McNary Field

McNary Field Airport (SLE), also known as Salem Municipal Airport, is a cosy air gateway into the very heart of the Willamette Valley. Located at the junction of the Oregon state capital and the city of Keizer, this aviation hub offers travellers a relaxed atmosphere, completely devoid of the hustle found in major international hubs. It is the ideal starting point for those arriving on private flights or planning to start exploring Oregon's scenic vineyards just minutes after landing.

Airport Features and Highlights

Despite its modest size, McNary Field possesses a unique charm and a number of interesting attractions that make it a noteworthy site to visit.

Living Aviation History

One of the main highlights of the airport is the B-17 Alliance Museum. Here, enthusiasts are engaged in the painstaking restoration of the legendary World War II bomber, the B-17G Flying Fortress, known as the "Lacey Lady". Visitors can not only view this historic aircraft but also learn about the role of aviation in the country's history and interact with veterans and volunteers.

Gastronomic View of the Runway

Unlike many regional airports where dining is limited to vending machines, the Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge operates here and is popular among locals. Its main feature is the panoramic windows facing directly onto the airfield. Guests can enjoy classic American cuisine while watching the take-offs and landings of business jets and training aircraft just a few metres from their table.

Strategic Location

The airport is located just a few minutes' drive from the Oregon State Capitol and the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Thanks to its proximity to Interstate I-5, McNary Field serves as a convenient base for corporate travellers and tourists heading to Keizer or exploring the picturesque surroundings of the Willamette Valley.

Below is the contact information for McNary Field Airport (SLE), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential questions.

• Official Website: You will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official website (usually a section on the City of Salem portal, for example, cityofsalem.net/airport).
• Help Desk Phone: For general information and enquiries, you can call: +1 503-588-6314.
• Airport Address: 2990 25th St SE, Salem, OR 97302, USA.
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the official website, as a direct email for general enquiries may not be published.
• Social Media: Links to the airport's official social media pages, if available, are usually posted on its website.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage during a flight, you must immediately contact your airline's representative. For items left in the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions related to tickets, flight check-in, or special services on board, please contact your airline directly. For general questions regarding terminal operations, use the airport help desk phone.

McNary Field Airport (SLE) is located in the immediate vicinity of the city of Salem, the capital of Oregon, and also serves neighbouring Keizer. Thanks to its compact size and convenient location, getting to the terminal from the city centre or surrounding areas is quite simple. Here are the main methods to consider when planning your trip to the USA.

Public Transport

The most economical way to get to the airport is to use the buses of the local Cherriots transport network. Route No. 11 passes near the airport, connecting it to the transit centre in downtown Salem. The journey from there will take about 20-30 minutes. This is an excellent option for travellers with light luggage and those wishing to save money. Be sure to check the current schedule on the Cherriots website, as the frequency of trips may vary depending on the day of the week and time of day.

Taxis and Ridesharing Services

A taxi ride or using apps like Uber and Lyft is the fastest and most convenient method. The journey from the centre of Salem or Keizer to McNary Field Airport will take just 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. This option is ideal if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a small group. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early departure or late arrival.

Car Rental

If you plan to explore the picturesque Willamette Valley or other regions of Oregon, renting a car would be the best solution. Several rental companies have offices at the airport and in its vicinity. Having your own transport will give you maximum freedom of movement. The route to the airport from the city centre is simple and intuitive.

Airport Parking

For those arriving in their own vehicle, parking is provided at McNary Field Airport. Both short-term and long-term parking options are available at reasonable prices, making it convenient for local residents departing on short trips.

Alternative Nearby Airports

Although McNary Field is convenient for regional flights, most international and long-haul flights are served by larger airports. The nearest major hub is Portland International Airport (PDX), located approximately 82 km to the north. Other regional options include Eugene Airport (EUG) and Roberts Field Redmond Airport (RDM).

McNary Field Airport (SLE) is a small and convenient aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. There is only one passenger terminal here, serving all commercial flights, which makes navigating it incredibly easy for travellers. Thanks to its compactness, the airport is ideally suited for those who value their time and prefer to avoid the bustle of major aviation hubs.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters and the baggage claim area for arriving passengers are located. Departure and arrival zones are situated in the same building and are just a few steps away from each other. After check-in, passengers proceed to the single security checkpoint, followed by a small but cosy waiting lounge with a boarding gate.

One of the key advantages of McNary Field Airport is the rapid completion of all pre-flight procedures. Due to the low passenger flow, queues for check-in and security screening here are usually minimal. The entire process from entering the terminal to the waiting lounge typically takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before departure to complete all formalities without rushing.

