California is one of the busiest states in the United States, with a thriving economy, diverse population, and an extensive transportation network. The state has a total of 215 airports, ranging from small local airstrips to large international airports. In this essay, we will provide a comprehensive guide to every airport in California, with a focus on the California Airports Map.
California Airports Map
Before we dive into the details, it is important to understand the different types of airports in the California airports map. There are four categories of airports: commercial service airports, reliever airports, general aviation airports, and military airports. Commercial service airports are the largest and busiest airports in the California airports map, with regular commercial flights operated by major airlines. Reliever airports are designed to alleviate congestion at commercial service airports, and they serve general aviation and corporate aircraft. General aviation airports are used by private and recreational pilots, and they do not have any commercial flights. Military airports are used by the armed forces and are not open to civilian traffic.
Now let’s take a closer look at every airport in California, starting with the commercial service airports.
Airports in California
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) LAX is the largest and busiest airport on the California airports map, serving over 88 million passengers in 2019. It is located in the west of Los Angeles, and it is the primary airport serving the Greater Los Angeles Area. LAX has nine terminals, and it is a hub for United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) SFO is the second busiest airport on the California airports map, serving over 57 million passengers in 2019. It is located in the south of San Francisco, and it is the primary airport serving the San Francisco Bay Area. SFO has four terminals, and it is a hub for United Airlines.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) SAN is the third busiest airport on the California airports map, serving over 25 million passengers in 2019. It is located in the north of San Diego, and it is the primary airport serving the San Diego metropolitan area. SAN has two terminals, and it is a focus city for Southwest Airlines.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) SMF is the fourth busiest airport on the California airports map, serving over 13 million passengers in 2019. It is located in the north of Sacramento, and it is the primary airport serving the Sacramento metropolitan area. SMF has two terminals, and it is a focus city for Southwest Airlines.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) OAK is the fifth busiest airport in California, serving over 13 million passengers in 2019. It is located in the east of San Francisco Bay, and it is the primary airport serving the East Bay Area. OAK has two terminals, and it is a focus city for Southwest Airlines.
San Jose International Airport (SJC) SJC is the sixth busiest airport on the California airports map, serving over 15 million passengers in 2019. It is located in the south of San Francisco Bay, and it is the primary airport serving the Silicon Valley. SJC has two terminals, and it is a focus city for Southwest Airlines.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) SNA is the seventh busiest airport in California, serving over 10 million passengers in 2019. It is located in the south of Los Angeles, and it is the primary airport serving Orange County. SNA has one terminal, and it is a focus city for Southwest Airlines.
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) BUR is the eighth busiest airport on the California airports map, serving over 5 million passengers in 2019. It is located in the north of Los Angeles, and it is the primary airport serving the San Fernando Valley and Burbank. BUR has one terminal, and it is a focus city for Southwest Airlines.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) LGB is the ninth busiest airport in California, serving over 3 million passengers in 2019. It is located in the east of Los Angeles, and it is the primary airport serving Long Beach and the surrounding area. LGB has one terminal, and it is a focus city for JetBlue Airways.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) VNY is the busiest reliever airport on the California airports map, serving general aviation and corporate aircraft. It is located in the north of Los Angeles, and it is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world. VNY has two runways and multiple FBOs (Fixed Base Operators) providing services to private and corporate aircraft.
Hayward Executive Airport (HWD) HWD is a reliever airport located in the east of San Francisco Bay. It serves general aviation and corporate aircraft and has one runway and multiple FBOs providing services to private and corporate aircraft.
Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF) MYF is a reliever airport located in the north of San Diego. It serves general aviation and corporate aircraft and has one runway and multiple FBOs providing services to private and corporate aircraft.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) ONT is a reliever airport located in the east of Los Angeles. It serves general aviation and corporate aircraft and has two runways and multiple FBOs providing services to private and corporate aircraft.
Napa County Airport (APC) APC is a general aviation airport located in the north of San Francisco Bay. It serves private and recreational pilots and has one runway and a few FBOs providing services to private aircraft.
Santa Monica Airport (SMO) SMO is a general aviation airport located in the west of Los Angeles. It serves private and recreational pilots and has one runway and multiple FBOs providing services to private aircraft.
Chino Airport (CNO) CNO is a general aviation airport located in the east of Los Angeles. It serves private and recreational pilots and has two runways and a few FBOs providing services to private aircraft.
Edwards Air Force Base (EDW) EDW is a military airport located in the north of Los Angeles. It is one of the largest and busiest air force bases in the world and serves as a testing and training facility for the United States Air Force.
Naval Air Station Lemoore (NLC) NLC is a military airport located in the central valley of California. It serves as the primary west coast strike fighter training facility for the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
In conclusion, California has a vast network of airports that serve various purposes, including commercial flights, general aviation, corporate aircraft, and military operations. The California Airports Map is a useful tool for navigating the state’s airports and planning travel itineraries. Whether you are a frequent flyer or a private pilot, California’s airports offer convenient access to a variety of destinations and experiences.
