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Sacramento Mather Airport is a medium-sized general aviation and cargo facility located about 10 miles east of downtown Sacramento in the community of Mather. Originally established as Mather Air Force Base in 1918, it served as a strategic bomber and later reconnaissance installation before closing in 1993 and being converted to civilian use. Today it operates without scheduled commercial passenger flights, focusing instead on corporate aviation, air cargo, flight training, and aircraft maintenance.
💡 Local Tip
If you're visiting, the nearby Mather Regional Park and the Aerospace Museum of California (located right on the former base) are worth a stop, and the terminal area offers a quieter alternative to SMF for corporate and private aviation needs.
🚖 Getting There
The airport is most easily reached by car via Highway 50 (the historic Lincoln Highway) or Kiefer Boulevard, with a typical drive of 20-30 minutes from downtown Sacramento depending on traffic. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft do serve the area but availability may be limited compared to Sacramento International Airport. Rental cars are a practical option for those arriving on private or charter flights.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Sacramento Mather Airport have commercial passenger flights?
A: No, MHR does not offer scheduled commercial passenger service. Travelers using major airlines typically fly through Sacramento International Airport (SMF), located northwest of the city.
Q: What is the airport primarily used for today?
A: The airport serves general aviation, corporate jets, air cargo operations, flight schools, and aircraft maintenance facilities. It also hosts emergency services and government aviation operations.
Q: Can I park my car at the airport for an extended period?
A: Yes, on-site parking is available near the terminal and FBO facilities, though options are generally more limited than at a major commercial airport like SMF.
Q: Is there a control tower operating at MHR?
A: Yes, Sacramento Mather has an FAA air traffic control tower operating during published hours to manage the mix of general aviation, cargo, and transient military traffic.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 29, 2026 · MiniMax-M3