News Flash

Alaska Airlines has announced new nonstop air service between the California-Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport (ACV) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) beginning April 8, 2026.

This will be the Redwood Coast’s only nonstop flight to the Pacific Northwest, which will connect to 79 cities in a single stop, including Alaska’s new service to Asia and Europe. Flights will be on sale today at Alaskaair.com.

“We’re delighted to begin flying our guests between our hometown airport in Seattle and the Arcata-Eureka area. Those heading to Northern California can enjoy the region’s stunning scenery, including the towering redwoods, while flyers making their way to Seattle can take advantage of convenient connections across our network, including to Alaska and Hawai‘i,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning at Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines last served the community in 2011, with flights to Portland. These new flights represent ACV’s first-ever nonstops to the Seattle area.

“Humboldt County is thrilled to welcome Alaska Airlines back to the Redwood Coast,” said Second District Supervisor and Board Chair Michelle Bushnell. “Residents and travelers have been asking for a Seattle flight for a long time, and this new service is the result of years of work with Alaska to prove the viability of our market. The Aviation Department and many agencies across the county really pulled together to partner with Alaska and make this possible. I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to bring this service to our community.”

Starting today, travelers can book a flight on Alaska to SEA. Starting April 8, 2026, flights will run seven days a week, with a mid-morning departure from SEA to ACV and a mid-afternoon departure from ACV to SEA, catering to the needs of all travelers.

All flights will use Embraer 175 aircraft with 76 seats and no middle seats, giving every passenger a window or aisle. Wi-Fi and entertainment will be available, and all first-class seats will include power outlets.

For more information or to book a flight, visit Alaskaair.com. 

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport and the Humboldt County Department of Aviation, please visit FlyACV.com.

Breeze Airways has announced new nonstop air service between the California-Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport (ACV) to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and connecting service to Provo Airport (PVU) beginning March 12, 2026.

Starting today, travelers can book a flight on Breeze to BUR and a connecting flight to PVU. Flights are scheduled to run Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, starting March 12, 2026 catering to the needs of travelers, including residents, business professionals, students and visitors. 

“Breeze is known for its convenient, affordable flights, premium seating options, and amenities like fast onboard Wi-Fi and power at every seat, and we look forward to introducing travelers in the Humboldt County area to our Seriously Nice™ service,” said David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways. “Arcata-Eureka is exactly the kind of underserved market our airline set out to serve and we’re confident our new guests will enjoy their enhanced travel experience onboard one of our brand-new Airbus A220 aircraft.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Breeze Airways to the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport,” said Ryan Cooley, Director of Aviation for the County of Humboldt. “We appreciate Breeze’s commitment to serving the needs of Humboldt County’s travelers and visitors while helping to strengthen connectivity in our region.”

Breeze Airways is currently offering limited-time one-way fares starting at $39 for travel between ACV and BUR. This promotional fare is available for reservations booked between Thursday, July 17 and Wednesday, July 23. Travel must take place between March 12 and May 12, 2026, and other terms and conditions apply. Travelers can book their flights on Breeze Airways and view the full promotional details at FlyBreeze.com. 

For more information about Breeze Airways, visit FlyBreeze.com.

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.

Breeze Airways has announced new nonstop air service between the California-Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport (ACV) and Las Vegas, NV beginning March 11, 2026.

Starting today, travelers can book a flight on Breeze to Las Vegas, with prices starting from $49 each way.

“Breeze is known for its convenient, affordable flights, premium seating options, and amenities like fast onboard Wi-Fi and power at every seat, and we look forward to introducing travelers in the Humboldt County area to our Seriously Nice™ service,” said David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways. “Arcata-Eureka is exactly the kind of underserved market our airline set out to serve and we’re confident our new guests will enjoy their enhanced travel experience onboard one of our brand-new Airbus A220 aircraft.”

Affordable flights to Las Vegas are scheduled to run Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting March 11, 2026. Travelers can book their flights on Breeze Airways now at FlyBreeze.com. 

“We could not be happier that Breeze Airways has introduced new service between California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport and Las Vegas,” said Second District Supervisor and Board Chair Michelle Bushnell. “We are so appreciative of Breeze’s dedication to meeting the needs of Humboldt County travelers and visitors and furthering connectivity in our region.”

For more information about Breeze Airways, visit FlyBreeze.com.

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.

Justin Hopman, C.M., ACE, will be resigning as Humboldt County’s Director of Aviation, effective Friday, March 27. 

