Salem Municipal Airport launches flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles area

Whitney Woodworth, Salem Statesman Journal
Updated ·2 min read

A fully booked Las Vegas-bound flight took off from Salem Municipal Airport Thursday — the first commercial flight out of the city in nearly 15 years.

Earlier this year, Avelo Airlines announced it would be bringing twice-weekly nonstop service between Salem and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport and the Los Angeles-area Hollywood Burbank Airport.

One-way fares to Las Vegas start at $44, and fares to Burbank start at $49. Customers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.

Courtney Goff, spokeswoman for Avelo, said the airline was drawn to Salem because it was an underserved, growing community with lots of potential — smack dab in the heart of wine country, close to outdoor recreation and being the state capital.

Mayor Chris Hoy said the return of commercial air service to Salem brings the promise of new investment to the city and made air travel more accessible to city residents.

"Today is a great day for our city," Hoy said. "We’re growing so much, and this is going to be such a boom for job creation and economic development in our region. This is going to help introduce Salem to the rest of the world."

Backpack in tow, Hoy was among the 149 passengers onboard Avelo's inaugural flight Thursday morning. Families and friend groups arrived at the terminal, checked in, walked through security and boarded the Boeing 737.

Airport officials recommend arriving at the airport an hour before flight time, but lines were short Thursday and people moved through security quickly.

One group of women erupted in laughter when they pulled up to departures and took photos beneath the balloon arch at the airport entrance. Another group arrived hours before their flight in brightly colored, coordinating tracksuits.

Huge photos of Salem's iconic Bush's Pasture Park and Riverfront Park decorated the interior of the airport.

Passengers board their flight to Las Vegas through Avelo Airlines on Thursday at Salem Municipal Airport. The flight is the first commercial flight out of the city in nearly 15 years.
Passengers board their flight to Las Vegas through Avelo Airlines on Thursday at Salem Municipal Airport. The flight is the first commercial flight out of the city in nearly 15 years.

Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy touted the airline's affordability and reliability. In 2023, Avelo had the lowest flight cancellation rate and best on-time performance in the U.S. airline industry.

"We are excited to begin nonstop service from the greater Portland/Salem region to Las Vegas and Los Angeles this week," Levy said. "As the first airline to serve the capital city in nearly 15 years, Avelo makes getting to your favorite destinations easier and more affordable than ever."

Avelo officials said the initial spark in popularity of the Salem routes is prompting the airline to add extra flight dates for the winter holidays.

Levy said more destinations could be added later.

The inagural flight of Avelo Airlines, the first commercial flight out of Salem in more than a decade, is celebrated with a water spray from the Salem Fire Department.
The inagural flight of Avelo Airlines, the first commercial flight out of Salem in more than a decade, is celebrated with a water spray from the Salem Fire Department.

In a statement, Gov. Tina Kotek said as new residents of Salem, she and the First Lady appreciate having an accessible option so close to home.

"Avelo Airlines’ commitment to bringing commercial service to the Salem Municipal Airport will make it easier for people to visit our beautiful state and spotlight the important role that the mid-Willamette Valley plays in the economy of Oregon," Kotek said.

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter at @wmwoodworth

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Avelo flights to Las Vegas, Burbank begin at Salem airport