Klamath Falls, Ore. – Klamath Falls is continuing efforts to restore commercial air service to their airport…and at times, those efforts have been frustrating.
Klamath Falls City Manager Nathan Cherpeski and Airport Director John Barsalou recently traveled to the Portland airport to meet with T.S.A. and Port of Portland officials.
“We had to drive to Medford.” Notes Barsalou. “Get up early in the morning, and fly from Medford to Portland, and then back again.”
“It would have been much easier to fly out of Klamath Falls.” Adds Cherpeski. “That’s for sure.”
The City and Penair have signed an agreement to provide commercial service between Klamath Falls and Portland.
“They’re engaged, they’re trying to help us solve this problem as well.” Said Barsalou. “They want to be here.”
But, the T.S.A. says they’re not coming back to Klamath Falls.
The T.S.A. wants to put in a ‘reverse screening’ option in Portland…but the city is holding out for a simpler solution.
“T.S.A. needs to come back to the Crater Lake / Klamath Regional Airport.” Barsalou stated. “That’s a primary focus of the discussion.”
Getting that T.S.A. service back was the first topic mentioned by Senator Jeff Merkley at a recent Klamath County town hall meeting…and federal help will be needed to make that happen.
The Crater Lake / Klamath Regional Airport has been without commercial passenger service since June of 2014.
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