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Redding Municipal Airport

About the Airport

Redding Municipal Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Redding Municipal Airport (RDD) is your personal gateway to the picturesque world of Northern California. As a key transport hub for the Shasta-Cascade region, this airport connects travellers with major cities on the West Coast of the USA. Unforgettable adventures to national parks, mountain rivers, and lakes begin here. Despite its compact size, the airport offers a welcoming atmosphere and all necessary services, making the start and end of your journey as comfortable as possible.

IATA Code RDD
ICAO Code KRDD
City Redding
Distance to Centre 10 km.
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers Over 240,000
Popular Airlines United Airlines, Alaska Airlines.
Schedule Online Board "Redding Airport"

The main advantage of Redding Airport is its efficiency and convenience. Here, you will not encounter the hustle and long queues of major metropolitan areas, allowing you to pass through pre-flight procedures quickly and without stress. The airport provides direct flights to key hubs such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver, opening up excellent opportunities for onward connections. Following terminal renovations, the passenger space has become significantly more spacious and comfortable. For the convenience of arrivals, car rental services are available directly within the airport building, and while waiting for departure, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Lassen from Peter Chu's Sky Room restaurant.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: cityofredding.org/airport
  • Information Desk Phone: +1 (530) 224-4320
  • Address: 6751 Woodrum Circle, Redding, CA 96002, USA
  • Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
  • Social Media: You can follow news and updates on the airport's official page on Facebook.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost personal items within the terminal building, please contact the airport's lost and found service at +1 (530) 224-4320. For issues related to lost luggage or items left on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline directly.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions regarding airport operations, you can call the main number. For information on bookings, tickets, flight check-in, and other flight-related services, please contact your airline directly.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Redding Municipal Airport (RDD) from the city centre of Redding is quite simple, as it is located just 10 kilometres southeast of downtown. A car journey usually takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Travellers have access to several convenient transport options, allowing them to choose the best balance of cost and comfort.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly way to reach the airport. The Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) serves the city and its surroundings. It is recommended to check the current schedule and routes on the official RABA website in advance, as they may change. This option is best suited for travellers without a large amount of luggage. There is no direct rail or metro connection to the airport.

Taxis and Ride-sharing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, are a popular and convenient choice. A car can be ordered at any time, and it is the fastest way to get to the terminal without unnecessary transfers. A trip from the city centre will cost approximately 25-40 US dollars. This is an excellent option if you value comfort, are travelling with children, or have a lot of luggage.

Car Rental is the ideal choice for those planning to actively explore Redding and the picturesque surroundings, including national parks and Shasta Lake. Counters for several major rental companies operate at the airport. Having your own vehicle gives you maximum freedom of movement. Next to the terminal, both short-term and long-term parking are provided with reasonable daily rates for those arriving in their own cars.

Terminals and Layout

The Municipal Airport of Redding (RDD) is a compact and convenient aviation hub serving Northern California. Its layout is extremely simple, making travel through it easy and fast.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transfers between terminals—everything is located in one building. The terminal layout is intuitive: after entering, you immediately find yourself in the main hall, where airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located. Car rental offices are also located here.

The departure and arrival zones are in close proximity to each other. After checking in for a flight, passengers pass through a single security checkpoint, which leads to a small and comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located on the ground level and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the main hall, where you can meet arriving passengers or head to the taxi stand and parking lot.

The main advantage of Redding Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Due to low passenger traffic, check-in and security screening rarely take much time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before departure to drop off luggage and pass control without rushing. Navigation through the terminal is extremely simple: all key zones—from check-in to the boarding gate—are just a few steps away from each other and are equipped with clear signs. Getting lost here is practically impossible, making it an ideal choice for those who value their time and comfort.

Airport History

The history of Redding Airport (RDD) is inextricably linked with the events of World War II. Its construction began in 1942 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and initially, it functioned as a military facility called Redding Army Airfield. The airfield served as an important base for training fighter pilots of the Fourth Air Force, where they honed their skills on P-39 Airacobra and P-38 Lightning aircraft.

With the onset of peace, the airfield changed its purpose. In 1949, it was officially transferred to the ownership of the City of Redding and received its modern name, opening a new chapter as a civil airport. Notably, the first commercial flights by United Airlines began even earlier, in 1946, laying the foundation for the future development of passenger transport in the region.

As the city grew and passenger traffic increased, the airport was repeatedly expanded and modernised. The first passenger terminal building, constructed in 1951, was replaced by a larger and more modern complex as early as 1962. In subsequent decades, the airport underwent several stages of reconstruction, including significant updates in the early 2000s and late 2010s, transforming it into a comfortable and functional transport hub.

