Friedman Memorial Airport

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN), situated in the picturesque Wood River Valley, is your gateway to the famous Sun Valley ski resort and the surrounding natural beauty. This cosy and modern airport welcomes travellers with stunning mountain views directly from the runway, creating an atmosphere of adventure from the very first minute of arrival. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in the region's tourism industry, providing convenient connections to major cities in the United States.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Friedman Memorial is its incredible location. The airport is just a 25-minute drive from the Sun Valley resort, making it the ideal arrival point for skiers, snowboarders, and summer tourists. Passengers note the special atmosphere of the terminal: thanks to the Airport Arts Commission programme, its walls are adorned with works by local artists, allowing you to immerse yourself in Idaho culture immediately upon arrival. The airport offers direct connections to major hubs such as Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Los Angeles, ensuring convenient transfers for travellers from around the world.

If you need to contact the administration of Friedman Memorial Airport, please use the following contact details:

• Official Website: www.iflysun.com — here you will find flight schedules, passenger information, and the latest news.
• Help Desk Phone: +1 (208) 788-4956.
• Airport Address: 1616 Airport Way, Hailey, Idaho 83333, USA.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the address info@iflysun.com.
• Social Media: Follow updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost and Found Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, contact the airport administration at +1 (208) 788-4956, ext. 101. If your items or luggage were lost during a flight, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions related to airport services, you can call the main help desk number.

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) is the main air gateway to the famous Sun Valley ski resort in the United States. It is located in the city of Hailey, approximately 22 kilometres south of Sun Valley and Ketchum. The journey from the airport to the resort area usually takes 20-30 minutes, though more time may be required in snowy weather. There are several ways to reach your destination, suitable for different budgets and preferences.

Public Transport in the Wood River Valley is represented by the Mountain Rides bus network. This is the most budget-friendly way to travel. Buses run on a schedule between the airport, Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley. The fare is low, making this an attractive option for economical tourists. Be sure to check the current schedule on the carrier's official website, as the frequency of trips may change depending on the season. There are no trains or metro services in this region.

Taxis, Shuttles, and Transfers are the most convenient option, especially if you are travelling with ski equipment or a large group. Taxi services are available at the airport, and you can also pre-book a private transfer or a seat on a shuttle from companies such as Sun Valley Express. This guarantees a meet-and-greet upon arrival and a comfortable "door-to-door" journey. The cost of a taxi or shuttle ride to Sun Valley is usually $40-$70. Services like Uber and Lyft may also be available, but their availability is not always guaranteed, especially during peak season.

Car Rental provides maximum freedom of movement around the picturesque valley. Several major car rental companies have offices at Friedman Memorial Airport. Having your own car will allow you to easily explore the surroundings and reach remote trails and restaurants. During the winter period, it is strongly recommended to book an all-wheel-drive vehicle (AWD/4WD) in advance, as demand for them is very high. For those arriving in their own vehicle, both short-term and long-term parking are available at the airport.

Sometimes, to find more favourable airfares or convenient connections, travellers consider flying into larger neighbouring airports. The nearest alternatives are Magic Valley Regional Airport (115 km), Pocatello Regional Airport (153 km), and the largest in the region, Boise Airport (Gowen Field), located 157 km from Sun Valley. From there, you can reach the resort by rental car or use an intercity shuttle.

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) is a compact and modern airport serving the Wood River Valley, including the popular resorts of Sun Valley and Ketchum. Its layout is extremely simple and convenient for passengers, allowing you to avoid the hustle and bustle typical of large aviation hubs.

The airport consists of one terminal, which handles both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to this, navigating it is intuitive. The terminal building is divided into several functional zones. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the check-in area where airline counters are located. This is followed by the security checkpoint, leading to the sterile area — a small waiting lounge with boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between zones are not required — everything is within a single building and within walking distance. The arrival area is located on the ground floor and includes the baggage claim belt and car rental counters. The departure hall is located here as well, ensuring quick access to gates after passing control.

Check-in and security procedures at Friedman Memorial Airport generally proceed significantly faster than at major airports. On average, this takes between 20 to 40 minutes. However, during peak periods, especially during the ski season (December to March) and summer holidays, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — approximately 90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight, to complete all formalities without rushing.

To navigate, simply follow the signs. Due to the small size of the terminal, getting lost here is practically impossible. All major services — from cafes and restrooms to information desks — are located in plain sight, making your stay at the airport as comfortable as possible.

The history of Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) is inextricably linked with the development of the popular Sun Valley ski resort. The airport was founded in 1932, when the Friedman family, respected local residents, donated land to the city of Hailey to create an airfield. Initially, it was a simple runway, but with the opening of the resort in 1936, its importance grew sharply, turning the airport into a key gateway for tourists and celebrities heading to this picturesque corner of the United States.

