Salem Airport Loses Federal Status After Scheduled Flights Fail
Salem, Oregon, has officially lost its federal airport status after failing to restore scheduled passenger air service by a November deadline, leaving the facility restricted to general aviation operations only. The decision marks a significant setback for the city’s long-running efforts to reestablish consistent commercial air links.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) notified city officials on December 30, 2025, that it would begin withdrawing federal screening personnel and equipment from Salem Municipal Airport. Without TSA staffing, the airport no longer qualifies to support scheduled passenger flights under federal regulations.
Salem’s loss of status follows the departure of Avelo Airlines, which had briefly revived commercial service at the airport. In 2023, Avelo launched Salem’s first scheduled passenger flights in more than 15 years, reconnecting the state capital with destinations in California. However, the carrier terminated its Salem route in July 2025, citing insufficient demand and broader network adjustments.
In an effort to preserve its federal designation and attract a replacement airline, the Salem City Council approved a USD300,000 incentive package in October 2025. The subsidy was supplemented by USD1.2 million in private funding commitments aimed at supporting marketing and startup costs for a new commercial operator. Despite those efforts, no passenger airline committed to launching service before the TSA deadline.
With the withdrawal of federal screening operations, Salem Municipal Airport is now limited to general aviation and non-TSA-regulated activity. The airport continues to host private, business, and training flights, but no longer has the infrastructure or authorization required for scheduled passenger services.
The only remaining commercial operation at the airport is a cargo service operated by Empire Airlines, which flies freight between Salem and Portland International Airport. That route remains unaffected, as it does not rely on passenger screening facilities.
City officials have acknowledged that regaining federal status would require securing a committed passenger airline and reapplying for TSA services, a process that could take months or longer. The setback underscores the challenges faced by smaller regional airports attempting to sustain commercial air service amid rising airline costs, pilot shortages, and a post-pandemic shift toward larger, more profitable markets.
For Salem, the loss of federal status represents another chapter in a decades-long struggle to maintain scheduled passenger flights. While local leaders have not ruled out future attempts to restore service, the airport’s immediate future will center on general aviation activity and cargo operations rather than commercial passenger travel.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com