Jacksonville, Nc Airport: A Small But Mighty Aviation Hub

Albert J. Ellis Airport (IATA: OAJ, ICAO: KOAJ, FAA LID: OAJ) is a county-owned public-use airport in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. It is located in Richlands, 10 nautical miles (19 km) northwest of the central business district of Jacksonville and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The airport has a single runway, which is planned to be extended to a total length of 8,000 ft (2,400 m) in 2023, and three gates. It is used by general aviation, the military, and two commercial airlines, American Eagle and Delta Connection.

Location

Albert J. Ellis Airport (IATA: OAJ, ICAO: KOAJ, FAA LID: OAJ) is located in Richlands, 10 nautical miles (19 km) northwest of the central business district of Jacksonville, North Carolina. The airport is in Onslow County, which is situated at the head of the New River. The area is known for its outdoor activities, including fishing on the New River and in the coastal Atlantic waters, hiking and sightseeing in the nearby Hoffman Forest, and biking to the golden Topsail Beach, located 22 miles south of downtown Jacksonville. Jacksonville is also home to a prominent Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune, and the airport is used by both the military and for general aviation.

The airport is easily accessible by car, and offers long-term parking for those who choose to drive themselves. For those who prefer not to drive, there are options to get a ride from a friend or family member or to share a cab with a coworker. The airport is served by a fixed-base operator, Skyport Aviation, which provides fueling, maintenance, flight instruction, and aircraft rentals from its executive terminal.

Albert J. Ellis Airport has a single runway and three gates. The runway is currently undergoing an extension project, with construction planned to begin in 2025, that will lengthen it to a total of 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The airport also has a six-story air traffic control tower, which opened in 2018.

While the airport itself does not have any accommodations, there are options for places to stay in the surrounding area. The airport offers flights to various domestic destinations, including South Salisbury, Boiling Springs, and Spartanburg.

Military use

Albert J. Ellis Airport (IATA: OAJ, ICAO: KOAJ, FAA LID: OAJ) is a county-owned public-use airport in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. It is located in Richlands, 10 nautical miles (19 km) northwest of the central business district of Jacksonville and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The airport is used by the military, as well as general aviation and two commercial airlines, American Eagle and Delta Connection.

For the 12-month period ending May 31, 2020, 35% of the airport's 29,544 aircraft operations were military-related, averaging 81 flights per day. The airport is home to a mix of aircraft, including single-engine and multi-engine planes, as well as helicopters.

The airport's proximity to the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune makes it an important gateway for military personnel and their families. The base is situated at the head of the New River and offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing and hiking. The area is proud of its military heritage, showcasing unique memorials and museums like the Missiles & More Museum at Topsail Beach.

Albert J. Ellis Airport has undergone several improvements to enhance its infrastructure and capacity. In 2018, the airport constructed its first air traffic control tower, standing six stories tall. Plans are also underway to extend the runway by 900 feet (270 meters), increasing its total length to 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). This project is scheduled to begin in 2023, with construction starting in 2025.

Airlines and destinations

Albert J. Ellis Airport (IATA: OAJ, ICAO: KOAJ, FAA LID: OAJ) is a county-owned public-use airport in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. It is located in Richlands, 10 nautical miles (19 km) northwest of downtown Jacksonville. The airport has a single runway and three gates.

The airport is used by general aviation, the military, and two commercial airlines, American Eagle and Delta Connection. American Eagle operates services to Charlotte, North Carolina, using PSA Airlines (CRJ-700s and CRJ-900s) and Piedmont Airlines (ERJ-145s). Delta Air Lines offers flights to Atlanta, Georgia, via its Delta Connection carrier ExpressJet Airlines.

In December 2020, 26 aircraft were based at the airport: 22 single-engine, one multi-engine, and three helicopters. The airport is served by Skyport Aviation, which provides fueling, maintenance, flight instruction, and aircraft rentals from its executive terminal.

Albert J. Ellis Airport is undergoing significant development, including a new passenger terminal building, an air traffic control tower, and runway extensions planned for 2025. These improvements are part of the airport's $50-million Terminal Area Redevelopment Program, enhancing its capacity and facilities for airlines and passengers alike.

Terminal facilities

Albert J. Ellis Airport (IATA: OAJ, ICAO: KOAJ, FAA LID: OAJ) is a county-owned public-use airport in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. It is located in Richlands, 10 nautical miles (19 km) northwest of the central business district of Jacksonville and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The airport has a single runway and three gates. It opened on February 15, 1971, and is used by general aviation, the military, and two commercial airlines, American Eagle and Delta Connection.

The terminal facilities at Albert J. Ellis Airport cater to both domestic and international travellers. The airport features a two-story, 67,000 sq ft (6,200 m2) replacement passenger terminal building, which opened in 2015 as part of the airport's $50-million Terminal Area Redevelopment Program. This modern terminal boasts improved functionality and aesthetics, enhancing the overall travel experience.

The terminal building includes essential amenities such as passenger loading bridges, concessions, and expanded passenger areas. The design incorporates ample space for additional airlines, allowing for future growth and expansion of services. The terminal also provides convenient access to transportation options, including short-term and long-term parking facilities.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, enabling travellers to stay connected and access important travel information. Additionally, the airport offers a range of dining and shopping options, ensuring that passengers have a variety of choices to meet their needs. The terminal also accommodates various airline offices and check-in counters, making it convenient for passengers to confirm their itineraries and complete the necessary travel formalities.

Albert J. Ellis Airport is served by a fixed-base operator, Skyport Aviation, which provides comprehensive services from its executive terminal. This includes fuelling, maintenance, flight instruction, and aircraft rentals. The executive terminal further enhances the airport's capabilities, catering to the diverse needs of general aviation and business travellers.

Transport options

Albert J. Ellis Airport (IATA: OAJ, ICAO: KOAJ, FAA LID: OAJ) is located in Richlands, 19 km northwest of Jacksonville, North Carolina. The airport is served by a variety of transport options, providing seamless travel to and from the airport.

By Air

The airport accommodates general aviation, military flights, and commercial airlines, including American Eagle and Delta Connection. American Eagle operates services to Charlotte using CRJ-700s and CRJ-900s, as well as Piedmont Airlines' ERJ-145s. Delta Connection, specifically ExpressJet Airlines, provides service to Atlanta, Georgia.

By Road

For those who prefer travelling by road, the airport offers convenient access to ground transportation options:

• Shuttle Services: The airport provides shuttle services for seamless connections to various destinations.
• Taxi Services: Local taxi services are available at the airport for convenient travel to and from the city.
• Car Rentals: Travellers can also opt for renting a car at the airport, offering flexibility during their stay.
• Bicycle: Jacksonville boasts a network of trails and greenways that are ideal for cyclists. The city's transit system, Jacksonville Transit, even offers bike racks on their buses at no additional charge, making it easy to bridge the gap between cycling and public transportation.

By Public Transportation

The city of Jacksonville offers an efficient and affordable public transportation system, Jacksonville Transit, which provides access to various points of interest within the city, including military bases. Additionally, the city's Interstate highway system provides convenient road access, with roadways I-24 and I-17 connecting Jacksonville to the surrounding coastline and neighbouring cities.

By Train and Bus

For those arriving by train, Amtrak offers a train-to-bus connection from Wilson, NC, into Jacksonville Station. Additionally, the city can be reached by bus from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) Airport, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions