Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Salem is Oregon’s capital and a convenient base for exploring the central Willamette Valley. However, travelers searching for airlines that fly directly to Salem need to distinguish between Salem-Willamette Valley Airport and the larger commercial airports in Portland and Eugene. Salem’s airport remains active, but its current passenger-flight situation is different from what many older travel pages describe.
Quick Answer
Based on the latest official City of Salem update available as of July 25, 2026, no airline offers scheduled commercial passenger flights at Salem-Willamette Valley Airport (SLE). Most travelers should compare Portland International Airport (PDX) and Eugene Airport (EUG), then continue to Salem by rental car, shuttle, rideshare, bus, or train.
Key Takeaways
- No airline currently operates scheduled commercial passenger flights at Salem-Willamette Valley Airport.
- Portland International Airport usually offers the largest selection of airlines, routes, and departure times.
- Eugene Airport can be a useful alternative, especially when its airfare, schedule, or ground travel works better for your trip.
- Avelo Airlines formerly flew from Salem to Burbank, Las Vegas, and Santa Rosa, but its Salem service ended on August 10, 2025.
- Always verify the airport code before paying: SLE is Salem, PDX is Portland, and EUG is Eugene.
What Airlines Serve Salem, Oregon Right Now?
No airline currently offers scheduled commercial passenger service at Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, also known as McNary Field. The airport code is SLE.
SLE remains an active public airport that supports general aviation, flight training, aviation businesses, government operations, private aircraft, and some charter activity. Private or charter flights are not the same as regularly scheduled airline service that individual passengers can book through a major airline website.
Warning: Older articles, tourism pages, search snippets, and route databases may still show Avelo flights from Salem. Do not assume a route is active unless it appears as bookable for your dates on the airline’s current website and the airport confirms scheduled service.
What Happened to Avelo Airlines in Salem?
Avelo Airlines restored commercial passenger service to Salem in October 2023. It offered flights involving Burbank, Las Vegas, and, for a limited period, Santa Rosa/Sonoma County.
Avelo ended its Salem operations on August 10, 2025, as part of a broader reduction in its western United States network. According to a City of Salem report, Avelo operated 820 one-way Salem flights and carried about 90,000 passengers during its time at SLE.
Avelo carried approximately 90,000 passengers through Salem before ending service on August 10, 2025. Those flights are historical and should not be treated as current routes.
The City has continued working to recruit another airline. Its February 2026 update said two airlines had expressed interest, but no commitment had been made. The same update explained that restoring commercial service could require the airport to complete a federal reauthorization and passenger-screening process.
Which Airport Should You Use for Salem?
For most travelers, the practical choices are Portland International Airport and Eugene Airport. Compare the complete trip, including airfare, schedule, baggage fees, rental-car cost, shuttle availability, and travel time to Salem.
| Airport | Current Role | Best For | Important Consideration |
| Salem-Willamette Valley Airport (SLE) | General aviation, private aircraft, charter activity, aviation businesses, and public-service operations | Private or charter aviation and travelers meeting an aircraft at SLE | No currently announced scheduled commercial passenger flights |
| Portland International Airport (PDX) | Large commercial airport with extensive domestic and international connectivity | The widest choice of airlines, destinations, schedules, and connecting flights | Travel Salem places PDX about 60 miles from Salem; traffic can make the drive longer |
| Eugene Airport (EUG) | Regional commercial airport with scheduled airline service | Travelers who find a better fare, shorter connection, or more convenient southern approach | It may offer fewer schedules than PDX, so compare both airports before booking |
Pro Tip: Search PDX and EUG in separate tabs using the same dates. Then add the expected ground transportation cost and time. A slightly cheaper flight may not be the best deal if it requires an expensive one-way rental car or an overnight stay.
Flight Destinations From Salem
There are currently no scheduled commercial destinations from Salem-Willamette Valley Airport. Passengers cannot presently book a standard airline ticket from SLE to Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, New York, Orlando, or another scheduled destination.
Former Scheduled Destinations
Avelo’s former Salem network included the following destinations at different points between 2023 and 2025:
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): Marketed as access to the Los Angeles area.
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Las Vegas service operated during portions of Avelo’s Salem schedule.
- Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS): Santa Rosa/Sonoma County service operated for a limited period.
These routes ended with Avelo’s Salem withdrawal and are listed only to explain why old booking guides may still mention them.
