valley, Tehachapi, and the southern entrance to Sequoia National Forest. Business travelers frequently use BFL to access the oil fields and agribusiness operations across Kern County without the congestion of driving from LAX or Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).

Other airports in the broader region include Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK) to the northwest serving the Tri-Valley, Meadowlark Airport in Huntington Beach to the south, and Oakland International Airport (OAK) approximately 260 miles north. For travelers comparing access points into Kern County, BFL's proximity to Bakersfield's commercial and industrial core gives it a distinct logistical advantage over driving from Southern California airports.

Meadows Field Airport - BFL Contact Information

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

Name Meadows Field Airport - BFL
Address 3701 Wings Way, Bakersfield CA 93308 Map
Phone (661) 391-1800
Website
Hours

Map of Meadows Field Airport - BFL


Frequently Asked Questions – Meadows Field Airport (BFL), Bakersfield, CA

United Airlines and American Airlines are the primary commercial carriers serving BFL. United operates nonstop flights to Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Denver (DEN), while American offers service to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Phoenix (PHX). Flight frequency and routes can vary seasonally, so travelers are advised to check directly with each airline or through the Kern County Airports Department for the most current schedule information before booking.

Meadows Field Airport is located approximately 4 miles northwest of downtown Bakersfield, accessible via State Route 99 north to Buck Owens Boulevard, then west to Wings Way. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive between the airport and Bakersfield's central business district takes roughly 8 to 12 minutes. The airport's location in northwest Bakersfield also provides convenient access to major employers in the Stockdale Highway corridor and the northwest industrial areas of Kern County.

Meadows Field offers multiple ground transportation options. Rental car agencies with desks inside or adjacent to the terminal include Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National. Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) have designated pickup zones at the baggage claim exit. Taxis are available via dispatch, and Golden Empire Transit (GET) provides public bus connections into the Bakersfield metro area. Regional shuttle providers serve outlying Kern County communities for passengers traveling beyond Bakersfield city limits.

Yes. BFL is home to Signature Flight Support, an FBO offering full-service general aviation amenities including Jet-A and AvGas fueling, aircraft parking and hangaring, charter coordination, and crew lounge facilities. The airport's 10,850-foot primary runway (12L/30R) accommodates large business jets and turboprops without restriction. Instrument approaches via ILS are available on multiple runways, and the facility operates under FAA Part 139 certification, ensuring consistent safety standards for both commercial and private operations around the clock.

Meadows Field Airport provides both short-term and long-term surface parking lots immediately adjacent to the passenger terminal. Short-term parking is ideal for pickups and drop-offs, while long-term economy lots offer reduced daily rates for multi-day travelers. The Kern County Airports Department manages the parking facilities directly; current rates and lot availability can be confirmed on the airport's official website or by contacting the airport administration office at 3701 Wings Way, Bakersfield, CA 93308.

External Links: