Chico Municipal Airport

Chico Municipal Airport is an atmospheric aviation gateway located in the heart of Northern California, amidst picturesque almond orchards and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Although you will not find the hustle and bustle of major international hubs here today, the airport remains an important centre for private and business aviation, preserving the comfort and spirit of true flight. It is a place where aviation history intertwines with modernity, offering pilots and their passengers convenient access to the region's natural beauty and business centre.

Airport Features and Highlights:

Despite the absence of regular commercial airlines, Chico Airport possesses a number of unique characteristics that make it attractive for small aviation and visitors to the city:

• Infrastructure for Private Aviation: The airport is an ideal venue for General Aviation. A full range of services (FBO) is available here, including refuelling, hangars, and maintenance, which is highly appreciated by owners of private planes and business jets.
• Impressive Runways: Thanks to its military past, Chico boasts two long runways capable of accommodating various types of aircraft, which is a rarity for municipal airports of this size.
• Strategic Firefighting Base: The airport serves as home to the CAL FIRE aerial attack base, making it a critical hub for regional safety. Visitors can often observe the work of rescue aviation.
• Convenient Location: The airport is located just a 15-minute drive from the city centre and the university campus, allowing travellers to instantly immerse themselves in the life of Chico without long transfers.
• Atmospheric Cafe: A popular cafe operates within the terminal offering views of the airfield, where one can have breakfast or lunch while watching the take-offs and landings of private aircraft.

To ensure your trip through Chico Airport goes smoothly, please use the current contact information. Here you will find the main contacts for communicating with the airport administration and services.

• Official Website: You can find all the latest information on flights, services, and passenger regulations on the official website of Chico Airport.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions regarding airport operations, you can contact the administration at +1 (530) 896-7216.
• Airport Address: 150 Airpark Blvd, Chico, CA 95973, USA.
• Email: To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the special contact form available on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages. Important updates are published on the website of the city of Chico.
• Lost Luggage Information: If items have been lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration. For issues related to checked baggage, you should contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions regarding booking, ticket changes, and flight schedules, please contact your airline's support service.

Getting to Chico Municipal Airport (CIC) from the city centre of Chico is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres to the north. Travellers can choose from several convenient methods depending on their budget, time, and preferences.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly option is the local B-Line (Butte Regional Transit) bus network. The cost of a single trip is usually around $1.50–$2.00. Although routes may not go directly to the terminal building, some bus stops are within walking distance of the airport. This method is suitable for travellers without heavy luggage. Be sure to check the current schedule and routes on the official B-Line website to plan your time accurately.

Taxi and Ridesharing

The most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport is to use taxi services or ridesharing apps popular in the USA, such as Uber and Lyft. The trip from the city centre usually takes 15-20 minutes, and the cost varies from $20 to $30. This option is ideal for those in a hurry or travelling with bulky luggage. You can also book a transfer in advance, which is particularly convenient for large groups.

Car Rental and Private Transport

If you prefer to drive yourself, travelling by private or rented car is an excellent solution. The route from the city centre is intuitive and does not take much time. Car rental is especially convenient for those planning to explore the region upon arrival. Counters for several rental companies operate at and near the airport, but it is recommended to book a car online in advance to secure the best rates.

Parking at the Airport

For those arriving in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided on the territory of Chico Airport. There are zones for both short-term parking (if you are dropping off or picking up passengers) and long-term storage of the vehicle for the duration of your trip. Rates depend on the duration of parking, so it is recommended to check current prices and conditions on the official airport website.

Alternative Routes

Although Chico Airport is convenient for local flights, travellers often use the larger Sacramento International Airport (SMF), located approximately 1.5–2 hours away by car, for a wider choice of destinations. You can get to Chico from there by rented car or by using shuttle services (for example, North Valley Shuttle), which offer regular trips between the airport and the city. Booking a transfer or car in advance is highly recommended.

Chico Airport (CIC) is a small and convenient regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure. There is one passenger terminal operating here, which services all flights. This means that both arrivals and departures take place in the same building, making navigation extremely easy for travellers.

The terminal layout is very simple. Since there is only one building and it is small in size, all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Check-in counters, the security screening area, a small waiting lounge, and the baggage claim point are located compactly. It is practically impossible to get lost here — it is sufficient to follow the few but clear signs. Transfers between terminals are not required, as all operations are concentrated in one place.

Departure and arrival zones are separated but are in close proximity. After checking in for a flight and passing security control, passengers enter the secure area with the boarding gate. The arrival zone with the baggage claim belt is located at the other exit of the terminal.

One of the main advantages of Chico Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Flight check-in and security screening usually take minimal time compared to major airports. Generally, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 60–90 minutes before the departure of your flight. This time is more than enough to check in luggage, pass control, and walk to the boarding gate without rushing.

The history of Chico Airport (CIC) began in 1935 when it was built as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression. Originally created to serve civil aviation, the airport soon acquired strategic importance for the entire country.

