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Eastern Oregon Regional Airport

About the Airport

Eastern Oregon Regional Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Sprawled across a picturesque plateau amidst vast wheat fields, Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) serves as the main aerial gateway to the authentic world of the American West. This small and welcoming airport acts as a key transport hub for anyone heading to the city of Pendleton, USA, famous for its cowboy heritage and legendary rodeo. With a rich history beginning during the Second World War as a military airbase, today it ensures comfortable connectivity between the region and major cities while preserving a cosy atmosphere.

IATA Code PDT
ICAO Code KPDT
City Pendleton, USA
Distance to centre About 5 km.
Status Domestic.
Annual Passengers About 11,000
Popular Airlines Contour Airlines
Schedule Online Board "Eastern Oregon Regional Airport"

The main advantage of the airport in Pendleton is the exceptional convenience for passengers. Thanks to its compact size and single terminal, check-in and boarding processes are surprisingly quick here, allowing you to avoid the stress and bustle typical of large aviation hubs. Passengers have access to all basic amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi and car hire facilities. Besides serving commercial flights, the airport is also an important centre for private and business aviation, providing refuelling and maintenance services for aircraft.

Contact Information

If you need to contact representatives of Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) in the city of Pendleton, please use the following up-to-date information. It will help you plan your journey and resolve any arising queries.

  • Official Website: pendleton.or.us/airport
  • Inquiry Service Phone: +1 (541) 276-7754
  • Airport Address: 2016 Airport Rd, Pendleton, OR 97801, USA
  • Email: airport.manager@pendleton.or.us
  • Social Media: News and updates can be followed on the airport's official Facebook page.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to luggage lost during a flight, you should contact your airline directly. If you have lost personal items within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and assistance within the airport grounds, use the inquiry service phone. For booking queries, flight changes, and other flight-related services, please contact your air carrier.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) from the city centre of Pendleton is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres away. The main methods are taxi, hired car, or private vehicle. The choice depends on your budget, convenience, and plans for further travel across the USA.

Taxi, transfer, or ride-sharing is the most convenient and fastest way to reach the airport. The journey from the centre of Pendleton will take just 10-15 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride is usually around 15–25 US Dollars. This is an excellent option if you are travelling with luggage or value comfort. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early departure.

By private or hired car. If you are travelling in your own car or plan to hire a vehicle for trips around Eastern Oregon, this will be the most flexible option. The airport provides both short-term and long-term parking. The route from the city centre is clear and well-signposted. Car hire gives you freedom of movement and allows you to explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Public transport in Pendleton is not extensively developed, and there may be no direct regular bus routes to the airport. Some local transport services operate on an on-call basis. If you plan to use public transport, it is strongly recommended to check the schedule, routes, and the possibility of travelling directly to the terminal in advance.

It is also worth checking if your hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle — this is a common service. If you are looking for more flight options, consider airports in neighbouring cities. The nearest alternatives include Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW) and the larger Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), which offers more flights and is approximately an hour's drive away.

Terminals and Map

Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) is distinguished by its compactness and simplicity, making it very convenient for passengers. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all commercial flights, as well as private and general aviation.

The terminal layout is extremely simple and intuitive. All key zones — check-in counters, security screening, the waiting lounge, boarding gate, and baggage claim area — are located in one small building. Thanks to this, navigation poses no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time. There are no transfers between terminals, as everything necessary is located within easy walking distance.

Departure and arrival zones are effectively combined in a shared space. After checking in for a flight, passengers pass through a single security checkpoint and enter a small waiting lounge before the boarding gate. Upon arrival, passengers also enter the main hall where the baggage claim belt is located.

The main feature of the terminal is its small size and, consequently, the rapid completion of all pre-flight procedures. Check-in and screening here take significantly less time than in large airports. Typically, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to check in luggage and pass through control without rushing.

Airport History

Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) possesses a rich and multifaceted history that is closely intertwined with key moments in the development of aviation in the USA. Its story began in 1934, when a modest municipal airfield was established to serve the city of Pendleton. However, a much more significant role awaited it shortly after.

