31 Dec 2025

Meaningful progress continues to be made toward establishing northbound commercial air service between the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) and Portland International Airport (PDX). The route remains a top strategic air service priority for the Coos County Airport District (CCAD) Board of Commissioners, who oversee the ownership of the airport. Active work is underway to bring this connection to the South Coast.

Record numbers of travelers are using OTH to reach destinations nationwide - growth that is directly strengthening the airport's position for additional routes such as Portland. Through the month of November, over 50,600 people have traveled through OTH, representing a 30 percent increase over last year. This puts the airport on track to shatter enplanement/deplanement numbers over the prior 15 years.

In addition, through November, the airport has recorded a 13.5% increase in fuel sales for transient and commercial aircraft, along with a 20% increase in rental car revenue following the addition of Hertz and Turo to the already established Enterprise car rental service. It further signals growing demand and expanded visitor activity on the South Coast.

"These numbers confirm what we've known for some time - air service is no longer a luxury for the South Coast, it's a necessity," says Rodger Craddock, CCAD Executive Director. "The growth we're seeing shows that residents, businesses, and visitors are actively choosing OTH, and that demand continues to rise. Expanding travel options, including Portland service, will directly improve access to healthcare, business opportunities, education, and family connection while strengthening the long-term economic stability of our region."

Earlier this year, airport leadership was close to securing a Portland route agreement; however, industry volatility prompted delays in rural route development nationwide. CCAD is also working to extend a federal air service development grant that will help reduce financial risk for airlines willing to provide Portland service. The grant is part of $2.1 million in cash and in-kind services pledged to support a PDX route. It shows the community is serious about launching and supporting the route.

To pave the way for future route development, several infrastructure improvement projects are underway or are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026. The efforts will improve operational resiliency, traveler experience, and ensure the airport is ready to support expanded service when the time comes. "The goal isn't just to launch a Portland route - it's to launch service that lasts well into the future," according to Craddock.

Airport leadership is currently in negotiations with multiple airlines with several additional meetings planned at a route development conference in the spring. Airport officials will remain focused on demonstrating strong demand, market strength and long-term sustainability for the only commercial airport on the Oregon Coast.