One of the most interesting and important aspects of the airport's modern history is its key role in fighting forest fires, which are characteristic of Northern California. Redding Airport is a strategic base for air tankers and other specialised aviation used by the US Forest Service. This function makes it not just a gateway to the city, but a vital centre for ensuring the safety of the entire region.

Services and Facilities

Redding Airport (RDD), being a compact regional hub, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although the selection here is not as vast as in major international hubs, you will find everything essential. The terminal houses the restaurant Peter Chu's Skyroom, which is famous not only for its cuisine but also for its panoramic view of the runway. There is also a small gift shop open for passengers, where travel goods and gifts can be purchased.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Charging stations for electronic devices are provided in the departure waiting areas. ATMs are installed in the terminal; however, currency exchange services are not provided, so international travellers are advised to arrange money exchange in advance. There are no specialised VIP lounges or business lounges at the airport; all passengers wait for flights in the general departure hall.

The airport fully complies with accessibility standards for passengers with reduced mobility, offering dedicated parking spaces, ramps, accessible restrooms, and escort services to the aircraft. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables are available. In case first aid is required, please contact airport staff, who will summon medical services.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many accommodation options are located just a few minutes' drive away in the city of Redding. Options range from budget motels to comfortable hotels from well-known chains. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are not provided at the airport, which is typical for smaller airports in the USA.

Where to Eat

Redding Airport (RDD) is a small regional airport, so dining options here are quite limited and concentrated in one main location. Travellers should plan their lunch or snack in advance, taking into account the features of the terminal.

The main and, essentially, the only catering establishment at the airport is the restaurant Peter Chu's Skyroom. It is located in the main terminal building before the security checkpoint (landside), making it accessible to both departing passengers and those meeting them. This is a classic à la carte restaurant offering a unique combination of American and Chinese cuisine. Here you can have a full lunch while waiting for a flight or grab a quick snack.

In the menu at Peter Chu's Skyroom, you will find traditional American dishes for breakfast and lunch—omelettes, burgers, sandwiches, as well as popular Chinese dishes such as fried rice and noodles. This establishment is a good choice for a leisurely lunch with a view of the runway. For those in a hurry, faster options are usually available, such as ready-made sandwiches or pastries.

Regarding special dietary needs, choices may be limited. Travellers requiring Halal, vegetarian, or gluten-free options are advised to check available choices directly with the staff. The price range in the restaurant is average, typical for airports of this size. Opening hours are generally tied to the flight schedule, but it is better to check current information in advance, especially if you have an early morning or late evening departure.

Important tip: Since the restaurant is located before the security zone, after passing through security control (airside), dining opportunities are practically non-existent. In the sterile area, there may only be vending machines with drinks and snacks. Therefore, if you wish to have a full meal, please do so before proceeding to boarding.

Tips for Travellers

Travelling through Redding Airport can be easy and pleasant if you prepare in advance. Here are a few tips to help you save time, stress, and money during your trip through the air gates of Redding, USA.

Arrival time at the airport: For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. Redding Airport is relatively small, and queues here are usually shorter than in major hubs, but the extra time will allow you to go through all procedures without rushing.

Check-in and Security: The fastest way to check in is online on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. When passing through security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and ID, and remove laptops and liquids from your hand luggage in advance.

Choosing a seat on the plane: Want to enjoy views of Northern California from above? Choose a window seat. If the ability to stand up and leave freely is important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Seats in emergency rows often offer more legroom but come with certain restrictions.

Hand luggage rules: Remember the standard rule for liquids: all must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin. Be sure to check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid extra charges.

Passengers with connections: Redding Airport is not a major transfer hub. If your route includes a transfer in another city (for example, in San Francisco or Los Angeles), check the time required for the connection in advance and study the layout of the transfer airport.

Customs Control: Since Redding Airport primarily serves domestic flights, there is no permanent customs and border control here. If you are arriving in the USA from another country, you will undergo these procedures at the first airport of arrival within the country.

Saving time and money: Book flight tickets and parking in advance to get the best prices. To avoid overpaying for drinks, bring an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it with water after passing security. Travelling light with only hand luggage will help save on baggage fees.

In case of flight delay: First of all, contact your airline representative for current information and to clarify your rights to compensation or service. The airport has a café and free Wi-Fi, so you can have a snack, work, or contact loved ones while waiting for departure.

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