CHICO, Calif. – Efforts to establish commercial flights from Chico Regional Airport to Los Angeles are progressing, though realization of this service remains on the horizon.
Airport Manager Tom Bahr has disclosed that discussions are underway with major airlines such as SkyWest, American, and United, with plans to engage Delta in the near future. Despite these discussions, no formal agreements have been finalized.
The city’s initiative received a substantial boost earlier this month when Chico was awarded a $2 million grant from the Biden administration. This funding, allocated to the airport’s Revenue Guarantee Fund, is designed to incentivize airlines by providing a financial cushion, securing revenue even if ticket sales are initially sluggish.
While the grant represents positive momentum, several obstacles remain. Bahr noted that although SkyWest and United have expressed interest, concrete commitments have yet to materialize. A significant barrier to finalizing agreements is the ongoing nationwide shortage of pilots and aircraft.
Chico Regional Airport is prepared for operations once an airline partner is secured, with the capacity to manage ground operations effectively. Currently, Los Angeles is the sole destination under consideration, with no additional routes planned at this time.
Should an airline agreement be reached, it is anticipated that it could take an additional 6 to 8 months before flights commence. Nonetheless, optimism persists within the city, buoyed by Chico being one of only 14 communities in the nation to receive a $1 million grant from the Biden administration aimed at enhancing air service.