Navigating the terminal requires no special knowledge or maps — everything is intuitive. Since all services are located in one compact building, getting lost here is practically impossible. Simply follow the few signs, and you will easily find your airline's counter, the security checkpoint, or the boarding gate. Transitions between zones take literally one or two minutes.

The history of McNary Field Airport (SLE), located in Salem and serving the neighbouring city of Keizer, Oregon, USA, begins in 1929. Initially, it was opened as Salem Municipal Airport and served as a base for airmail and early passenger flights, playing an important role in the development of air travel in the region.

A significant stage in the airport's history occurred during the years of World War II. It was transferred to the jurisdiction of the United States Army Air Forces and used as a base for training fighter pilots. It was during this period, in 1944, that the airport received its current name — McNary Field, in honour of the prominent senator from Oregon, Charles L. McNary. After the war, the facility was returned to civilian use.

In the post-war decades, the airport developed actively. In the 1950s, a new passenger terminal was built to serve the growing number of travellers. At various times, airlines such as United Airlines and West Coast Airlines operated flights from here, connecting Salem with other cities on the West Coast. This was the heyday of commercial aviation at McNary Field.

Throughout its history, the airport has been modernised repeatedly. Runways have been reconstructed, navigation equipment updated, and terminal infrastructure improved to meet modern safety and comfort standards. Although regular commercial service has been inconsistent in recent years, McNary Field remains an important centre for private and corporate aviation, as well as a base for the Oregon Air National Guard.

One of the interesting facts about the airport's history lies in its multifunctionality: it has served both civil and military purposes, been a training centre, and a vital transport hub. This rich history makes McNary Field not just an airport, but a significant historical site reflecting the stages of aviation development in the USA over nearly a century.

McNary Field Airport (SLE) offers a basic but functional set of services, ensuring a comfortable stay for passengers before departure. Being a regional airport, it is focused on convenience and speed of service.

For passengers in the terminal, there is a small café where you can have a snack, order sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. The selection of shops is limited, so large purchases are best planned in advance. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are equipped in the waiting lounges, allowing you to stay connected.

The airport does not have specialised VIP lounges or business centres; however, the general waiting areas are comfortable enough for a short stay. For business meetings, you can use conference rooms in hotels located nearby in Salem. Banking services are represented by ATMs, but currency exchange points are absent, so international tourists should take care of exchanging money in advance.

The airport fully complies with accessibility standards for passengers with disabilities (ADA). Designated parking spaces, ramps, and equipped restrooms are provided. Passengers requiring assistance with boarding or moving through the terminal can request it from their airline representatives. For travellers with small children, there are changing tables in the restrooms. Specialised medical points are absent, but in case of an emergency, airport staff will call emergency services.

Although there are no hotels on the airport grounds themselves, there are many accommodation options for any budget just a few minutes away by car. Hotels offer convenient access to both the airport and the main attractions of Salem.

When planning a departure from McNary Field Airport (SLE), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport. Unlike major aviation hubs, the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest, so it is better to think about where you can have a snack in advance.

A small café operates in the airport terminal, offering a basic set of services for passengers. Here you can drink coffee, tea, or soft drinks, as well as purchase light snacks such as sandwiches, pastries, or crisps. This is a convenient option for those who want a quick bite before departure; however, the assortment is usually limited to ready-made and packaged products.

In addition to the café, vending machines are located in the terminal building. Bottled drinks, soda, crisps, and other snacks are available in them around the clock. This can be useful if you arrive at the airport during hours when the café might be closed.

Given the limited selection, passengers requiring a full lunch or dinner are strongly recommended to eat before arriving at the airport. In the city of Salem itself, you will find many restaurants and cafés to suit any taste. It is also worth noting that at McNary Field Airport, it is practically impossible to find specialised meals — vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal. If you have specific dietary requirements, the best solution would be to bring food with you (within the rules for carry-on luggage).

To ensure your journey through McNary Field Airport goes smoothly, make use of our tips. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time will be sufficient to check in, check luggage, and pass through security screening without rushing. To save time, check in for your flight online and use a mobile boarding pass.

When passing through security control, be ready to present your ID and boarding pass. Large electronics, such as laptops, must be removed from bags. For carry-on luggage in the USA, strict rules apply: all liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Sharp and flammable items are prohibited in the cabin.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat allows you to enjoy the views, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up and stretch your legs freely. Book tickets in advance to get the best choice. Since most flights from Keizer operate with connections, allow sufficient time for the transfer at a major hub airport. As McNary Field primarily serves domestic flights, there is no customs control for passengers — this is cleared at the first airport of entry into the country during international travel.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it after security, and also book airport parking online if travelling by car. In case of a flight delay, immediately contact your airline representative at the boarding gate or via the hotline. Monitor flight status updates on the boards in the terminal or via the air carrier's mobile app.