โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Roberts Field operates as Central Oregon's premier commercial aviation gateway, serving the Redmond-Bend metropolitan area with a modern 132,000 square foot terminal that showcases distinctive Central Oregon architectural design elements. Located just 20 miles north of Bend, the airport serves as the third largest commercial service facility in Oregon and the primary hub for reaching world-class outdoor destinations including Mount Bachelor, Smith Rock State Park, and the region's renowned golf resorts.
The terminal building underwent significant expansion from its original 6,000 square foot 1981 structure, growing through multiple phases to its current size and now featuring an additional 80,000 square feet of new space with seven jet bridges, expanded waiting areas, enhanced accessibility features, and public art installations. Passenger amenities include the award-winning Avalon Aeropub offering local microbrews and freshly prepared meals, free WiFi throughout the facility, and six full-service car rental agencies conveniently located near baggage claim offering 4WD vehicles ideal for Central Oregon terrain.
Operational capabilities support 30 daily flights operated by five major carriers including American Airlines, Alaska Air, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and incoming Breeze Airways, connecting directly to major hubs like Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Dallas, and Las Vegas. The facility maintains 24/7 public access in pre-security areas and serves as a critical base for U.S. Forest Service aerial firefighting operations and the Lancair aircraft manufacturing facility.
Strategic importance encompasses serving as the aviation gateway to Central Oregon's high-desert region, supporting both tourism and business travel while accommodating the unique operational requirements of its 3,080-foot elevation location. The airport plays a vital role in wildfire suppression efforts and provides essential connectivity for the rapidly growing Central Oregon economy.
๐ Connection Tips
Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), also known as Roberts Field, is the premier aviation gateway for the stunning Central Oregon region, located just 20 miles north of Bend. It serves as a critical hub for both business travelers and tourists heading to world-class outdoor destinations like Mount Bachelor, Smith Rock State Park, and the numerous golf resorts of the high desert. For travelers, the terminal is modern, spacious, and extremely efficient, offering a range of amenities including free high-speed Wi-Fi, several comfortable waiting areas, and a variety of local restaurants and breweries that reflect the region's famous craft beer culture.
Arriving at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight with carriers like Alaska, American, Delta, or United is typically sufficient. Ground transportation is exceptionally well-organized, with several major car rental agencies located directly in the arrivals hall, and local shuttles or ride-sharing services reaching downtown Bend in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The airport is also a major base for the U.S. Forest Service's aerial firefighting operations, so visitors may frequently see heavy tankers and smokejumper aircraft during the summer months.
The climate in Central Oregon is characterized by a high-desert environment, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters; however, the region is famous for its 'bluebird' sunny days, though sudden mountain storms can occasionally impact flight operations. Always verify your flight status before leaving for the airport, especially during the winter ski season or summer fire season, as the airport's high elevation (3,080 feet) can create unique operational considerations.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
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