With the outbreak of World War II, the life of the airport changed dramatically. In 1941, it was transferred to the jurisdiction of the United States Army Air Forces and renamed Chico Army Airfield. Throughout the war, the airfield served as one of the key pilot training centres, where thousands of future aviators underwent basic flight training before being sent to the front. This heritage remains an important part of the airport's identity to this day.

After the end of the war, in 1949, the airfield was returned to the municipal ownership of the city of Chico and once again became a civil facility, receiving its modern name — Chico Airport (CIC). In subsequent decades, it developed as an important transport hub for Northern California, serving flights of various regional airlines and connecting the region with major cities.

Significant modernization took place in 1993, when a new, more modern passenger terminal was built, which is still in use today. In addition to serving commercial flights, the airport plays a critically important role in the region as a base for CAL FIRE firefighting aviation, especially during the forest fire season. This makes it not just a transport facility, but a vital centre for ensuring safety.

Thus, the history of Chico Airport is a unique combination of civil service and a military past. From a modest WPA project to an important military base and a modern regional hub, it continues to play a significant role in the life of Northern California.

The Chico Municipal Airport (CIC) is a small and convenient regional airport providing a basic set of services for a comfortable wait before your flight. Since the terminal is compact, all amenities are within walking distance.

Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, as well as charging stations for electronic devices. Options for snacks are generally limited to vending machines with snacks and drinks. There are no full-service restaurants or large shops inside the airport building, so it is recommended to eat in the city beforehand.

Specialised lounges of increased comfort or VIP lounges are not provided. Also, there are no bank branches or currency exchange points at the airport, although an ATM may be installed for cash withdrawals. Business centres or conference rooms are also absent.

The airport is fully equipped for passengers with disabilities in accordance with ADA standards. Accessible restrooms and ramps are provided. If you require assistance with boarding or moving around the terminal, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. For travellers with small children, there are changing tables in the restrooms. There are no hotels directly within the airport building, however, many accommodation options can be found in Chico itself, just a few minutes' drive away.

Although Chico Airport (CIC) belongs to the category of small regional airports with a basic set of services, travellers will be pleasantly surprised by the presence of a full-service cafe here. It is important to note immediately that all catering establishments are located in the public zone of the terminal, before passing security control (landside), so you should plan your lunch or snack in advance.

The main and, effectively, the only place for a proper meal is The Runway Cafe. This establishment is popular not only with passengers but also with locals due to its unique feature — its windows offer a beautiful view of the runway. The menu offers American classics: hearty burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, and breakfasts served throughout the day. It is the ideal place to eat calmly before a flight.

If you are short on time, you can grab coffee and pastries to go at The Runway Cafe. Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarian dishes, such as salads, are usually present on the menu. However, choices for vegans, those requiring Halal meals, or passengers with gluten intolerance may be limited, so it is recommended to clarify available options with the staff on-site. Prices in the cafe are comparable to the average in the city.

A key point to remember: after passing screening (in the "clean" airside zone), opportunities to buy food or drinks are practically non-existent, with the exception of vending machines. Therefore, if you plan to snack on the plane, purchase everything necessary in advance. The cafe's opening hours are usually synchronised with the flight schedule but may change, so it is worth checking current information before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Chico Airport goes as smoothly as possible, please use our tips. This is a small regional airport, so it is usually quieter here than in major hubs, but preparation is still important.

Arrival Time Recommendations: For domestic flights within the USA served by the airport, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage, pass security control, and walk to the boarding gate without rushing.

Check-in and Security: To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website. Security control here follows standard TSA (Transportation Security Administration) rules, but queues are usually shorter. Be prepared to remove electronics larger than a mobile phone and permitted liquids in a transparent bag from your hand luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane: Standard advice applies here too: choose a window seat if you want to enjoy the views during take-off and landing, or an aisle seat if you value the ability to stretch your legs and stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Aircraft on regional routes are often not very large, so a good view is available from almost any seat.

Hand Luggage: Remember the TSA "3-1-1" rule for liquids: containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz), packed in one transparent bag with a volume of about 1 litre. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and most aerosols in the cabin. Always check current rules on the airline's website, as they may have their own restrictions on the weight and size of hand luggage.

Passengers with Transfers: Most flights from Chico are short flights to major hub airports (for example, San Francisco). If you have a connecting flight, study the map of the arrival airport in advance and clarify the time needed to transfer to the next gate. Often, information about the boarding gate for a connecting flight is available immediately after landing in the airline's app.

Customs Control: Chico Airport serves only domestic flights. This means that there is no need to pass passport or customs control here. All procedures are related exclusively to aviation security.

Saving Time and Money: Check in online and travel with only hand luggage to avoid paying for baggage and waiting for it upon arrival. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing control, and grab some light snacks — the choice in a small airport may be limited and expensive.

In Case of Flight Delay: Monitor updates via your airline's mobile app — this is the fastest way to receive information. If a flight is delayed or cancelled, contact an airline representative at the check-in counter or at the boarding gate. Since there are few amenities at the airport, it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and movies or podcasts downloaded to your device in case of a long wait.