Hopman joined the county as Aviation Director on Jan. 5.

"After much reflection and discussion with my family, I have made the difficult decision to step away from my role as Humboldt County’s Aviation Director,” said Justin Hopman. “The needs and well-being of my family must always take priority. This decision was not easy to make, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity that was presented to me.”

The County of Humboldt thanks Hopman for his work and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

"While this outcome is not what we hoped for, we respect Justin's decision to prioritize what is best for his family," said Third District Supervisor and Board Chair Mike Wilson. "Aviation continues to be vital to Humboldt's connectivity and economic growth, and the Board remains committed to supporting the needs of the community and the Aviation Department."

Humboldt County's aviation system is experiencing transformative growth, with expanded air service at the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) creating more opportunities than ever for the community to connect with destinations near and far. As this remains an important priority for the county, the Board of Supervisors will continue investigating the best path forward while the search for a new Aviation Director begins.

For more information on the Humboldt County Department of Aviation, please visit FlyACV.com.

The County of Humboldt is excited to announce that Justin Hopman is anticipated to be appointed as the county’s new Director of Aviation at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Justin Hopman, C.M., ACE, brings over 15 years of aviation experience to his new role as Humboldt County’s Director of Aviation. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority on Florida’s Space Coast, where he oversaw the management, operations and development of a multi-airport system and licensed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spaceport. He led major improvement projects, including runway rehabilitations, new hangar construction and navigational system upgrades, and he is currently completing a new air traffic control tower project. Before his work on the Space Coast, Hopman held operations roles at Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports. 

“I am thrilled to join Humboldt County as the new Director of Aviation,” said incoming Aviation Director Justin Hopman. “As the heart of regional economies and the front door to the world, airports generate economic growth, sustain livelihoods and open endless opportunities for trade, tourism and human connection. Across my professional career, I’ve focused on creating and maintaining safe, efficient, community-centered airport operations. I look forward to bringing the same commitment to Humboldt County’s system of airports.”

The incoming Director of Aviation will oversee the management and development of Humboldt County’s six airports. Responsibilities include managing daily operations, leading capital improvement projects and guiding long-term planning to improve safety and service. The Aviation Director will also work to strengthen airline partnerships, support general aviation and collaborate with key aviation partners to enhance airport services and regional connectivity.

“I am excited to welcome Justin Hopman to Humboldt County,” said Third District Supervisor and Chair of the Board Mike Wilson. “His hands-on leadership style and experience managing complex airport systems will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen aviation services and plan for the future. His background in airport management and commitment to safe, community-focused operations make him a valuable addition to county’s leadership team.”

Hopman is anticipated to begin work as Humboldt County’s Director of Aviation on Jan. 5, 2026.

For more information on the Humboldt County Department of Aviation, please visit FlyACV.com.

Pictured: Justin Hopman, who is anticipated to be appointed as Humboldt County’s new Director of Aviation at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9. 

Avelo Airlines has informed Humboldt County officials that they will discontinue service between the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) and the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) earlier than expected. 

In July 2025, Avelo announced that service from ACV to BUR would be discontinued in December because they will be closing their base at the Hollywood Burbank Airport to focus on their east coast operations. 

Avelo has now informed the county that its last flights between ACV and BUR will now end Monday, Oct. 20. Travelers will be notified about the changes to their flight reservations and refund options. Avelo customers should visit aveloair.com or call 346-616-9500 if they are in need of customer support.

United Airlines will continue to offer flights out of ACV to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver. 

Beginning March 12, 2026, Breeze Airways will offer new nonstop air service between ACV to BUR and connecting service to Provo Airport (PVU). Flights are scheduled to run Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Travelers can book their flights on Breeze Airways now at FlyBreeze.com. 

The County of Humboldt continues to prioritize recruiting new air service providers to meet the region’s growing travel needs. The Department of Aviation, in partnership with the County Administrative Office’s Economic Development Division, is actively working with carriers to expand flight options, including northbound routes. 

“Humboldt County is a unique destination with so much to offer travelers,” said Second District Supervisor and Board Chair Michelle Bushnell. “Our commitment to meeting the needs of our community and visitors by exploring new destinations and expanding flight options at ACV is ongoing.”

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport and the Humboldt County Department of Aviation, please visit FlyACV.com.

Avelo Airlines has informed Humboldt County officials that they will discontinue service between the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) and the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). The last flights between ACV and BUR will be on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

According to Avelo, service from ACV to BUR will be discontinued because they will be closing their base at the Hollywood Burbank Airport to focus on their east coast operations.