Note: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is not a current nonstop destination from Salem. Travelers going to Seattle should compare driving, rail service, or flights from PDX or EUG rather than relying on an old Salem route description.
Tips for Booking Flights to Salem
Because Salem currently has no scheduled airline service, booking a “flight to Salem” normally means flying into PDX or EUG and arranging the final part of the trip separately.
| Tip | How to Apply It |
| Search both nearby airports | Run separate searches for PDX and EUG. Compare departure times, connections, baggage rules, and total travel duration. |
| Book early when dates are fixed | Begin tracking fares once your dates are known. There is no universal three-week rule that guarantees the lowest price. |
| Use flexible-date tools | Check nearby departure dates when possible. A one-day change may improve the fare, connection, or arrival time. |
| Set fare alerts | Track both airports rather than creating an alert only for Portland. |
| Price the ground connection | Add the cost of a rental car, fuel, parking, shuttle, train, taxi, or rideshare before deciding which airfare is cheaper overall. |
| Verify airport codes | Confirm that the itinerary says PDX, EUG, or SLE as intended. Do not rely only on a city name displayed by a third-party booking site. |
| Check the return trip | Make sure your transportation back to the airport operates early or late enough for the return flight. |
Simple Booking Process
- Search your home airport to PDX.
- Repeat the same search using EUG.
- Remove itineraries with unacceptable layovers or arrival times.
- Check baggage and seat-selection fees.
- Estimate the cost and time required to reach Salem.
- Confirm the airline’s schedule directly before paying.
- Reserve the ground connection after the flight is confirmed.
Best Times to Visit Salem
Salem has four distinct travel seasons. The best period depends on whether you prefer outdoor activities, festivals, fall scenery, or quieter indoor attractions.
Spring
March through May generally brings mild conditions, flowering trees, and green landscapes. Rain remains possible, so pack a light waterproof layer. Spring can be a comfortable time for parks, gardens, downtown walks, and nearby wine-country visits.
Summer
June through August usually offers the longest days and the most dependable conditions for outdoor plans. Popular activities include parks, riverfront walks, local events, and Willamette Valley day trips. Hot spells can occur, so check the forecast and confirm that lodging has suitable cooling.
The 2026 Oregon State Fair is scheduled for August 28 through September 7. Future dates may differ, so check the official fair calendar before arranging flights and lodging.
Fall
September through November can provide comfortable temperatures, vineyard visits, harvest-season activities, and changing foliage. Early fall often works well for travelers who want outdoor time with fewer peak-summer crowds.
Winter
December through February is typically cooler and wetter. Winter can still suit museum visits, restaurants, indoor attractions, and quieter city breaks. Allow extra driving time during storms and check road conditions before traveling from PDX or EUG.
Salem Airport Amenities and Current Passenger Facilities
Salem-Willamette Valley Airport is located about two miles from downtown Salem. It has airport administration, aviation businesses, hangars, fueling services, and facilities that support general aviation and other aircraft operations.
Travelers should not assume that the commercial-passenger setup used during Avelo’s operation is currently functioning as a normal airline terminal. With no scheduled commercial service, airline ticket counters, flight-day baggage processing, TSA passenger screening, gate operations, and commercial passenger amenities may be unavailable or inactive.
The airport’s official information page lists the administration office at 2990 25th Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97302. Travelers using a charter aircraft or meeting a private flight should confirm access, parking, terminal arrangements, rental transportation, and operating hours directly with the charter company or airport administration.
Note: An airport can remain open to aviation even when it has no scheduled commercial passenger airline. “Open airport” does not necessarily mean that airline check-in, TSA screening, food service, baggage handling, or scheduled departures are available.
Local Transportation Options in Salem
Transportation needs depend on whether you arrive at SLE, PDX, EUG, or Salem’s Amtrak station.
From Portland International Airport
Travel Salem describes Salem as approximately 60 miles from PDX. Driving time varies with traffic, construction, weather, and the final destination within Salem.
Common options include:
- Rental car: Often the most flexible choice for travelers visiting wineries, parks, nearby towns, or multiple locations.
- Airport shuttle: Travel Salem identifies scheduled shuttle service between PDX and the Salem airport area. Check the operator’s current timetable, pickup point, baggage policy, and reservation requirements.
