All three airports in Fresno are public, but are different in nature. Fresno's main airport, Fresno Yosemite International Airport, is a commercial service airport with flights operated by scheduled passenger service operated by airlines. Fresno is also home to two general aviation airports. These airports are generally private, public use facilities for privately owned aircraft operations and pilot education programs. One of Fresno's general aviation airports is the Sierra Sky Park, an example of a residential subdivision based around an airport (also known as an airpark).
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is approximately 6 miles northeast of downtown Fresno. It is owned and operated by the City of Fresno, and travelers can fly to destinations in the Western United States, Texas and Mexico from the airport. Flights are operated by American, Delta, Allegiant, Alaska Airlines, United and US Airways, as well as air cargo flights operated by UPS and Federal Express. Originally constructed in 1962, the airport terminal houses a few shops and restaurants, including a gift shop, barber shop, Starbucks and J. Muir Tavern. A six-gate concourse was completed in 2002.
The Sierra Sky Park is a privately owned, public airport on the northern edge of Fresno. It is 7 miles from downtown Fresno. Built in 1960, the airpark was one of the first built in the United States. The airport features aircraft-accessible homes and was originally built to allow quick commutes by privately owned aircraft between Fresno and the San Francisco Bay area. Residents of the Sierra Sky Park are literally allowed to fly from and to their homes.
Chandler Executive Airport is just 1 1/2 miles west of downtown Fresno. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Fresno, and was once the city's main airport served by commercial airlines. Since airlines moved operations to Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Chandler Executive Airport has become a general aviation airport for private aircraft operations in the central San Joaquin Valley.