Travelers will be notified about the changes to their flight reservations and refund options. Avelo customers should visit aveloair.com or call 346-616-9500 if they are in need of customer support.

United Airlines will continue to offer flights out of ACV to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver. 

Efforts to recruit new air service providers remain a top priority for the County of Humboldt to meet the growing travel needs of the region. The Humboldt Department of Aviation, in partnership with the County Administrative Office’s Economic Development Division, continues to engage with carriers to expand air service, including northbound service options.

“Humboldt County has so much to offer travelers, and we know that more people have been choosing to fly out of ACV than ever before,” said Second District Supervisor and Chair of the Board Michelle Bushnell. “We are committed to supporting the needs of our local travelers and visitors, and the county is actively looking for new destinations and opportunities to expand service at ACV.”

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.

The Humboldt County Department of Aviation encourages travelers who plan to fly anywhere in the United States starting Wednesday, May 7 to know what types of IDs to use to board their flights.

Beginning Wednesday, May 7, travelers age 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or passport card, to board domestic flights.

Once enforcement begins, passengers who do not have a REAL ID or another form of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepted identification may experience significant delays, additional screening, identity verification procedures, and could be denied entry at airport security checkpoints. This requirement applies to all passengers, including those with TSA PreCheck.

Passengers can avoid delays by making sure they have a REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable form of ID. A REAL ID is not required to board a flight if travelers have a valid passport or passport card with them.

To determine if your California driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant, look for a bear + star in the top right corner. The presence of this image indicates that the credential is REAL ID-compliant. For more information on how to determine if you have a REAL ID, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a helpful fact sheet available in multiple languages.

How to Obtain a Real ID

U.S. citizens and all legal residents of the United States can apply for a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. The DMV processes REAL ID applications in California. Californians who still need to upgrade to a REAL ID, but already possess a federally approved document, such as a passport, can comfortably wait to upgrade to a REAL ID when their driver’s license is due for renewal. 

If you need a REAL ID, use the DMV’s REAL ID checklist to gather all of the documentation you will need to apply for your REAL ID. You may then start your application online, upload your documents, then you must complete the process in person at a DMV office. Visit the DMV’s website for more information.

Please note that it has been reported that the DMV office in Eureka, located at 3300 Broadway St., will be closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 16 while the office moves to its new location at 2500 Sixth St. Their new Eureka location is expected to open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4. These dates are subject to change, so please plan accordingly.

By planning ahead and staying informed, you can minimize stress and make your travel experience more enjoyable. 

For more information about REAL ID requirements, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions web page.

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.

As part of the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport’s (ACV) recent parking lot renovation and expansion, the Humboldt County Department of Aviation is pleased to announce that LAZ Parking has officially taken over management of the airport’s parking operations. 

This partnership brings enhanced parking services, improved customer experience and modernized infrastructure to travelers flying in and out of Humboldt County.

LAZ Parking, a nationally recognized leader in parking management, operates parking services at over 30 airports across the United States, including major hubs like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). Their expertise ensures efficient, reliable and customer-focused parking solutions.

Visitors to ACV will now have many convenient options to make parking payments, including cash payments, credit card payments at exit lanes, a walk-up pay station and a mobile app that accepts major credit cards, Apple Pay and other digital wallets.

As part of this transition, ACV has implemented new parking rates to reflect the upgraded services:

• 0-1 Hour: $3
• 1-3 Hours: $7
• 4-6 Hours: $14
• 7-24 Hours: $16
• Daily Max: $16
• Weekly: $80
• Lost Ticket Minimum: $16

The new rates aim to provide fair pricing while supporting ACV’s new, enhanced parking experience. 

Parking improvements made in the last year include new parking lot surfaces, an increased number of Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessible parking spaces, quicker parking lot entry and exit and 40% more parking spaces than were previously available.

For more information on parking at the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit the airport’s parking web page. 

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.

Make your voice heard on local airport development plans by providing your input on the Airport Layout Plan Study. 

The Humboldt County Department of Aviation is updating its Airport System Plan for the six public-use airports it operates. A major component of this study is to revise the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for each airport. This study, required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is a planning effort which outlines potential long-term development concepts to meet the needs of each airport, its users and the surrounding communities while adhering to current FAA design standards.