- Rideshare or taxi: Convenient for direct travel, but the long-distance fare can be substantial.
- Transit and rail combination: Travelers may use Portland-area transportation to reach an Amtrak departure point and continue to Salem. Leave enough time between separate tickets.
From Eugene Airport
A rental car is usually the simplest option when arriving at EUG. Rideshare, taxi, or other ground transportation may also be available, but travelers should check the estimated fare and availability before choosing a late-night arrival.
Getting Around Salem
Cherriots operates Salem’s public bus system. Route 6 serves the 25th Street and Aviation Loop area near Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, with service toward the Downtown Transit Center. Routes and departure times can change, so use the official trip planner on the day of travel.
Other local options include:
- Rental cars
- Rideshare services
- Taxis
- Cherriots buses
- Bicycles on suitable routes
- Walking within compact downtown and park areas
Salem also has an Amtrak station. Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight services connect Salem with cities to the north and south, although schedules, travel times, and baggage services should be checked for the specific departure date.
Exploring Salem’s Attractions
Once in Salem, visitors can combine civic history, parks, local museums, food, and Willamette Valley day trips.
Oregon State Capitol
The Oregon State Capitol is one of Salem’s best-known landmarks. Visitors can explore the grounds and check the Oregon Legislature’s current visitor information for building access, tours, security procedures, and special events.
Willamette Heritage Center
The Willamette Heritage Center presents regional history through exhibits, historic structures, and stories connected to the Mid-Willamette Valley. Check current admission hours before visiting.
Bush’s Pasture Park
Bush’s Pasture Park offers walking areas, gardens, open lawns, and access to several nearby cultural sites. It is a practical stop for travelers who want an outdoor break close to central Salem.
Riverfront and Downtown Salem
Downtown Salem and the riverfront area provide restaurants, shops, public spaces, walking routes, and access to several attractions. Travelers without a car may find this area easier to explore than more distant regional destinations.
Willamette Valley Wineries
The surrounding Willamette Valley is known for vineyards and tasting rooms. A rental car or prearranged tour is usually more practical than relying on local public transportation for rural winery visits. Anyone tasting alcohol should use a designated driver or professional transportation.
Travelers planning to photograph Salem’s parks, architecture, and nearby landscapes may also find this guide to the best travel camera backpack useful when organizing camera equipment for the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly to Salem, Oregon?
Based on the latest official City of Salem information available as of July 25, 2026, no airline currently operates scheduled commercial passenger flights at Salem-Willamette Valley Airport.
Can I book a direct commercial flight to Salem Airport?
No current scheduled commercial flight has been announced. Private and charter aircraft may use the airport, but those operations are different from regularly scheduled airline tickets.
What is the best airport for visiting Salem, Oregon?
Portland International Airport usually provides the greatest selection of routes and schedules. Eugene Airport may be better when it offers a lower total cost, easier connection, or more convenient arrival time. Compare both before booking.
How far is Portland International Airport from Salem?
Travel Salem describes PDX as approximately 60 miles from Salem. Actual driving time depends on traffic, weather, roadwork, and where you are staying in the Salem area.
Does Salem Airport still operate?
Yes. Salem-Willamette Valley Airport remains an active public airport for general aviation and other aviation activities. It currently lacks scheduled commercial passenger airline service.
Why do some websites still show Avelo flights from Salem?
Avelo served Salem from 2023 until August 10, 2025. Old route pages, cached search results, and uncorrected travel articles may still display those former flights even though the service ended.
Will commercial airline service return to Salem?
The City of Salem is working to recruit another airline and has discussed financial support for new service. Its February 2026 update said airlines had shown interest, but no commitment had been announced. Travelers should check the City’s airport page for future updates.
Sources
- City of Salem: Airport Plans Upgrades Amid Air Service Recruitment Efforts — current commercial-service recruitment and TSA status.
- City of Salem Council Report: Future of Commercial Air Service — Avelo’s end date, former destinations, passenger totals, and replacement-airline efforts.
- City of Salem: Salem-Willamette Valley Airport Information — airport location, ownership, administration, and current airport information.
- Travel Salem Transportation Guide — PDX distance, shuttle guidance, rail information, and regional transportation.
- Cherriots: 25th Street at Aviation Loop — current bus-stop and Route 6 information near the airport.
- Oregon State Fair — official 2026 fair dates.
