$40M Terminal Celebrated At Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport

SANTA ROSA, CA — County, state and federal representatives on Wednesday joined officials from the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport to celebrate the completion of the final phase of the $40-million air terminal modernization project.

The final segment features a renovated front entrance of the terminal, which has been transformed by glass paneling. Bronze statues of Charlie Brown and Linus have also returned to the front of the terminal to welcome travelers.

“The investment in a modernized air terminal not only helps meet Sonoma County’s transportation needs, but it also secures our place as a convenient alternative to larger airports to the south,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Thanks to the support of our state and federal partners, and tireless effort over many years by airport officials, visitors and locals alike will benefit from an easier, more efficient and more enjoyable air travel experience to and from Sonoma County.”

The terminal modernization project added more than 27,000 square feet of space including a renovated ticketing lobby, improved double-lane security lanes, a large main lobby with four additional boarding gates and dedicated concessionaires, an outdoor seating area, a new baggage claim area equipped with two baggage carousels, improved public viewing areas and car rental areas, and local artwork recognizing the airport’s namesake, Charles M. Schulz.

The new terminal officially opened to the public on Nov. 16, 2022, although the front entrance was not completed until this month.

“A modernized airport supports the vitality of our tourism economy, not just with jobs and tax revenue, but by offering travelers an exceptional experience befitting our region,” said Fourth District Supervisor James Gore. “I want to thank our airport officials, along with state and federal leaders, who collaborated in the hard work to bring this project home.”

New amenities include two private lactation rooms located pre-security and post-security. The post-security lactation room is equipped with a sink and changing table.

Additionally, a post-security outdoor patio with shade umbrellas and seating has been added between Concourse A and Concourse B, where guests can enjoy meals from concessionaires.

Concessionaire Apple Spice catering, previously open in Concourse B, has a new permanent setup in Concourse A where it offers pizza, soup, sandwiches, and ice cream, as well as beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Concourse A also features Crush, a new wine bar offering local beer and wine, as well as a full bar and select breakfast and lunch items.

Once a full-service vending area with a variety of local and national products opens later this year in Concourse B, passengers will be able to buy fresh food items including hot dishes, as well as hot coffee, cold coffee, a variety of popular snacks and beverages, and other travel essentials.

Lastly, an additional pet relief area has opened between the concourses, complete with a fire hydrant, sink and bench.

According to county officials, an economic impact analysis showed the Capital Improvement Plan at Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport has supported an average of 164 jobs annually, generated $100.9 million in total payroll, $31.2 million in tax revenue, and $231.7 million in economic output in Sonoma County.

For information about Charles M. Schulz — Sonoma County Airport call 707-565-7243 or go online to: https://sonomacountyairport.org/.