To share the draft study's initial findings, Humboldt County’s Aviation Department recently hosted four public open houses for residents and airport users to review the draft study, ask questions and provide feedback. To ensure the finalized study meets the needs of the public, all interested community members are invited to provide input by making public comment.

How to Participate

Public comment forms for each airport are available online on the county’s Airport System Plan Update web page and will be open for comment until Friday, March 28 at 5 p.m.

Each comment will be reviewed, and appropriate feedback received will be incorporated in the Airport Layout Plan Study. 

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access to all county programs, services and activities through the provision of accommodations for individuals with qualified disabilities as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With 72 hours prior notice, a request for reasonable accommodation can be made by calling 707-839-5401.

For more information and background on the Humboldt Airport Layout Plan Study and how to share your input please call 707-839-5401 or email aviation@co.humboldt.ca.us.

For more information on the Humboldt County Department of Aviation, please visit FlyACV.com.

More passengers are choosing California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) over other airports than ever before.

A new study conducted by Volaire Aviation Consulting found that 41% of passengers traveling to and from Humboldt County now use ACV, nearly double the number from 2019, before the pandemic. Additionally, the average fare at ACV has dropped nearly 10% since 2019 to $231, the lowest in more than a decade.

ACV has expanded its service in recent years, adding United Airlines flights to Denver in 2019 and Avelo Airlines flights to Burbank in 2021. United’s flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver are now operated on larger jets with 76 seats and first class cabins.

With lower fares and more flight options, fewer passengers are driving to Bay Area airports. Volaire’s study found that just one-third of Humboldt County travelers now use airports in San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, down from nearly two-thirds in 2019.

Learn More

Volaire Aviation Consulting will present findings from this study, along with updates on air service recruitment and airline industry challenges and opportunities, to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The meeting agenda with will be available on the county’s website on Friday, Feb. 21 when it is finalized.

All interested community members are encouraged to attend in person at the Board of Supervisors’ Chamber in the Humboldt County Courthouse, 825 Fifth St. in Eureka, join the meeting on Zoom or watch the livestream at humboldt.legistar.com.

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport and the Humboldt County Department of Aviation, please visit FlyACV.com.

The Humboldt County Department of Aviation will hold a full-scale emergency simulation training exercise on Wednesday, June 5, between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon. It will take place at and around the area of the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV), located at 3561 Boeing Ave. in McKinleyville.

The exercise will be loud and includes participation by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay, Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, several local fire departments, ambulance providers, the American Red Cross, airline personnel and many others.

During the exercise, those in the vicinity of ACV should expect to hear sirens and see emergency lights and participants with mock injuries crying for help. Airport visitors should also expect to see law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services personnel responding to a simulated emergency. First responders will be using emergency radios, and traffic flow may be temporarily affected near the airport. Please plan accordingly.

There are no planned street closures and airport operations will not be impacted as a result of this training exercise.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires all certified commercial airports perform a full-scale mass casualty training exercise every three years. The purpose of the exercise is to train airport staff and local first responders on how to respond to an emergency at ACV. The emergency simulation is intended to provide a real-time, realistic experience of a mass casualty incident and allow airport partners and first responders from several partnering agencies to practice together, assess their emergency response procedures and solidify strong operational relationships.

The training area will be closed to the media. Media inquiries regarding this exercise should be directed to cgallardo@co.humboldt.ca.us. 

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.

This fall, Avelo Airlines will expand air service between the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in response to increased demand for travel between these destinations.

Beginning Sunday, Sept. 15, Avelo Airlines will operate six flights a week between Humboldt County and the Los Angeles area. Expanded flights are scheduled to run through October on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, catering to the needs of travelers, including residents, business professionals, students and visitors. Travelers can book their flights now at aveloair.com.

Expanded air service comes as a result of the continued support for airline travel to Southern California from the Humboldt County community since Avelo began service at ACV in May 2021. 

“We are so thankful to our residents for their ongoing support of service to the Los Angeles area and are delighted that Avelo is once again expanding its service to Humboldt County with Saturday flights,” said Cody Roggatz, Director of Aviation for the County of Humboldt. “We appreciate Avelo’s commitment to meeting the needs of travelers and promoting connectivity in our region.”

This summer, beginning Monday, June 5 through August, Avelo will offer five flights a week between ACV and BUR on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Expanded Saturday service will begin on Sunday, Sept. 15. 

To book a flight on Avelo Airlines, visit aveloair.com. For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.

