โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Columbia Gorge Regional Airport (DLS), also known as The Dalles Municipal Airport, is a uniquely situated general aviation facility located in Klickitat County, Washington, just across the river from The Dalles, Oregon. Despite its physical location in Washington, the airport has been owned by the City of The Dalles since the 1940s and has been jointly operated with Klickitat County since 2002. This cross-state partnership highlights the airport's critical role as a regional infrastructure asset for the entire Columbia River Gorge area, serving as a hub for corporate travel, emergency services, and recreational aviation.
The airport has a rich history that dates back to the early 1920s when it originated as a simple grass landing strip known as Case Field. During World War II, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers significantly developed the site into a military training facility, constructing the paved airfield architecture that forms the basis of the current infrastructure. Today, the airport features two substantial asphalt runways, with the primary runway (13/31) measuring over 5,000 feet, making it capable of accommodating a wide variety of modern corporate jets and specialized cargo aircraft. While it briefly hosted scheduled commercial flights in the 1950s, its contemporary focus is entirely on supporting the general aviation community.
Terminal services at DLS are primarily managed by TacAero, a full-service Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) known for its high-quality support of the regional aviation sector. The terminal building provides a comfortable environment for pilots and passengers, featuring a dedicated lounge, flight planning facilities, and a well-regarded flight school. Visiting aviators benefit from comprehensive ground services, including 24-hour self-service fuel, professional aircraft maintenance, and even a courtesy car for those looking to explore the local shops and dining in The Dalles. While the facility lacks the large-scale retail and dining options of major commercial hubs, its efficient operations and stunning scenic location make it a preferred stop for pilots navigating the Pacific Northwest.
๐ Connection Tips
Columbia Gorge Regional serves the gorge area from Dallesport, Washington. DLS has no scheduled airline service; it mainly serves private and charter traffic. Most visitors use Portland, then drive east through the Columbia Gorge. 1.5 hours) to the west, and then completing the journey via rental car or the 'Columbia Gorge Express' bus service.
If you are flying privately into DLS, the airport's Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), TacAero, provides excellent support, including 24-hour self-service fuel and a courtesy car available for visiting pilots to use for short trips across the bridge into The Dalles for meals or supplies. It is highly recommended to call the FBO in advance to ensure the vehicle is available. The airport features two well-maintained asphalt runways, including a 5,097-foot primary strip (13/31) capable of handling corporate jets.
Ground transportation beyond the courtesy car requires advance coordination; local taxi services like Columbia Gorge Taxi offer airport transfers, but there is no direct public transit station at the terminal. Within the terminal, amenities include a comfortable pilot's lounge with Wi-Fi and flight planning tools. Because the airport is situated in the scenic but high-wind Gorge environment, pilots should be particularly vigilant for strong crosswinds and check the latest METAR/TAF reports before departure.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to Columbia Gorge Regional Airport