Odessa Schlemeyer Field

Schlemeyer Field Airport is the air gateway for private and business aviation in the city of Odessa, Texas. Located in the heart of the Permian Basin, it plays a key role in supporting the local economy, particularly in the oil and gas industry. Although there are no scheduled commercial flights here, the airport offers convenient and rapid access to the region for private jet owners, corporate travellers, and aviation enthusiasts.

The main advantage of Schlemeyer Field Airport is its specialisation in serving general aviation. This makes it an ideal choice for business trips and private visits to West Texas, bypassing the congestion of major commercial hubs. The airport is equipped with everything necessary to receive and service private aircraft, including Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) services offering fuel, maintenance, and hangar storage. Thanks to its strategic location, it serves as an important transport hub for specialists and investors working in the US energy sector.

Below is the essential contact information for Schlemeyer Field Airport (ODT), located in the city of Odessa, Texas, USA. Please note that this is predominantly an airport for private and business aviation, so some services typical of large passenger hubs may not be available.

• Official Website: Information about the airport is available on the official City of Odessa website. You can visit it via this link: www.odessa-tx.gov.
• Information Desk Phone: For information regarding airport operations and available services, it is recommended to contact the administration or the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) at: +1 432-563-3453.
• Airport Address: 11000 Airport Blvd, Odessa, TX 79765, USA.
• Email: A specialised public email address for general enquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the contact telephone number for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage and Passenger Support: Since the airport does not serve scheduled commercial passenger flights, there is no centralised lost and found service. For all matters related to a private flight, please contact your air carrier directly or the airport administration.

Schlemeyer Field Airport (ODT) is located in close proximity to the city centre of Odessa, so the journey usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes. You can reach the airport in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences.

Taxis and Ridesharing (Uber, Lyft) are the most popular and convenient options. A car can be ordered from anywhere in the city, which is especially convenient if you have a lot of luggage. A trip from the centre will cost on average 15–25 USA dollars, though the cost may vary depending on demand. For added convenience, a private transfer can be booked in advance.

Public Transport in this area is not well-developed, and there are generally no direct bus routes to Schlemeyer Field Airport. It is recommended to check current information on the nearest stops and routes on the local transport operator's website, but be prepared that this method may prove inconvenient and require additional transfers or walking.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the region. Many major rental companies have offices in the city. If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented car, you can use the parking directly at the terminal. Typically, convenient and affordable options for both short-term and long-term parking are available at small regional airports.

Schlemeyer Field Airport (ODT), located in the city of Odessa (Texas), is a compact aviation hub oriented primarily towards serving private and business aviation (General Aviation). Unlike large international hubs, there is no complex system of multiple buildings here, making your stay as comfortable and quick as possible.

The airport infrastructure includes one main terminal. This building functions as a service centre for passengers and crews (FBO). It combines waiting areas, administrative desks, and rest rooms. The airport layout is extremely simple: the terminal entrance, the lobby area, and the direct exit to the apron towards the aircraft are located in close proximity to one another.

Navigation inside the building is intuitive and does not require the use of maps or special apps. Since there is only one terminal, there are no transfers between buildings, and all necessary services are within a single zone. A feature of the terminal is its intimate atmosphere, offering business jet passengers a high level of privacy, comfortable seating in waiting lounges, and access to conference rooms.

Departure and arrival zones are not as strictly separated here as in commercial airports. Passengers arriving at Schlemeyer Field can leave the airport territory almost immediately after disembarking, bypassing long corridors and baggage claim carousels. Luggage is usually delivered by staff directly to the vehicle or on board by hand.

Procedures here are lightning-fast. The time spent on formalities is kept to a minimum: often, no more than 10–15 minutes pass from the moment of entering the building to boarding the plane. The usual TSA security queues characteristic of scheduled flights are absent here, which is a major advantage for business travellers.

For successful navigation when driving to the airport, follow the signs to the main General Aviation terminal entrance. Free parking is usually located just a few steps from the front door, making logistics maximally convenient.

The history of Schlemeyer Field Airport (ODT) is inextricably linked with the history of the city of Odessa in Texas and the events of the 20th century. It was founded not as a civil facility, but as a military base in anticipation of the US entry into World War II. The airport was opened in October 1941 under the name Odessa Army Airfield, and its primary task was basic flight training for pilots of the US Air Force.

After the war ended, the need for a large number of training airfields diminished. In 1946, the facility was transferred to civil authorities and became the municipal airport of the city of Odessa. Later, it was renamed in honour of R. C. "Bob" Schlemeyer, a former mayor of the city who made a significant contribution to the development of local infrastructure, including the airport itself. This was a tribute to his services to the community.

In the mid-20th century, the airport even served scheduled commercial flights, connecting Odessa with other cities in Texas. However, over time, the main passenger flow shifted to the larger Midland International Airport (MAF), which serves the Midland-Odessa agglomeration. Since then, Schlemeyer Field has focused on general aviation. Today, it is an important centre for private and corporate aircraft, business aviation, and flight schools, continuing to play a key role in the region's transport system.

