MER - Castle Airport
Merced, United States
IATA Code: MER · Merced, United States
The airport code MER is the IATA identifier for Castle Airport. You may also find it referred to as Merced Airport (MER).
Castle Airport (MER) serves Merced, United States, in the North America fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
MER is the IATA airport code for Castle Airport, located in Merced, United States. The airport is situated at coordinates 37.3805°N, 120.5680°W. The current jet fuel price in the North America region is $5.21/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (North America)
$5.21/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- MER
- City
- Merced
- Country
- United States
- Timezone
- America/Los_Angeles
- Latitude
- 37.3805°
- Longitude
- -120.5680°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- North America
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from MER
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCE - Merced | 12 km | $175 | $0/passenger |
| MOD - Modesto | 44 km | $642 | $1/passenger |
| RMY - Mariposa | 49 km | $715 | $1/passenger |
| MAE - Madera | 59 km | $861 | $2/passenger |
| SCK - Stockton | 82 km | $1,196 | $2/passenger |
| HLI - Hollister | 92 km | $1,342 | $3/passenger |
| FAT - Fresno | 101 km | $1,473 | $3/passenger |
| RHV - San Jose | 111 km | $1,619 | $3/passenger |
| LVK - Livermore | 116 km | $1,692 | $3/passenger |
| WVI - Watsonville | 119 km | $1,736 | $3/passenger |
| SJC - San Jose | 120 km | $1,751 | $4/passenger |
| SNS - Salinas | 122 km | $1,780 | $4/passenger |
| NLC - Lemoore | 129 km | $1,882 | $4/passenger |
| OAR - Fort Ord | 131 km | $1,911 | $4/passenger |
| NUQ - Mountain View | 131 km | $1,911 | $4/passenger |
| PAO - Palo Alto | 137 km | $1,999 | $4/passenger |
| HWD - Hayward | 141 km | $2,057 | $4/passenger |
| MRY - Monterey | 144 km | $2,101 | $4/passenger |
| MHR - Sacramento | 145 km | $2,115 | $4/passenger |
| CCR - Concord | 148 km | $2,159 | $4/passenger |
| SQL - San Carlos | 149 km | $2,174 | $4/passenger |
| SAC - Sacramento | 150 km | $2,188 | $4/passenger |
| OAK - Oakland | 151 km | $2,203 | $4/passenger |
| SUU - Fairfield | 155 km | $2,261 | $5/passenger |
| MMH - Mammoth Lakes | 155 km | $2,261 | $5/passenger |
| VIS - Visalia | 158 km | $2,305 | $5/passenger |
| MCC - Sacramento | 161 km | $2,349 | $5/passenger |
| NGZ - Alameda | 161 km | $2,349 | $5/passenger |
| SFO - San Francisco | 162 km | $2,363 | $5/passenger |
| SMF - Sacramento | 171 km | $2,495 | $5/passenger |
| HAF - Half Moon Bay | 171 km | $2,495 | $5/passenger |
| TVL - South Lake Tahoe | 176 km | $2,567 | $5/passenger |
| APC - Napa | 177 km | $2,582 | $5/passenger |
| PRB - Paso Robles | 190 km | $2,772 | $6/passenger |
| NOT - Novato | 194 km | $2,830 | $6/passenger |
| BIH - Bishop | 195 km | $2,845 | $6/passenger |
| BAB - Marysville | 209 km | $3,049 | $6/passenger |
| MYV - Yuba City | 210 km | $3,063 | $6/passenger |
| TKF - Truckee | 219 km | $3,195 | $6/passenger |
| STS - Santa Rosa | 233 km | $3,399 | $7/passenger |
| SBP - San Luis Obispo | 238 km | $3,472 | $7/passenger |
| RNO - Reno | 246 km | $3,589 | $7/passenger |
| BFL - Bakersfield | 255 km | $3,720 | $7/passenger |
| SMX - Santa Maria | 276 km | $4,026 | $8/passenger |
| NFL - Fallon | 279 km | $4,070 | $8/passenger |
| CIC - Chico | 291 km | $4,245 | $8/passenger |
| VBG - Lompoc | 294 km | $4,289 | $9/passenger |
| UKI - Ukiah | 301 km | $4,391 | $9/passenger |
| LPC - Lompoc | 302 km | $4,406 | $9/passenger |
| IYK - Inyokern | 311 km | $4,537 | $9/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your MER Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the North America region has jet fuel priced at $5.21/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from MER
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at Merced
Merced experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally pleasant (18-28°C / 64-82°F), while winters can be cold and may bring snow or ice that occasionally affects flight schedules. Travelers arriving in winter should be prepared for potential weather-related delays and dress in warm layers.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through MER
Traveling through Merced in the Americas, passengers should be aware that fuel prices in the North America region directly influence ticket pricing. North and South American airports generally have well-established ground transportation networks, including ride-sharing services, shuttles, and rental car agencies. For international arrivals, customs and immigration processing times vary significantly by country.
🇺🇳 United States Travel Tips
Within the United States, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can significantly reduce security wait times. Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport starting in 2025. Jet fuel prices in North America tend to be among the most competitive globally, though they remain sensitive to Gulf of Mexico refining capacity.
Planning Your Trip via MER
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Castle Airport
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from MER
- Fuel impact awareness: The North America region currently prices jet fuel at $5.21/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to MER are MCE, MOD, RMY — consider these for potentially lower fares