 About Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines is a leading low cost carrier committed to providing affordable and convenient air travel options to various destinations across the United States. With a focus on customer satisfaction and accessibility, Avelo Airlines aims to make flying enjoyable and hassle-free for all travelers. For more information, visit aveloair.com.

About the Humboldt County Department of Aviation

The Humboldt County Department of Aviation oversees and manages six airports across Humboldt County. Among these, the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) currently offers airline connections to four destinations. United Airlines operates routes from ACV to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Denver International Airport (DEN), while Avelo Airlines provides low cost service to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). In 2022 and 2023, ACV served over 200,000 passengers. Additionally, ACV serves as the base for United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Humboldt Bay, facilitates medical emergency flights and hosts numerous general aviation operators. For more information, please visit FlyACV.com

The terminal and security checkpoint at the California Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport (ACV) were closed at approximately 3:45 p.m. today, Wednesday, May 1, due to a security concern related to a suspicious item in a passenger’s luggage. This temporary closure was in place out of caution while Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the issue.

Safety is ACV’s first priority. While the investigation was conducted the airport airfield (runways and taxiways) remained open as a safety buffer was established. There was one airline delay as a result of this matter.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office determined that the suspicious item was cleared and there is no cause for further concern. The terminal and security checkpoint reopened at 7:45 p.m.

The Humboldt County Department of Aviation would like to thank the community for their patience while the investigation took place. The Department of Aviation extends its utmost gratitude to the TSA, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office for their prompt response.

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.

Avelo Airlines informed Humboldt County officials that they will discontinue service between the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) and the Las Vegas International Airport (LAS). The last flights between ACV-LAS will be on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. 

Avelo’s relaunched service to Las Vegas began on Sept. 8, with flights on Fridays and Mondays. When this service was relaunched, Avelo also embarked on several new service routes to Las Vegas. In addition to discontinuing service between ACV-LAS, Avelo has also cancelled or suspended some of their other routes across the U.S. that did not generate the demand that they had hoped. 

"Although we are disappointed for the residents of Humboldt County that this route has been discontinued, we are grateful to Avelo for their ongoing partnership and investment in Humboldt County,” said Cody Roggatz, Director of Aviation for the County of Humboldt. “Avelo’s service between ACV and Los Angeles through the Hollywood-Burbank Airport (BUR) continues to be one of the strongest services provided in Avelo’s network. I would like to thank the residents of Humboldt County for supporting that service and for continuing to fly ACV. The community’s support of the routes we currently have will help us expand service destinations in the future.”

Avelo will continue to provide four weekly flights to/from Los Angeles through the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). Avelo will be adding an additional weekly flight beginning Dec. 17 through Dec. 30 for the holidays. For booking information, visit aveloair.com.

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.

Airline Service Scheduled to Return on Saturday, Aug. 26

The Humboldt County Department of Aviation is excited to announce the reopening of the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV). Airlines are scheduled to resume service on Saturday, Aug. 26.

The airport was closed Monday, Aug. 14 through Friday, Aug. 25 while work for Phase II of the ACV Runway and Electrical Rehabilitation Project took place. This project is being conducted in three phases to make much-needed improvements to ACV’s primary runway, which was last rehabilitated in 1994. 

Phase I and Phase II-A of this project have now been completed, and work for Phase III is expected to conclude in December. Phase II-A of construction required a full airport closure and was the only phase that affected commercial air service at ACV. This work began on Monday, Aug. 14, to repave the primary runway, and has now been completed.

Work for Phase III will continue from September through December of 2023 to continue upgrading electrical systems at the airport. This work will be done in overnight closures and will not impact airline operations. Travelers are encouraged to review the projected project schedule below and take it into consideration when making travel plans.

This rehabilitation is expected to help the airport realize another 10-20 years of useful life out of the runway before another major rehabilitation project is needed. The remaining work will be conducted with further details outlined below.

Phase II-B

Work for Phase II-B will include milling and paving work on the taxiways connecting ACV’s runways. Regularly scheduled airline flights will continue to operate during this time ACV will be closed overnight from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. during this phase Monday, Aug. 28 through the morning of Friday, Sept. 1, and again beginning the night of Monday, Sept. 4 through the morning of Friday, Sept. 8.