Schlemeyer Field Airport (ODT) is a small airport serving primarily private and business aviation in the city of Odessa, Texas. Due to its specific nature, the range of services here differs from large international hubs in the USA, but basic amenities are provided for passenger convenience.

Within the terminal, you will not find a large selection of restaurants or shops. Snacking options are usually limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks. For a full meal or shopping, it is better to head into the city, which is just a few minutes' drive from the airport.

Instead of VIP lounges, the airport has a general waiting area for passengers. For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is usually available, as well as power outlets for charging electronic devices. There are no specialised business centres or conference halls on the premises.

Please note that there are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points at Schlemeyer Field Airport. It is recommended to complete all financial transactions in the city beforehand. Medical assistance is limited to basic first aid capabilities; for serious issues, one should contact medical institutions in Odessa.

The airport building is equipped for access by passengers with reduced mobility; however, to receive special assistance (such as escorting), it is necessary to contact your air carrier or flight operator in advance. Services for passengers with children, such as playrooms or changing tables, are generally not provided.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, travellers can easily find many accommodation options in Odessa. Most hotels and motels are located within a 10–15 minute drive, offering options for every taste and budget.

When planning a departure from Schlemeyer Field Airport (ODT), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is extremely limited. Unlike major international hubs, you will not find a wide variety of restaurants and cafés here. Passengers are recommended to eat beforehand or be prepared for minimal options.

Directly inside the terminal building, there are no facilities for a full lunch or dinner. For a quick snack, travellers can use vending machines, where basic snacks such as chips, chocolate bars, as well as soft drinks and water are usually available. This is the main way to satisfy hunger or thirst, especially if you have already proceeded to the departure area.

If you have time before your flight, the best solution is to visit one of the cafés or restaurants in the city of Odessa, Texas itself. In the vicinity, you can find establishments to suit any taste — from classic American diners to fast-food restaurants. This is particularly relevant for travellers requiring special dietary options, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, as finding them at the airport is impossible.

Therefore, for a comfortable journey through Schlemeyer Field Airport, it is worth arranging your meals in advance. Count on a light snack from a machine at the airport itself or a full meal in the city before arriving for your flight.

Since Schlemeyer Field Airport (ODT) is oriented towards private and business aviation, the rules and procedures here differ significantly from standard commercial flights. This makes the journey more flexible but requires knowledge of certain nuances for maximum comfort.

Arrival Time Recommendations

The main advantage of private departures is the absence of the need to arrive several hours in advance. Typically, it is sufficient to arrive at the terminal 20–30 minutes before the planned take-off. This time is enough to meet the pilot, load luggage, and, if desired, have a coffee in the lounge. However, always confirm the exact time with your flight operator or charter broker.

Check-in and Security

There are no long queues for security checks and no need to remove shoes or take out laptops, as in large hubs. The registration procedure usually comes down to presenting identification (passport or ID) to FBO staff or directly to the flight commander. Nevertheless, always keep your documents at hand. Security screening is conducted individually and much faster, but requirements regarding prohibited dangerous items remain strict.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

In small private planes and business jets, seating is often determined not by a ticket number, but by the aircraft's centre of gravity. The pilot may ask you to take a specific seat for proper weight distribution (balancing). If weight is not critical, you may choose any seat you like. We recommend informing the operator of your preferences in advance so the crew can take them into account when preparing for the flight.

Hand Luggage and Baggage

Luggage compartments of light aircraft often have non-standard shapes and limited volume. Instead of rigid plastic suitcases, it is better to use soft travel bags, which are easier to stow in the compartment. Liquids in hand luggage are allowed here (the 100 ml rule usually does not apply to private flights), but transport of specific cargo (e.g., sports equipment) must be arranged in advance.

Recommendations for Passengers with Transfers

If Odessa is an intermediate point and you plan to transfer to a scheduled commercial flight later, consider that the nearest major airport (Midland) is located at some distance. Organise your transfer in advance, allowing time for the journey between airports. Schlemeyer Field does not have a transit zone in the usual sense, so waiting for the next private aircraft takes place in a general comfortable lobby.

Customs Control

The airport serves predominantly domestic flights. If your flight is international, customs procedures must be coordinated by the operator in advance. Border control officers can arrive at the airport upon request to process documents directly on board or in the terminal, which eliminates standing in queues.

Tips for Saving Time and Money

Use the free parking located next to the terminal — this significantly saves your budget compared to paid parking at large airport terminals. If you need a snack, FBOs often provide complimentary drinks and light snacks, allowing you to avoid spending money on food before departure.

In Case of Flight Delay

Delays in small aviation are most often related to weather conditions, as small aircraft are more sensitive to the meteorological situation. In such cases, make use of the terminal's amenities: Wi-Fi, comfortable armchairs, and televisions are usually available here. Since passenger flow is low, the wait passes in a quiet and calm atmosphere.