Over the decades, the airport has constantly evolved to meet the growing needs of the region. The original dirt strip was eventually paved and repeatedly extended to accommodate larger aircraft. In the 1960s, the first terminal was built, serving passengers for many years. The growth in Sun Valley's popularity as a year-round resort led to the need for further infrastructure modernisation.

A key stage in the airport's history was a large-scale reconstruction in the early 21st century. In 2014, a new, modern terminal with an area of over 4,600 square metres was opened. This building, designed in a mountain chalet style using wood and stone, not only increased capacity but also significantly improved comfort for passengers. Concurrently, work was carried out to strengthen and expand the runway, allowing for the reception of heavier commercial airliners.

One interesting fact about Friedman Memorial is its location in a mountain valley. This makes it one of the most challenging airports for pilots in North America, requiring special training for take-offs and landings in complex weather conditions. Despite this, the airport has an excellent safety reputation and has served as the main transport hub for thousands of tourists, investors, and celebrities visiting the famous conferences and festivals in Sun Valley every year.

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) offers passengers a set of essential services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. The terminal features a restaurant and cafe where you can have a full meal or a quick snack before departure. There are also shops where you can buy souvenirs to remember your trip, fresh newspapers, and necessary travel items.

Free Wi-Fi is available for all travellers throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for boarding. The waiting areas are equipped with power outlets and USB ports for charging mobile devices. Although there are no separate VIP lounges in the airport, the general waiting areas are comfortable enough for relaxation.

ATMs are installed in the terminal building for cash withdrawals. Please note that currency exchange bureaus may not be available, so it is worth arranging this in advance. If first aid is required, please contact any airport staff member immediately.

The airport is equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and the option to request assistance through the airline. For families with small children, there are nursing rooms with changing tables.

There are no hotels or conference centres within the airport building itself, but there are many hotels located in the immediate vicinity, in the Sun Valley resort area. Most of them offer guests free transfers to and from the airport, which is very convenient for tourists and business travellers.

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN), serving the picturesque Sun Valley region, is a compact and cosy aviation hub. Dining options here correspond to its size and are focused on the convenience of passengers waiting for their flights. All establishments are located in the main and only terminal.

The main place to grab a bite is the Sun Valley Cafe & Market. This establishment combines the functions of a cafe and a small shop. It is located in the "airside" zone, meaning after passing security control, and serves departing passengers. Here you can have a quick coffee or a full lunch while waiting for boarding.

The cafe menu offers classic airport dishes: freshly made sandwiches, salads, soups of the day, pastries, and various snacks. To get a feel for the local flavour, pay attention to offerings from local producers — sometimes the assortment includes regional beverages from Idaho or local snacks. This is a great opportunity to try something local before leaving. Coffee and fresh pastries are ideal for a quick snack, while a sandwich or hot soup is suitable for a more substantial lunch.

Regarding special dietary needs, the menu usually includes vegetarian options, such as salads or sandwiches with vegetables. However, choices for vegans or passengers requiring gluten-free or Halal meals may be very limited. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is recommended to bring food with you. The price range is average, with the usual airport markup.

The opening hours of Sun Valley Cafe & Market are directly tied to the flight schedule. The cafe opens a few hours before the first morning departure and operates until the last flight of the day has left the airport. This guarantees that passengers will always have the opportunity to have a snack regardless of their flight time.

To ensure your journey through Friedman Memorial Airport goes smoothly, use these tips. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the departure of domestic flights. During peak periods, such as the ski season or holidays, it is better to allow 2 hours to complete all procedures without rushing. Save time by using online check-in for your flight and printing your boarding pass or saving it on your phone in advance.

Security screening procedures at Sun Valley airport are conducted by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Although queues here are usually shorter than in major hubs, the rules are standard. Liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers no larger than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from bags. If you have TSA PreCheck status, you can go through screening via an expedited procedure. Remember that skis, snowboards, and other large sports equipment must be checked in as luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that the windows offer stunning views of the mountains during take-off and landing — this is a great opportunity to take beautiful photos. If comfort and the ability to leave the cabin quickly after landing are important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Since Friedman Memorial is a regional airport, most flights are operated with a connection in major hubs such as Salt Lake City or Denver. Study the map of the transfer airport in advance and allow enough time between flights, especially if you have to change terminals. Customs control is only undergone by passengers on international flights; it is not required for domestic flights within the country.

To save money, book airport parking online — it is often cheaper than paying on the spot. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security, rather than buying expensive water. In case of a flight delay, immediately contact your airline representative for information on the departure status and possible options (rebooking, meal vouchers). Since opportunities for long waits are limited in a small airport, it is useful to have a book or a charged power bank with you.