Sacramento: California's Capital City Airport Connecting Farm Belt to State Capitol

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) serves the state capital and the broader Sacramento Valley, functioning as both the political gateway for government travelers and the commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural heartland. As California's seat of government, Sacramento sees constant traffic from lobbyists, state employees, legislators, and the media corps covering Capitol Hill — creating a business travel market distinct from the tech or entertainment industries that dominate other California airports.

SMF's Terminal B opened in 2011 as one of the most environmentally advanced airport terminals in the US, designed to achieve net-zero energy goals and featuring a striking natural light design. The airport has expanded international service in recent years, adding nonstop routes to London and Guadalajara that reflect Sacramento's growing global ties.

The Sacramento region also hosts Mather Airport (MHR), a former Air Force base repurposed for cargo, charter, and general aviation; McClellan Business Park Airport for corporate aviation; and Executive Airport (SAC) for GA. Our Sacramento team covers all area airports and the Capitol Mall government district.

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 North Carolina 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 Wallace, North Carolina.

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 Wallace, North Carolina.

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 Wallace, North Carolina.

Local Airports

There are 2 Local Airport in Wallace, North Carolina.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Sacramento Airport Services

What airlines offer the most service from Sacramento International?

Southwest Airlines, Delta, United, Alaska, American, and Frontier all operate from SMF. Southwest and Alaska are particularly strong in the Sacramento market with multiple daily departures to major hubs. Delta connects Sacramento to its Atlanta hub for Southeast connections, while United links to Chicago O'Hare and Denver for cross-country routes.

Is SMF a good alternative to SFO or OAK for Central Valley residents?

For residents of the Sacramento Valley, Stockton, and the northern San Joaquin Valley, SMF can be significantly more convenient than driving to Bay Area airports. The absence of Bay Area traffic, lower parking costs, and a less congested terminal experience make SMF compelling even if Bay Area airports occasionally offer more route options.

What is Mather Airport used for today?

Mather Airport (MHR), a former Strategic Air Command base in Rancho Cordova, now serves as Sacramento's cargo and charter aviation hub. FedEx, UPS, and Amazon Air use Mather for regional distribution flights. Corporate and charter operators also use it to avoid SMF's commercial traffic, particularly for weekend leisure charters.

Can I fly directly from Sacramento to ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada?

While no scheduled commercial service runs directly to Truckee-Tahoe Airport (TRK) or South Lake Tahoe (TVL), charter flights from SMF make the trip feasible. Many Tahoe-bound travelers drive the 90-minute Highway 50 or Interstate 80 route from Sacramento rather than connecting through another airport.

Our Sacramento airport professionals serve all area facilities with knowledge of Capitol District logistics and valley-wide ground transportation.