2 April 2025

The push to secure commercial air service between Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) and Portland International Airport (PDX) is going strong. The Coos County Airport District (CCAD) Board and staff have made it a top priority over several years, and recently began active negotiations with key airlines.

Airport Executive Director Rodger Craddock recently attended an industry conference in Vail, Colorado, where he had the chance to hear the latest on the state of the airline industry, network with other airport representatives, and meet one-on-one with airline executives. These conversations are key to securing new routes, and Craddock is optimistic about the opportunities ahead.

To stay competitive, the CCAD Board of Commissioners recently approved an incentive policy. The practice is standard across the country for attracting new air service to reduce the risk for the airline when establishing a new route. So far, the district has secured over $ 2 million in incentives, including a federal grant to help launch a Portland route. But that’s not all—Craddock has also met with several airlines, including United, to bring “sun destination routes” to the airport, providing local travelers with even more options.

The airport has seen an increase in the number of passengers who use the airport. Those numbers are expected to increase even more this year.