Meadows Field Airport
The primary commercial airport for Bakersfield and Kern County, serving as a regional gateway for the Southern San Joaquin Valley.
Overview of the Airport
Meadows Field Airport (BFL) is located approximately 7 miles north of downtown Bakersfield, California, adjacent to Highway 99. It serves as the main airport for the Bakersfield area, connecting the region to major domestic destinations through direct flights on American Airlines and United Airlines.
35.43389, -119.05778
Growth Trend
Passenger traffic has shown stable volumes with modest year-over-year fluctuations since 2022.
Employment
1,200
Workers include airline staff, ground services, concessions, airport operations, and county employees.
Global Ranking
Market Share of Major Airlines
Capacity Expansion
Recent terminal upgrades and runway enhancements support increased regional passenger and cargo capacity.
Technological Advancements
Deployment of advanced security screening and digital passenger information systems enhances operational efficiency.
Sustainability Initiatives
Implementation of energy-efficient lighting and recycling programs aligns with Kern County’s environmental goals.
General Stats
Comprehensive passenger capacity profiles and geographical insights.
View General Stats→Latest News & Updates
Recent developments and updates for Meadows Field Airport.
Senator Hurtado proposes bill with new funding for Meadows Field Airport
Senator Hurtado says that it's time this standard changes as MeadowsFieldAirportin Bakersfield, CA, serves Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix, while offering few direct flights to other cities in California.
BFL ILS or LOC RWY 30R missed approach temporarily revised due to EHF
Interpretation at MeadowsField(Bakersfield, CA), the ILS or LOC RWY 30R (AMDT 31A) missed approach is revised: "Climb to 2000 then climbing right turn to 4000 on TTE VOR/DME R-172 direct IVECU INT/TTE 15.00 DME and hold, continue climb-in-hold to 4000," due to EHF VORTAC out of service.
New bill aims to boost funding for Meadows Field Airport
As Kern County continues to experience rapid growth, anewbill is pushing for increased investment inMeadowsFieldAirportto boost commercial air travel and meet rising demand.
Operations Logistics & Timelines
Step-by-step process transit times for passengers and cargo.
For Clients
Passenger process times from arrival to gate.
- Arrival & Baggage Drop-off10-20 mins
- Check-in5-15 mins
- Security Screening20-45 mins
- Gate Arrival5-10 mins
- Boarding5-10 mins
- Final Preparations
For Employees
Cargo handling deadlines and operational procedures.
- General Cargo Cut-off60 mins pre-departure
- Arrival NotificationAt least 30 mins prior to departure
- Cargo VerificationUpon Arrival
- Weight and MeasurementAs per regulations
- Documentation ReviewEnsure all required documents are complete and accurate
- Loading and SecurementLoad cargo according to regulations and airline requirements
- Final CheckVerify cargo is correctly loaded and secured before departure
Passengers' Tips & Tricks
- 1
Arrive Early for Security
Security wait times at Meadows Field Airport (BFL) can fluctuate. Allow extra time, especially during peak travel periods, to avoid rushing and ensure a smooth check-in process.
- 2
Check Parking Options in Advance
Meadows Field offers various parking options. Research and reserve your parking spot ahead of time, particularly during busy travel seasons, to secure a spot and potentially save money.
- 3
Utilize Real-Time Wait Times
Use resources like FlightQueue to monitor real-time security and immigration wait times at BFL. This information can help you adjust your arrival time and minimize delays.
- 4
Confirm Baggage Allowance with Your Airline
Double-check your airline’s baggage allowance policies before your flight to avoid unexpected fees or issues at the gate.
- 5
Familiarize Yourself with Terminal Layout
Meadows Field Airport (BFL) has a straightforward terminal. Review the terminal map (available online) to quickly locate your gate and amenities.
Cargo Tips & Tricks
- 1
Book in Advance
Air freight capacity at Meadows Field (BFL) can fluctuate significantly based on seasonal demand and aircraft availability. Booking cargo shipments well in advance ensures space is secured and reduces the risk of delays or cancellations.
- 2
Utilize Bakersfield Jet Center
The only IS-BAH certified FBO, Bakersfield Jet Center by Loyd's Aviation, provides specialized ground handling, maintenance, and logistical support, optimizing cargo operations and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- 3
Leverage Runway 25L/07R
Meadows Field's runways, particularly 25L/07R, are suitable for a range of cargo aircraft, facilitating efficient loading and unloading operations. Understanding runway conditions and prevailing winds is crucial for planning.
- 4
Coordinate with Airport Operations
Maintain open communication with the airport operations team at BFL to stay informed about potential traffic congestion, runway closures, or special procedures impacting freight movements. Their expertise is key to smooth cargo flow.
- 5
Plan for Customs Clearance
Given the diverse traffic at BFL, including military and law enforcement, anticipate potential customs and security procedures that may require additional processing time. Proactive planning minimizes delays and streamlines cargo import/export activities.
Tools & Resources
Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.
Data & Reports
Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Meadows Field Airport.
FAA Passenger and All-Cargo Data
Official passenger boarding (enplanement) and all-cargo data collected by the FAA, used for airport category and entitlement calculations.
ACI World Data Center
Provides a range of airport and air travel industry data, including passenger and cargo traffic statistics.
BTS - Airlines, Airports, and Aviation
Bureau of Transportation Statistics data on airlines, airports, and aviation, including passenger counts and cargo between airports.
ICAO Data Plus
Dynamic and graphical presentation of air transport statistics collected from ICAO Member States.
AirportInfo.live - Meadows Field (BFL) Statistics
Real-time airport statistics for Meadows Field Airport, including delay index and aircraft movement charts.
Location & Maps
Find Meadows Field Airport on popular mapping services.
Interactive Map
Map Legend
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Recommendations
Policy Alignment
Engage with federal and state agencies to secure infrastructure funding and support regional economic development.
Infrastructure Investment
Prioritize continued modernization of terminal facilities and airfield infrastructure to improve capacity and resilience.
Sustainability Focus
Expand sustainable practices, including renewable energy adoption and waste reduction, to meet regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Meadows Field Airport.
What kind of operations does Meadows Field Airport (BFL) primarily handle?
Meadows Field Airport (BFL) is a relatively small airport, primarily handling private flights, often facilitated by companies like Surf Air. Car rentals are available, but certain specialty vehicle types may be restricted.
Are there limitations on vehicle rentals at Meadows Field Airport (BFL)?
Yes, some vehicle classes, such as Exotics, Large Passenger or Cargo Vans, and other specialty vehicles may not be allowed to travel outside of the US.
Where is Meadows Field Airport (BFL) located?
Meadows Field Airport (BFL) is located in Bakersfield, California.
Which car rental companies operate at Meadows Field Airport (BFL)?
National Car Rental operates car rentals at Meadows Field Airport (BFL).
For More Info
Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.
