What passenger facilities are offered at Fresno Airport?

Fresno airport, or Fresno Yosemite International Airport to give it the formal name, used to be known as the Fresno Air Terminal. It is used for both civil and military purposes. Located in Fresno County, California it is more than 97km south of Yosemite National Park. The airport covers over 2,000 acres and has two asphalt runways and one H1 pad for helicopters. It also serves as home to the Fresno Air National Guard and the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard.

History

An airfield in Fresno was opened during the World War II. From June 1942, it was known as Hammer Field and was utilised by the United States Army Air Forces' Fourth Air Force. At the beginning of January 1944, a Night Fighter school began operating from the base and the unit operated P-70s and P-61 Black Widows. When the war ended the airfield was inactivated and was disposed of though the War Assets Administration and became purely a civilian facility in 1949. By 1988, the FAA had designated the airport as an International Point of Entry which made it eligible for international flights. In 1995, the name was changed, mainly to encourage international visitors to use the airport on their way to the Yosemite National Park.

Facilities

Improvements
During its lifetime, the airport has endured numerous renovations and alterations. A new two-level concourse building was opened in 2002 and in 2006 a new Federal Inspection Facility was completed.
Amenities
Scenic photos of Yosemite National Park and The San Joaquin Valley line the terminal walls. Services include free WiFi access for passengers and other amenities include a grill and sports bar, a tavern, a Starbucks cafe, The Yosemite Store, Hudson Gift and News newsstand, and a barber shop.
Accommodations
There are many nearby Fresno hotels that allow travelers the chance to rest before continuing on their journey. Big names such as Holiday Inn, Courtyard By Marriott and Piccadilly Inn all have hotels under a mile from the airport. Travelodge, Best Western and Days Inn are among those that offer cheaper accommodation within five miles of the terminal. Bargain prices can be found by those who are willing to travel an extra mile to places such as Holiday Motel, Rodeway Inn, Knights Inn and the Super 8 hotel.