California has played a central role in the development of aviation in the United States, with several of its earliest airfields evolving into long-standing airports that remain active today. During the early 20th century, the state’s favorable weather, geographic scale, and growing economy made it an ideal environment for aviation experimentation and infrastructure development. What began as informal landing grounds and basic airstrips gradually transformed into organized municipal airports and, in some cases, major international gateways.

Many of California’s oldest airports have remained in continuous use by adapting to shifting aviation demands. Some expanded into global hubs handling tens of millions of passengers annually, while others retained more specialized roles in general aviation. Together, they reflect the layered development of air travel, from early flight operations to the highly structured global network in place today. Presented from newest to oldest, these five airports illustrate how early aviation sites in California developed into enduring pieces of infrastructure that continue to serve the public in 2026.

5

Los Angeles International Airport

Opened: 1928

Los Angeles International Airport began in 1928 as “Mines Field,” a modest airstrip developed on agricultural land in what is now the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles. At the time, aviation infrastructure across the United States was still in its early stages, and the site initially featured simple dirt runways and minimal facilities. The City of Los Angeles selected the location with long-term growth in mind. By 1930, the site had been formally dedicated as Los Angeles Municipal Airport, marking its transition into a structured aviation facility. In its early years, activity remained limited, but the surrounding region quickly emerged as a center for aircraft manufacturing, which helped drive gradual expansion.

World War II significantly accelerated development at the airport, as military needs led to improvements in runways, navigation systems, and operational capacity. These upgrades positioned the airport for rapid growth in the postwar period, when commercial air travel began expanding rapidly. A major turning point came in 1961 with the opening of LAX’s modern terminal complex. Designed around a central roadway loop with satellite terminals, the layout reflected the emerging demands of jet travel and became influential in airport design worldwide. The construction of the Theme Building soon after added a recognizable architectural landmark associated with the Jet Age.

In the decades that followed, LAX expanded into one of the busiest airports in the world. Its location on the Pacific coast made it a key gateway for international travel, particularly routes connecting the United States with Asia and Oceania. Continuous upgrades to terminals, runways, and ground transportation systems have allowed it to maintain that role. Today, LAX handles a vast volume of domestic and international traffic each year. Despite its scale and modernization, its origins as a late-1920s municipal airfield remain a defining part of its history.

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4

San Francisco International Airport

Opened: 1927

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

San Francisco International Airport was established in 1927 as Mills Field Municipal Airport, initially consisting of a single dirt runway on leased land. Like many early airports, it began with limited infrastructure and gradually expanded as aviation demand increased. During its first decade of operation, the airport supported regional flights and airmail services. Commercial aviation was still developing at the time, and airports like SFO played a key role in establishing reliable routes and operational standards.

Again, World War II marked a period of significant change. Military use led to infrastructure improvements and expanded capacity, which later supported civilian aviation growth. After the war, the airport experienced steady expansion as passenger travel became more common. In 1955, the facility was officially renamed San Francisco International Airport, reflecting its growing importance in global aviation. The introduction of jet aircraft in the following years required further upgrades, including longer runways and more advanced terminals.

SFO continued to evolve through the late 20th century with the addition of new terminals and the modernization of existing facilities. Like LAX, its geographic location made it especially important for transpacific travel, and it developed into one of the primary gateways between North America and Asia. Today, SFO is one of the busiest airports in California, known for its extensive international network and modern infrastructure. Its development from a simple 1927 airfield into a major global hub reflects broader trends in the growth of commercial aviation.

3

Oakland International Airport

Opened: 1927

Credit: San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport

Oakland International Airport was also established in 1927 and quickly became one of the most significant early aviation sites on the West Coast. Developed by the City of Oakland, the airport benefited from its strategic location along San Francisco Bay. Shortly after opening, the airport gained national attention as the departure point for the Dole Air Race, a high-profile competition that highlighted both the promise and risks of long-distance aviation. Events like this helped establish Oakland as a center for early flight activity.

During the late 1920s and 1930s, Oakland served as a key terminus for transcontinental routes and airmail services. Airlines used the airport as a gateway to the Pacific, reinforcing its role in the expanding national aviation network. The airport is also associated with several notable figures in aviation history. Amelia Earhart departed from Oakland on multiple flights, including the beginning of her final journey in 1937. These connections contributed to the airport’s historical significance. World War II brought major changes, as the airport became a critical military logistics hub. Aircraft and personnel passed through Oakland en route to the Pacific theater, prompting the expansion of facilities and increased operational capacity.

After the war, the airport transitioned back to civilian use, serving both passenger and cargo operations. While it operates near the larger San Francisco International Airport, Oakland has maintained a distinct role, particularly in domestic travel and low-cost carrier service. Its continuous operation since 1927 and its involvement in key moments of early aviation history secure its place among the oldest active airports in California.

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2

Santa Monica Airport

Opened: 1923

Credit: Shutterstock

Santa Monica Airport officially opened on April 15, 1923, making it one of the earliest purpose-built airports still in operation in the United States. From its inception, it was designed as a dedicated aviation facility rather than evolving from an informal landing ground. In its early years, the airport played an important role in the development of Southern California’s aviation industry. It supported both flight operations and aircraft manufacturing, contributing to the region’s emergence as a major aerospace center.

The airport became known for its focus on general aviation rather than large-scale commercial service. At one point, it was considered the busiest single-runway airport in the world, reflecting the high volume of private, training, and corporate flights it handled. Its proximity to Los Angeles made it a convenient location for pilots and aviation businesses, even as larger airports like LAX expanded to handle commercial traffic. This specialization allowed SMO to maintain relevance despite the growth of nearby major hubs.

Although Santa Monica Airport has one of the earliest confirmed opening dates, it is important to distinguish it from sites where aviation activity began earlier in a less formal capacity. SMO has operated in a consistent, purpose-built form since 1923, which is a key part of its historical significance. As of 2026, the airport remains operational, though plans are in place for its closure in the coming years. Its long period of continuous use highlights the durability of early aviation infrastructure, which can adapt to changing needs.

1

Long Beach Airport

Opened: 1910s

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Long Beach Airport is often regarded as the oldest airport on this list when considering the full history of aviation at its location. While the municipal airport itself formally opened in 1924, flight activity in Long Beach began earlier, with aircraft operating from beaches and informal landing areas during the 1910s. These early operations reflect a period when aviation was still experimental, and pilots frequently used open land or coastal areas as makeshift runways. In Long Beach, this activity gradually evolved into a more organized system, leading to the establishment of a dedicated airport.

The City of Long Beach acquired land for a municipal airport in 1923, and the facility opened the following year. This marked the transition from informal aviation use to a structured, city-managed operation. During the 1920s and 1930s, the airport became an important site for aviation development. It supported flight training, airmail service, and the growing aerospace industry in Southern California. Its available space and favorable location contributed to its continued expansion. The airport underwent significant development in the following decades, including the construction of runways, hangars, and a control tower. Its historic terminal building, designed in the Streamline Modern style, reflects architectural trends of the mid-20th century.

Today, Long Beach Airport serves both commercial and general aviation traffic. It is known for efficient operations and strict noise regulations that shape its flight schedule and capacity. What distinguishes Long Beach is the depth of its aviation history. While its formal establishment dates to 1924, the site’s use for flight activity extends back to the 1910s, making it the oldest continuously active aviation location among the airports listed here.