History of Klamath Falls Airport

In 1928 Citizens of Klamath Falls approve sale of $50,000 worth of bonds to construct airport. The airport was known as the Klamath Falls Municipal Airport and consisted of gravel runways and one Fixed Base Operator. In 1942 the airport was selected as a site for a Naval Air Station and in 1945 the airport was transferred back to civilian use and United Airlines began its service.

In 1953 West Coast Airlines begins service and in 1954 the airport was selected as a site for U.S. Air Force Base. Air West begins service at Klamath Falls Airport in 1956. The following year, 1957, the airport was dedicated as Kingsley Field in honor of Lieutenant David Kingsley. David R. Kingsley, an Oregon World War II hero, was killed in action on June 23, 1944 after a bombing mission over the oil fields of Ploesti, Rumania. Shortly after the Passenger terminal building was constructed in 1959.

A blow was dealt in 1978 when the Department of Defense chooses to close Kingsley Field Air Force Base, but in 1979 Air Oregon begins service at Klamath Falls Airport (Horizon Air - 1983).

Recovery started as the 142nd Fighter Group of the Oregon Air National Guard takes over responsibilities of the Air Defense Alert in 1980. In June of 1982 Republic Airlines ends its service and Pacific Express begins its service in 1983. Also in 1983 The 8123 Fighter Interceptor Training Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard was activated and assigned the F-4C aircraft.

The following years are outlined below with air services starting and stopping and the Air Guard making some realignments.

  • 1984 - Pacific Express ends service
  • 1984 - 8123 redesignated the 114th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron
  • 1985 - Wings West begins service at Klamath Falls Airport (American Eagle - 1987)
  • 1986 - United Airlines begins service
  • 1987 - October - United Airlines ends service
  • 1988 - August - F-16 aircraft were assigned to replace the F-4C aircraft
  • 1993 - September - American Eagle ends service
  • 1993 - October - United Express begins service
  • 1994 - August - Reno Air begins service
  • 1995 - February - Reno Air ends service
  • 1996 - June - 114th Fighter Squadron is redesignated the 173rd Fighter Wing
  • 1998 - January - United Express ends service

Currently Horizon Airlines provides service to Portland daily and shares the runways with the Oregon Air National Guard.