United Airlines has commenced year-round service between Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH) in Bishop, California, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), moving the route from seasonal to four-season operations.
The service operates four days a week during spring and autumn, while flights run daily in summer and winter. Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) said the expansion was supported by coordinated efforts among tourism organisations, local authorities and regional partners to improve access to the Eastern Sierra.
The service has been developed through the Eastern Sierra Air Alliance (ESAA), which works to support and sustain commercial air connectivity across the region. Its partners include Mammoth Lakes Tourism, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Inyo County, Mammoth Mountain, the City of Bishop and the Bishop Chamber of Commerce.
According to 2025 US Department of Transportation data cited by MLT, around 66% of BIH passengers are inbound visitors, while 31% are local or resident-originating travellers, with the remaining 3% classified as other. Survey findings also indicated that around 60% of passengers would fly more frequently if the service operated year-round.
Brian Wright, President & CEO of Mammoth Lakes Tourism, said the expanded connectivity would support both Eastern Sierra residents and visitors. He added that sustained investment in access could contribute to the region’s community, economy and long-term tourism development.
United’s year-round BIH-SFO service provides direct access between the Eastern Sierra and San Francisco, while daily winter flights between Denver (DEN) and BIH will continue. Tickets for the Bishop-San Francisco route are available through United Airlines.
