Cedar City Regional Airport

Cedar City Regional Airport
Name	Cedar City Regional Airport
Iata	CDC
Icao	KCDC
Faa	CDC
Type	Public
Owner	Iron County
City-served	Cedar City, Utah
Elevation-ft	5,840
R1-number	16/34
R1-length-ft	9,300
R1-surface	Asphalt

Cedar City Regional Airport is a public-use airport serving Cedar City, Utah and Iron County, Utah. Located near Interstate 15 (California–Montana), the airport supports commercial aviation, general aviation, and seasonal airline service linked to regional tourism gateways like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. It functions as a regional connector within the United States National Airspace System and interfaces with state-level transportation planning authorities including the Utah Department of Transportation.

History

Origins trace to municipal airfields developed in the mid-20th century when local officials in Cedar City, Utah coordinated with the Civil Aeronautics Authority and later the Federal Aviation Administration to expand facilities for scheduled service. Growth accelerated with investments tied to regional events hosted by Southern Utah University and the Utah Shakespeare Festival, prompting runway extensions and terminal upgrades influenced by federal programs such as the Airport Improvement Program. In the 1990s and 2000s, partnerships involving Iron County, Utah and regional economic development agencies led to infrastructure projects that aligned with statewide tourism strategies promoted by the Utah Office of Tourism.

Facilities and operations

The airport resides at approximately 5,840 feet above mean sea level and has a single primary runway (16/34) surfaced with asphalt and measuring about 9,300 by 150 feet—sufficient for aircraft types ranging from turboprops to regional jets operated by carriers like SkyWest Airlines and formerly Great Lakes Airlines. The field includes a passenger terminal, aircraft parking apron, and general aviation hangars used by operators, fixed-base operators (FBOs), and flight training providers often associated with institutions such as Southern Utah University's aviation programs. Air traffic operations are coordinated under the Federal Aviation Administration's regional flight service facilities with instrument procedures published for inclement-weather approaches, referencing navigation aids like Global Positioning System procedures and adherence to National Airspace System safety standards.

Airlines and destinations

Scheduled commercial service has historically been provided by regional carriers operating code-share flights for major airlines; markets commonly linked include Salt Lake City International Airport as a primary hub and seasonal charters serving visitors bound for Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Carriers with past or intermittent operations at the airport include SkyWest Airlines, Great Lakes Airlines, and commuter operators that instituted service under agreements with legacy and network carriers. Route networks have fluctuated with airline consolidation events involving airlines such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, and with federal subsidy mechanisms like the Essential Air Service program influencing frequency and aircraft type.

Ground transportation and access

Surface access is provided primarily via Interstate 15 (California–Montana) and U.S. Route 91, connecting the airport to Cedar City, Utah downtown, regional lodging, and attractions. Ground transportation options include rental car services from companies participating in airport concessions, local taxi services regulated by Iron County, Utah ordinances, and private shuttle operators coordinating with hotels and tour operators that serve passengers bound for Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Brian Head, Utah. Connectivity efforts have involved coordination with the Utah Transit Authority and regional planning commissions to integrate road improvements and wayfinding.

Statistics and economic impact

Operational statistics demonstrate a mix of commercial enplanements, general aviation movements, and air cargo operations influenced by seasonal tourism peaks associated with events at Southern Utah University and visitation to regional parks like Zion National Park. Economic impact analyses performed by county and state economic development offices quantify contributions in terms of visitor spending, payroll for airport tenants, and multipliers affecting sectors represented by entities such as local hotels, tour operators, and aviation maintenance providers. Funding streams for capital projects have included federal AIP grants administered by the Federal Aviation Administration and state capital allocations from the Utah Department of Transportation.

Accidents and incidents

Recorded incidents at the airport involve routine general aviation occurrences routinely investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board when they meet reporting criteria. Historical events have prompted safety reviews aligning with FAA Advisory Circulars and resulted in procedural or infrastructure adjustments consistent with recommendations from national safety oversight bodies. Notable investigations have involved small aircraft operations and have been documented in NTSB reports and local media coverage by outlets serving Cedar City, Utah and Iron County, Utah.

Category:Airports in Utah Category:Transportation in Iron County, Utah