Phase III

Phase III will include electrical work to bring the newly installed in-pavement lighting and electrical systems flush with the newly paved runway surface. This work is scheduled for 75 nightly closures of ACV’s main runway from midnight to 6 a.m. The dates for these overnight closures are expected to be Monday, Sept. 11 through Friday, Dec. 15. Regularly scheduled airline flights will still operate during this last phase of the project outside of the overnight closure timeframes. Additionally, ACV’s secondary runway will remain open during the overnight closures for medical flights, US Coast Guard operations, and other general aviation operations.  

The Department of Aviation would like to thank the US Coast Guard-Sector Humboldt Bay, United Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and medical flight operators who partnered with the department to arrange this project’s schedule to minimize the impacts of this project for airport partners, operators, customers, and the community.

“We appreciate the community’s continued support while these much-needed upgrades to ACV are being made,” said Humboldt County Department of Aviation Director Cody Roggatz. “This project will benefit the community for decades to come.”

Funding for this project was provided thanks to the advocacy efforts of Congressman Jared Huffman, who helped secure a $13 million Airport Improvement Program grant through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) covering 90% of the project costs.  The remaining 10% of the project costs will be funded by Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act Grant funding which was previously provided by the FAA to the County of Humboldt.

The Department of Aviation appreciates the community’s patience while the department works to make necessary improvements. This project will improve Humboldt County’s critical airfield infrastructure, providing many years of safe use for all airport partners moving forward. The Department of Aviation looks forward to completing a safe and successful project to improve the airport for the Humboldt County residents and visitors to enjoy in the future.

For more information and updates on the California Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport, please visit flyacv.com.

The County of Humboldt's Department of Aviation staff gather on the freshly repaved runway at the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport. 

Image courtesy of the Humboldt County Department of Aviation. Click image to enlarge.

The County of Humboldt’s Department of Aviation is excited to announce that direct flights to and from Las Vegas will once again be provided by Avelo Airlines.

Starting on Friday, Sept. 8, Avelo’s twice-weekly flights will provide direct service between the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) and the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS). Flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays and introductory fares will start as low as $49 for a one-way ticket. Tickets can be booked now at AveloAir.com.  

 “We are excited to expand our partnership with Avelo Airlines and provide the Humboldt community with additional options for flying local with direct service to Las Vegas,” said Fifth District Supervisor and Chair of the Board Steve Madrone.

Avelo currently provides low fares and direct service between ACV and the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) three times a week. The success of this route inspired Avelo to bring back flights to LAS.

“The county is grateful for Avelo’s investment in our market, and we are thrilled to be able to offer flights to Las Vegas,” said Aviation Director Cody Roggatz. “I would like to thank the community for continuing to fly ACV which helped bring back this service. We look forward connecting Humboldt County residents to the many adventures that await them in Las Vegas, and connecting Southern Nevada to the Redwood Coast.”

In August of 2021, the Board of Supervisors approved Project SOAR, a partnership between the County Administrative Office’s Division of Economic Development and the Department of Aviation, to enhance and improve economic autonomy and sustainability for ACV. Through Project SOAR, the team is focused on expanding airline services and other efforts to improve the ACV’s contribution to the economic success of the region.

To book a flight on Avelo Airlines, visit AveloAir.com. For more information and updates on the California Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors has designated Saturday, April 29 as Aviation Day in Humboldt County. 

In recognition of Aviation Day, the Humboldt County Department of Aviation is excited welcome the community to celebrate all things aviation at the Murray Field Airport (KEKA) on Saturday, April 29. 

The event, known as Airport Day, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Murray Field Airport, located at Airport Road in Eureka.

This free, all-ages event is being hosted in partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt’s Aviation Club who has invited members of the aviation community to fly in and exhibit their planes. Event attendees will have the opportunity to view a static display of single engine private aircraft, a historic WWII era aircraft, a US Coast Guard-Sector Humboldt Bay helicopter, a Life Flight aircraft, and many others. Additionally, attendees will be able to meet local pilots, check out model aircraft presented by Humboldt Aero Modelers, and participate in other fun activities.

This event is weather dependent. For more information about Airport Day, please visit the event website or email aviation@humboldt.edu. If you own a plane and would like to display it at Airport Day, please email Aviation Club advisor and Computer Science professor David Marshall at david.marshall@humboldt.edu.

Cal Poly Humboldt’s Aviation Club was established in 2020 and aims to reduce barriers for students interested in aviation. For more information about the club, visit the Cal Poly Aviation Club website.  

For more information and updates on the Humboldt County Department of Aviation, please visit flyacv.com. 

Detail of artist Duane Flatmo's mural "Murray Field Vintage 1930." 

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.