MHR · medium airport

Sacramento Mather Airport

Sacramento, United States

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MHRmedium airport

Sacramento Mather Airport

Sacramento, United States

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Destinations

KMHR

ICAO

98 ft

Elevation

TravelerPulse profile

Former Air Force base turned cargo and general aviation hub.

Opened

1918

Location

Sacramento, United States

Sacramento Mather Airport (MHR/KMHR) is a public airport located in Rancho Cordova, approximately 12 miles east of downtown Sacramento, California. It occupies the former Mather Air Force Base, which closed in 1993 and was subsequently converted to civilian aviation use. The airport primarily serves cargo operations, general aviation, and occasional charter flights rather than scheduled commercial passenger service. Its long runways, a legacy of its military past, make it well-suited for cargo aircraft and training operations. Mather is operated by the County of Sacramento and plays an important role in the regional aviation ecosystem, complementing Sacramento International Airport (SMF) with its cargo and industrial aviation functions.

Getting to & from

The airport is accessible primarily by car via US Route 50, with limited public transit connections to the greater Sacramento area.

Airlines here

Mather does not host major scheduled commercial airlines, serving primarily cargo carriers and charter operators.

Notable facts

›Originally established in 1918 as Mather Field, a U.S. Army Air Corps training base.
›Mather Air Force Base was closed under the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
›The airport features runways exceeding 11,000 feet in length, a legacy of its military operations.
›It serves as a base for aerial firefighting operations in California.
›The site includes an aerospace museum honoring its military aviation history.

Official website Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Former Air Force base now serving Sacramento's cargo and charter needs

Sacramento Mather Airport occupies the grounds of the former Mather Air Force Base, which closed in 1993 and was subsequently converted into a public airport. Located in the eastern Sacramento area, it primarily serves cargo operators, charter flights, and general aviation rather than scheduled commercial passenger service. Its expansive runways and low congestion make it a practical alternative facility within the greater Sacramento region.

Terminals

Passenger Terminal — A modest facility supporting charter and limited passenger operations, without the scale of a full commercial terminal.

Ground Transport

Taxi and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) available at the airport
Personal vehicle and private car service
Rental car agencies accessible nearby in Sacramento
Regional bus routes connecting to eastern Sacramento

Nearby Hotels

Holiday Inn Express Rancho Cordova
Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento Rancho Cordova
Hampton Inn Sacramento Rancho Cordova
Residence Inn Sacramento Rancho Cordova

Dining

Dining options inside the airport are extremely limited given its primarily cargo and charter focus, so travellers should plan accordingly. The surrounding Rancho Cordova and eastern Sacramento area offers a wide variety of restaurants, fast food chains, and casual dining within a short drive. Stocking up before arrival or arranging a meal stop nearby is strongly recommended.

Traveller Tips

Confirm your operator's specific terminal or ramp location before arriving, as the airport layout can be unfamiliar to first-time visitors.
Rideshare pickups may require coordination; confirm driver access to the correct gate area in advance.
The airport sits in a low-traffic area, so fuel up and grab food in Rancho Cordova before heading to your flight.
Weather in Sacramento can bring dense tule fog in winter months — check conditions and allow extra travel time.

Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Airlines serving this airport

No scheduled airline data available.

Routes

No route data available.

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Where

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Encyclopaedia

Sacramento Mather Airport is a public airport 11 miles east of Sacramento, in Sacramento County, California, United States. It is on the site of Mather Air Force Base, which closed in 1993 pursuant to BRAC action. The airport is one of 4 airports serving Sacramento, the others being Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento Executive Airport, and Franklin Field.

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