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Chadron Airport

About the Airport

Chadron Municipal Airport (CDR) is not merely a runway in the middle of the Great Plains, but a vital aerial artery connecting northwestern Nebraska with the rest of the USA. For travellers, it serves as a convenient gateway to a region rich in Wild West history and impressive natural beauty. The airport primarily handles domestic flights, providing residents and visitors with a reliable connection to major transport hubs.

Chadron Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
IATA Code CDR
ICAO Code KCDR
City Chadron
Distance to centre 5 km
Status Domestic
Annual passengers About 3,000
Popular Airlines Southern Airways Express

A key feature of the airport is its participation in the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) programme, which subsidises air travel to small and remote communities. Thanks to this, Chadron maintains a regular connection with the major international hub in Denver. The compact size of the terminal turns pre-flight formalities into a quick and comfortable process, devoid of the hustle and queues of large airports. It is the ideal starting point for those planning to visit Chadron State Park, the Museum of the Fur Trade, or explore the unique landscapes of Nebraska.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Chadron Airport (CDR). We recommend verifying the data on official resources before your trip, as it may change.

  • Official Website: Current information about Chadron Airport can usually be found on the official City of Chadron website, in the transportation section.
  • Information Desk Phone: To contact the airport administration, you can use the number: +1 308-432-0529. Please note that for questions related to tickets and schedules, you should contact the airline.
  • Airport Address: 904 Airport Rd, Chadron, NE 69337, USA.
  • Email: A dedicated email address for general passenger inquiries is typically unavailable. For official correspondence, it is recommended to use the contacts listed on the city's website.
  • Social Media: Small municipal airports generally do not maintain their own social media pages.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the airline directly regarding the flight you took. Airport services do not handle baggage tracing.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: Support regarding booking, flight changes, check-in, and other flight aspects is provided by your airline.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Chadron Airport from the city of the same name is effortless, as it is located just a few kilometres from the centre. Chadron is a small town in the USA, so transport options here differ from major metropolises. The main ways to reach the terminal are by taxi, transfer, or rental car.

Taxi and Transfer are the most popular and convenient options. The trip from the city centre will take no more than 5–10 minutes. The cost is generally low, but it is best to confirm it when booking. Important advice: since the number of cars in the town is limited, it is recommended to book a taxi in advance, especially if you have an early departure or late arrival. Some hotels may also assist in organising transfers for their guests.

Car Rental is the ideal solution if you value mobility and plan to explore the picturesque surroundings of Nebraska. A car will give you freedom of movement and allow you to easily reach local attractions. Rental services may be offered both directly at the airport and in the town itself. To guarantee availability and get a favourable rate, it is better to book online in advance.

For travellers using personal transport, convenient parking is provided on the airport grounds. typically, in small regional airports, the car park is within walking distance of the terminal, and parking fees, for both short-term and long-term stays, are quite reasonable.

Please note that there is no public transport (buses, trains) in Chadron connecting the city to the airport. Therefore, you should not rely on this option when planning your trip. The main rule for a comfortable journey through Chadron Airport is to plan your logistics in advance.

Terminals and Map

Chadron Airport (CDR) is a small regional aviation hub with a structure that is as simple and convenient as possible for passengers. You will not find confusing multi-level complexes here — everything is designed for quick and comfortable service.

The key feature of the airport is the presence of one passenger terminal. This small building serves all flights, both departures and arrivals. Thanks to its compact size, navigation inside is intuitive, and you will not need a map or much time to get your bearings. All main areas — check-in counters, security screening, the waiting lounge, and the baggage claim area — are within walking distance of each other.

Check-in and security procedures at Chadron Airport usually proceed very quickly. The absence of large crowds and long queues is one of the main advantages of this hub. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, following your airline's rules, to complete all formalities without rushing.

Inside the terminal, you will find the basic amenities necessary for waiting for a flight. Since the departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, you do not have to worry about transfers between terminals. After landing, you will quickly reach the baggage claim area and be able to leave the airport. The simple and logical layout makes Chadron Airport an ideal choice for those who value their time and prefer to avoid the bustle of major aviation hubs.

