The Red Deer Airport began as RCAF Station Penhold during the Second World War for Allied pilot training, then served as a NATO pilot training base (For more information See RCAF Penhold Airbase research guide). In 1965 pilot training was moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and the City of Red Deer took over operation of the airport facilities. 

On May 2, 1966, the City of Red Deer passed By-Law 2234 to formalize the agreements with the Department of National Defense and Department of Transport to take over administration of the airport for a lease of $1 per year. The newly formed Red Deer Municipal Airport Commission operated and managed the airport, with the Federal Government maintaining ownership of the land. The Commission was made up of a member of City Council, a representative of the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, a representative of the Red Deer Industrial Development Board, and two members at large. In 1967 the facility and commission were renamed the Red Deer Industrial Airport.

The airport steadily grew to become an industrial and commercial hub, serving as a civilian airport, supporting charter flights, and housing various aviation related companies like aerial firefighting, airplane sales and maintenance, and various flight training schools. The hangars also were ideal locations for manufacturing businesses.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Time Air offered passenger flights between Red Deer, Calgary, and Edmonton. The airport struggled to attract other airline routes due to the short length of the runway, and eventually Time Air ceased their Red Deer runs.

By June 1978 the Provincial Government had leased the airport and facilities from the Federal Government. Long-needed improvements such as a new terminal building and extending the main runway were finally proceeding. In 1985, a new by-law saw the Airport Commission changed to an advisory board. The position of airport manager was renamed the airport supervisor and became a member of the City Engineering department. This by-law was repealed in 1991, and the airport commission was disbanded.

With increasing subsidy costs, the Federal Government looked to dispose of smaller airports. The Red Deer Regional Airport Authority was formed in 1996 to assume ownership of the airport from the Department of Transportation. It took over full operation from the City of Red Deer on September 1, 1999.

By the early 2000s several regional airlines were offering flights between Red Deer, Edmonton, Calgary, and several other communities. However, all commercial flights to and from the Red Deer Airport had ceased by 2018. 

Beginning in 2022, the airport underwent a multi-phase expansion plan to attract new passenger and cargo services. This involved widening the main runway and main taxiway and a 10,000-square-foot terminal expansion. Future projects include improved road access and additional land for development.

Major commercial operations at the Red Deer Airport include:

Alberta Hail Studies (Alberta Research Council) (1965-1986?)
Johnston Air Services (1966-1979)
Thompson Route Aircraft Service Ltd. (1966-1969)
Agro Copter Enterprises (1967-1980)
Stirling [Sterling] Aero Industries Ltd. (1971-1974)
Cosmos enterprises (1972-1978)
Moduline Industries Inc (1972-1978)
Skyline Imports (1972?-1981?)
Bluenose Sea Foods and Meats (1973-1975)
Red Deer Flying Club (1973-present)
Air Spray Ltd. (1974 -2025)
Avalon Aviation (1974-1981)
Courtesy Aviation (1975-1978)
Kles Air Holdings (1975?-1980)
Hillman Air (1977-present)
Glen River Industries (1979-1982)
Heritage Aviation (1979-1982?)
Red Deer Flight Centre (1979-1984)
Central Alberta Publishers (1981-2002)
Sky Wings Aviation Academy (1982-present)
Red Deer Truss (1988-2000)
Trixie Pet Products (1990-1996)
QF Avionics (1992?-present)
Buffalo Airways Ltd. (1995-present)

Commercial airlines that operated in the Red Deer Airport:

Time Air (1969-1981)
Lethbridge Air Service (1968-1969)
Air Alberta (1986-1987)
Peace Air (2004-2007)
Northwestern Air (2006-2010, 2011-2015)
Swanberg Air (2009-2011)
Air Canada (2013-2018)

Key dates:

1930 The first Red Deer Airport opens, located several miles northeast of the current airport.
1960 Second Red Deer Airport was built. It was privately owned and operated and open to the public. Located approximately 3 miles north and half a mile east of the City. Sometimes called the Red Deer Waskasoo Airport.
1965 Waskasoo Aviation offers to donate land to City of Red Deer to build a municipal airport.
1965 NATO pilot training school at Penhold Air Base closed.
1966 Bylaw for City of Red Deer to take over airport. Creation of the Municipal Airport Commission.
1966 First operator of the airport is Johnston Air Services, who provides flying training, charter flights, recreational flying, and aircraft rentals.
1966 Red Deer airport secured as site for the Alberta International Air Show.
1967 Renamed Red Deer Industrial Airport and the Industrial Airport Commission.
1968 Airport Commission applies for air traffic controller for summer months only
1971 Red Deer City Council approves runway and airport improvement budget. Airport property leased from Federal Department of Transportation.
1978 The Alberta Government begins plans to take over control of the Red Deer airport facilities from the Department of Transportation.
1980 New terminal building and runway expansion begins
1985 Airport Commission changed to an advisory board. Airport Manager became a member of the Engineering department.
1991 Airport bylaw repealed and Commission disbanded.
1999 Regional Airport Authority took over ownership and management of the airport from the City of Red Deer.
2011 Airport renamed the Red Deer Airport.
2022 Announcement of the construction of 20-megawatt solar facility at the airport by Saturn Power Inc.
2024 Government of Alberta announces $40 million investment in the airport. New airport terminal expansion opens.

Learn more about Red Deer Airport records in the Archives.