After Avelo Airlines disbanded its entire West Coast operations and abandoned service to several mid-sized airports last year, the travel prospects of some underserved cities was thrown into a state of flux.
But now, at least at the Sonoma County Airport in Northern California’s wine country, more airlines are stepping in to pick up the slack at what could be a strategic and growing travel destination.
Last week, Delta Air Lines announced it would begin new nonstop service between STS in Santa Rosa, California, and its western hub at the Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah. That new nonstop service will begin on Oct. 6, with two daily flights between the cities serviced by SkyWest Airlines (a Delta connection partner).
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Departing travelers can then connect to the wide array of domestic and international flights, improving connectivity for residents of the Northern California region, while also making it easier for visitors from other parts of the globe to make a wine country pit stop.
Sonoma County officials said the new flights represent continued growing interest in the region.
“Delta’s arrival at [Sonoma County Airport] is yet another milestone in the prominence of the airport and reflects the continued demand for commercial air service in Sonoma County,” said STS Airport Manager Jon Stout. “This new service will provide our community with additional travel options while strengthening connections from Sonoma County.”
Local political leaders also weighed in on the arrival of Delta and highlighted the impact additional flight options means for the region’s economy and its citizens.
“Sonoma County Airport plays an important role in connecting our region to economic opportunities and transportation networks across the country,” said Sonoma County Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo. “We are pleased to welcome Delta and look forward to the additional convenience and connectivity this service will provide for residents and visitors alike.”
Flight schedules and ticket availability for Delta Air Lines flights are now available on the airline’s website and on other booking platforms.
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Sonoma County Airport, also known as the Charles M. Schulz Airport, is also serviced by Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines.
Southwest launched service at STS just last month with some wine-centric perks, and Alaska announced earlier this month it would begin expanding its flight offerings in Santa Rosa beginning in November.
Delta Air Lines fills a gap left by departed carrier
The airport was previously one of the main west coast hubs of Avelo, a low-cost carrier that also had a major footing at the Hollywood Burbank Airport near Los Angeles.
Last year, after months of financial turmoil and consumer boycotts revolving around that airline’s decision to partner with the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation flights, Avelo announced it would be completely scrapping its West Coast operations in favor of a strategic re-focusing on building out its East Coast services.
Airline officials told me at the time that the decision to fold its West Coast operations was entirely unrelated to the consumer boycott brought on by its cooperation with ICE, although boycott organizers I spoke to weren’t entirely sure they believed that.
Despite Avelo’s departure last fall, airport officials said 2025 was the busiest on record, and demand for flights in and out of Sonoma County are in demand. The arrival of Southwest and Delta, plus the expanded service of Alaska, reflects as much.