The most important period in the airport's history occurred during the Second World War. In 1941, the facility was transformed into a major military airbase, Pendleton Army Airfield. Thousands of pilots, navigators, and bombardiers trained here, preparing for missions in theatres of war. It was this airfield that served as the training ground for B-25 Mitchell bomber crews under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle before their famous "Doolittle Raid" in 1942, forever inscribing the airport into the history of American military aviation.

After the war ended, in 1946, the airfield was returned to civil use and received its current name, emphasising its importance to the entire region. In subsequent decades, the airport underwent several stages of modernisation. The runways, inherited from the military, were expanded and lengthened, allowing it to receive even very large aircraft today. The passenger terminal was also reconstructed to meet modern standards.

Today, Eastern Oregon Regional Airport not only serves commercial and private flights but also plays a key role as a base for aerial firefighting services of the US Forest Service, protecting vast territories from forest fires. Interesting fact: thanks to its military past, the airport still retains infrastructure capable of servicing heavy aircraft, making it a unique and strategically important facility in the state of Oregon.

Services and Amenities

Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) is a compact and functional airport serving the city of Pendleton and its surroundings in the USA. Passengers here have access to a necessary set of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. A small café operates in the terminal where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase light refreshments for the road. The selection of shops is limited, although you can find souvenirs and essential items here.

A general waiting area is equipped for passengers. Although there are no separate VIP lounges in the airport, you can make use of complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Charging stations for electronic devices are also available, allowing you to stay connected before departure.

ATMs are installed in the terminal building for cash withdrawals. It is important to note that currency exchange points are absent, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance at city banks. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance is provided upon prior request to the airline.

For travellers with children, changing tables are provided in the restrooms, although there are no specialised play areas. Emergency medical assistance is provided by staff calling the appropriate services. There are no hotels within the airport territory itself, but numerous accommodation options can be found in the city, which is just a few minutes' drive away.

Despite the lack of dedicated conference rooms or business centres, the presence of free Wi-Fi allows you to handle urgent work matters directly in the waiting lounge. For business meetings or more prolonged work, it is better to use the services of hotels or specialised centres in Pendleton.

Where to Eat

When planning a journey through Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT), it is important to consider the features of its infrastructure. This small airport offers a limited range of services, and this fully applies to dining options.

There are no restaurants or cafes on the airport premises. Passengers waiting for their flight should bear in mind that facilities for a full lunch or even a light snack are not provided in the terminal building. The only source of food and drinks are vending machines. In these, you can purchase a standard set of snacks, such as crisps and sweets, as well as bottled water and soft drinks.

Due to the absence of dining establishments, specialised dietary options (Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, and others) are not available at the airport. Therefore, we strongly recommend passengers eat before arriving at the airport or bring their own snacks. You will find a large selection of restaurants and cafes with diverse cuisine in the city of Pendleton itself, located just a few minutes' drive from the terminal.

Tips for Travellers

Travelling through Eastern Oregon Regional Airport can be simple and convenient if you prepare in advance. Here are a few tips that will help you save time, stress, and money during your trip to or from Pendleton.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite this being a regional airport and queues here usually being shorter than in major hubs, it is recommended to arrive 90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to calmly check in luggage, pass through security control, and reach the boarding gate. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure.

Passing Security Control. The screening procedure at Pendleton Airport complies with the general rules of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the USA. Prepare your identification and boarding pass in advance. In hand luggage, all liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be placed in a separate tray for scanning.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Check the hand luggage allowance with your airline to avoid extra charges at the airport. Regarding seat selection, a window seat will offer you beautiful views of the Oregon landscapes, while an aisle seat ensures more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. If a quick exit from the aircraft is important to you, choose seats in the front part of the cabin.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. Eastern Oregon Regional Airport primarily serves domestic flights. If you are flying on an international itinerary, you will likely pass through customs and border control at your first airport of arrival in the USA. When transferring to a domestic flight in Pendleton, simply follow the signs to your next boarding gate.

Saving Money and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security, and also bring light snacks. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact a representative of your airline at the check-in counter or via their hotline. Monitor updates via the airline's mobile app and clarify your rights regarding rebooking, meals, or hotel accommodation.

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