Airport History

The history of Chadron Municipal Airport (CDR) begins in April 1940, when it was officially opened. Located in the state of Nebraska, USA, this airport was conceived from the start as an important transport hub for the local community, providing connectivity for residents and businesses in this remote corner of the state.

One of the most significant stages in the airport's history occurred during the Second World War. During this period, it was transferred to the US Army Air Forces and operated as Chadron Army Airfield. A contract glider pilot training school was organised here, operating from 1942 to 1944. This interesting historical fact highlights the airfield's contribution to the country's military efforts — cadets trained on Waco CG-4 transport gliders, which were towed by C-47 Skytrain aircraft.

After the war ended, the airfield returned to civilian control and resumed its role in regional aviation. Its further development is closely linked to the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) programme, which provides subsidies for commercial flights to small cities. Thanks to this support, the airport has hosted flights from various airlines for decades, allowing Chadron residents to maintain connections with the country's major transport hubs.

Major infrastructure modernisation took place in 2007, when the construction of a new, modern passenger terminal was completed. This significantly increased passenger comfort and improved the airport's overall capabilities. Today, Chadron Airport continues to serve both commercial flights and private aviation, remaining a vital facility for its region and an example of a successful municipal airport with a rich history.

Services and Facilities

Chadron Airport (CDR) is a small regional air station providing passengers with a basic set of services for a comfortable wait. The airport's infrastructure is focused on meeting the key needs of travellers departing from or arriving in Chadron. It is important to consider that, as with most compact airports, the range of amenities here is more limited compared to major international hubs.

For passenger convenience, the terminal features a waiting lounge where you can rest before departure. You can stay connected thanks to free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. Power outlets are also provided for charging mobile phones and other electronic devices. The airport fully complies with accessibility standards and is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility.

Shopping and dining options at Chadron Airport are limited. There are no full-service restaurants, cafes, or shops here. Vending machines with snacks and drinks are available for a light bite. It is recommended to plan a full lunch or dinner in the city before arriving at the airport. Currency exchange services, bank branches, VIP lounges, and business centres are not available at the airport.

Although there are no hotels on the airport grounds, various accommodation options can easily be found in the nearby city of Chadron. There are no specialised mother-and-child rooms or children's play areas, but standard restrooms are equipped with all necessities. In case of need, basic first aid can be provided to passengers. For special services, such as assistance with moving through the terminal, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance.

Where to Eat

When planning a departure from Chadron Airport (CDR), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and dining options on its premises are very limited. The terminal building lacks full-service restaurants or cafes found in major aviation hubs.

Passengers typically only have access to vending machines. You can purchase basic snacks such as crisps and chocolate bars, as well as soft drinks in bottles or cans. This is a convenient option for a quick bite, but the selection does not offer hot meals or variety for people with special dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal options).

In this regard, we strongly recommend that passengers eat beforehand, prior to arriving at the airport. In the city of Chadron itself, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a proper lunch or dinner. It is also a sensible decision to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you have a long wait or specific dietary preferences.

Tips for Travellers

Travelling through a regional airport, such as the airport in Chadron, is usually calmer than through major international hubs. Nevertheless, proper preparation will help make your trip as comfortable as possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, even taking into account possible small queues.

To save time, use online check-in, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. This will allow you to choose your seat and obtain your boarding pass in advance. Security screening in small airports typically proceeds faster, but security rules remain standard for the USA. Prepare your documents in advance and remove electronics and liquids from your carry-on luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Regarding carry-on luggage, remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) and packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin.

Chadron Airport mainly serves domestic flights, so if you are flying abroad, you will likely have a transfer at a larger airport. Ensure you have enough time between flights (at least 1.5-2 hours). You will pass customs and border control at the first airport of arrival in the country. There is no customs control when departing from Chadron on a domestic route.

To save time and money, book flight tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid extra charges at the airport. You can also bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security, and light snacks, as the choice of food in a small airport may be limited.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and your rights as a passenger. Monitor updates on the departure board and via the airline's mobile app. Since there may not be many shops or facilities in small airports, it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and headphones with you to pass the time comfortably.

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