Airports in Umatilla County, Oregon
Umatilla County, Oregon, situated in the northeastern corner of the state along the Columbia River plateau, is home to a mix of commercial and general aviation airports that serve its population of approximately 81,800 residents. The county spans a diverse landscape of high desert, rolling wheat fields, and river valleys, making air access an important consideration for both residents and the agricultural and industrial businesses concentrated around cities like Pendleton, Hermiston, and Milton-Freewater.
The centerpiece of air service in Umatilla County is Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT), officially designated KPDT by the FAA, located approximately three miles northwest of Pendleton — the county seat. Situated at an elevation of 1,497 feet above mean sea level, the airport features two asphalt runways capable of accommodating a range of aircraft. The primary runway, designated 8/26, measures an impressive 6,301 feet long and 150 feet wide, while the secondary runway 11/29 stretches 5,582 feet by 100 feet. This runway infrastructure makes Eastern Oregon Regional one of the better-equipped airports in rural Oregon, capable of handling turboprop and small regional jet operations.
Commercial air service at PDT is operated by Boutique Air under the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which subsidizes scheduled service to communities that would otherwise lose commercial air access. Boutique Air operates Pilatus PC-12 single-engine turboprop aircraft and currently maintains 21 round trips per week between Pendleton and Portland International Airport (PDX), providing daily service seven days a week. For Pendleton residents, this connection to Portland offers onward access to hundreds of domestic and international destinations through one of the Pacific Northwest's major hub airports, located approximately 184 miles to the west.
The history of commercial service at PDT reflects the challenges of sustaining air service in rural Eastern Oregon. Past carriers serving Pendleton have included Cascade Airways, Air Oregon, Horizon Air, and SeaPort Airlines, which ceased operations in 2016 following bankruptcy. Boutique Air has stepped in as the current EAS carrier, maintaining the vital link between Umatilla County and the broader national air network.
General aviation activity at Eastern Oregon Regional is also notable, accounting for a significant share of annual operations. The airport's FBO services, fuel availability, and instrument approach capabilities make it a reliable stop for private pilots traveling through the Pacific Northwest. The combination of ILS approach procedures and adequate runway lengths supports operations in the often-challenging weather conditions of Eastern Oregon, including winter low ceilings and occasional wind events channeled through the Columbia River Gorge.
Umatilla County's second public-use airport is Hermiston Municipal Airport (HES), serving Oregon's largest city within the county. Located in Hermiston, which has grown significantly as a logistics and distribution hub near the Columbia River, this general aviation airport sits at just 644 feet elevation — considerably lower than the high desert terrain around Pendleton. Hermiston Municipal's single runway, designated 5/23, measures 4,500 feet by 75 feet on an asphalt surface. While the airport does not offer commercial airline service, it supports private and business aviation for the Hermiston area, which has seen substantial economic growth tied to Amazon distribution centers and agricultural processing facilities in the region.
A third aviation facility in the county, Oregon Sky Ranch Airport (OG33), operates as a private general aviation field located approximately three miles southwest of Milton-Freewater near the Washington state border. This facility primarily supports agricultural and recreational flying in the fertile Walla Walla Valley area shared between Oregon and Washington.
For travelers seeking broader commercial options, the closest major regional airport beyond PDT is Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, Washington, located approximately 43 miles north of Pendleton across the Columbia River. Tri-Cities serves airlines including Alaska, Delta, United, and Southwest, offering nonstop connections to Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and other hubs. Spokane International Airport (GEG) in Spokane, Washington lies about 147 miles to the northeast and offers a wider range of destinations and carriers. These regional airports provide Umatilla County residents with commercial options that complement the Essential Air Service connection available locally at PDT.
Pendleton is perhaps best known nationally for the annual Pendleton Round-Up rodeo, drawing visitors from across the country each September. During this period, Eastern Oregon Regional Airport sees increased traffic as attendees fly in from around the nation, highlighting the airport's role as an economic asset for tourism and events. The airport also supports agricultural aviation operations tied to the wheat, onion, and cattle industries that form the backbone of Umatilla County's economy.
Whether you are a private pilot seeking a fuel stop on a cross-country flight, a business traveler connecting through Portland, or a visitor arriving for the Round-Up, Umatilla County's airport network offers meaningful options for air access to this distinctive corner of Eastern Oregon.
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 Oregon 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 Umatilla County, Oregon.
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 1 Regional Airport in Umatilla County, Oregon.
Eastern Oregon Regional Airport At Pendleton - Pdt
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 Umatilla County, Oregon.
Hermiston Municipal Airport - Hes
Local Airports
There are 5 Local Airport in Umatilla County, Oregon.
Oregon Sky Ranch Airport
Quail Airport
West Buttercreek Airport
Cable Creek Ranch Airport
Rothrock Field Airport
Frequently Asked Questions: Airports in Umatilla County, Oregon
Yes. Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT/KPDT) in Pendleton offers scheduled commercial service through Boutique Air under the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program. Boutique Air operates daily flights — 21 round trips per week — between Pendleton and Portland International Airport (PDX) using Pilatus PC-12 turboprop aircraft. This service connects Umatilla County residents to Portland's major hub, where they can access hundreds of onward destinations. Tickets can be purchased directly through Boutique Air or standard travel booking platforms.
The closest major commercial airport to Umatilla County is Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, Washington, approximately 43 miles north of Pendleton. Tri-Cities serves airlines including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, with nonstop service to Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Salt Lake City (SLC), and other destinations. The drive from Pendleton to PSC typically takes about 45–50 minutes via US-395 North. Spokane International Airport (GEG) in Spokane, Washington is another option, located approximately 147 miles northeast with a broader selection of routes and carriers.
Yes. Hermiston Municipal Airport (HES), with FAA identifier HRI, is a public-use general aviation airport serving Hermiston — Umatilla County's largest city. The airport's single runway (5/23) is 4,500 feet long and 75 feet wide on an asphalt surface, sitting at an elevation of 644 feet MSL. While Hermiston Municipal does not offer commercial airline service, it accommodates private aircraft, business aviation, and agricultural flying. Pilots should confirm current NOTAMs and fuel availability before arrival. Hermiston's elevation and relatively open terrain typically make for straightforward approaches, though Columbia River Valley winds can be a factor.
Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (KPDT) in Pendleton has two asphalt runways. The primary runway, 8/26, measures 6,301 feet long by 150 feet wide and is equipped with instrument approach procedures including ILS, making it suitable for operations in low-visibility conditions. The secondary runway, 11/29, measures 5,582 feet long by 100 feet wide. The airport sits at an elevation of 1,497 feet MSL. These runway lengths comfortably accommodate turboprop aircraft, regional jets, and most corporate jets. The airport has an FBO offering fuel and basic services for general aviation operations.
Yes, significantly. The Pendleton Round-Up, held each September in Pendleton, is one of the largest and most famous rodeos in North America, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually. During Round-Up week, Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) experiences a notable surge in general aviation traffic as attendees from across the country fly in on private and charter aircraft. The airport's 6,301-foot primary runway and instrument approach capabilities make it well-suited to handle this increased traffic. Visitors arriving on commercial flights typically connect through Portland PDX via Boutique Air or drive from Tri-Cities (PSC) or other regional airports. It is advisable to arrange ground transportation and confirm parking/ramp availability at PDT well in advance during Round-Up week.