Richmond Airport: Size, Scope, And Scale

Richmond International Airport (IATA: RIC, ICAO: KRIC, FAA LID: RIC) is a joint civil-military airport in Sandston, Virginia, United States. The airport covers 2,500 acres (1,012 ha) of land and is located about 7 miles (11 km) southeast of downtown Richmond, the capital of Virginia. It is owned and operated by the Capital Region Airport Commission and has been since 1975. RIC is the busiest airport in central Virginia and the third-busiest in the state. The airport has undergone several expansions and renovations to increase its capacity and improve the overall experience for travellers.

Richmond International Airport's history

Richmond International Airport (IATA code: RIC) has grown to become one of the most modern and well-equipped airports in the eastern United States. However, its history dates back to the 1860s during the American Civil War, when Union and Confederate armies used balloons for reconnaissance and to direct artillery fire. The airport's history officially began on 15 October 1927, when it was dedicated as Richard Evelyn Byrd Flying Field, in honour of aviator Richard E. Byrd, brother of then-Governor Harry F. Byrd. Charles Lindbergh attended the dedication ceremony, flying in with the Spirit of St. Louis, just four months after he had crossed the Atlantic Ocean. The airport was initially owned by the City of Richmond and was located in Henrico County.

Eastern Airlines started flying from Richmond to New York in 1930, and began regularly scheduled flights from Byrd Field in 1932. The terminal at Byrd Field opened in 1950 and served until its first major expansion in 1968. The adoption of jet travel prompted this expansion. Terminals were upgraded in 1995, 2002, and again in 2007.

Byrd Field was renamed Richmond International Airport in 1984. In the early 2000s, the airport underwent a period of extensive growth, and in 2005, a complete redesign was announced. The airport went from a single-story terminal with 12 gates to 22 gates (plus numerous non-jet bridge gates), added parking spaces (to 10,500), and created a new terminal roadway and air traffic control tower. Construction on the two-level terminal was completed in spring 2007 and was designed by Gresham, Smith & Partners.

Richmond International Airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years. In 2016, the airport handled over 63,000 tons of cargo, an all-time high. In 2017, the airport served 3,657,479 passengers, breaking its previous record of 3,634,544 in 2007. In 2023, RIC set a new all-time passenger record of 4,755,889. The airport has also received recognition for its excellence in financial reporting and human resources practices.

The airport's renovation and expansion

Richmond International Airport (IATA: RIC, ICAO: KRIC, FAA LID: RIC) is a joint civil-military airport in Sandston, Virginia, United States. The airport is about 7 miles (11 km) southeast of downtown Richmond, covering 2,500 acres (1,012 ha) of land.

The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and improve facilities. Here is an overview of the significant renovation and expansion projects:

The 1968 Expansion:

The adoption of jet travel in 1968 led to a major expansion of the airport. This included the construction or upgrade of runways, as prior to this, the airport had two runways, each 3,000 feet long and 300 feet wide, with a gravel surface.

Terminal Upgrades:

The terminals underwent upgrades in 1995, 2002, and 2007 to enhance the airport's functionality and capacity.

The 2018 Renovation:

A $300 million renovation was undertaken to transform the airport's terminal into a modern space with improved convenience and functionality. This included expanding the number of gates and ticketing counters, enhancing the parking experience, and creating a sleek and contemporary design.

The 2018-2021 Expansion:

Beginning in late 2018, a major expansion project added 6-8 gates to Concourse A, increasing the total number of gates to 28 or 30. This expansion also included enlarging the checkpoint areas in Concourses A and B to facilitate smoother passenger processing.

Future Developments:

The Capital Region Airport Commission is planning to move the rental car counters to an expanded north baggage claim area and add an enclosed two-level connecting walkway between the terminal and the rental car garage. Additionally, there are plans to consolidate the TSA security checkpoints into one central location, with construction expected to begin in late 2026.

Richmond International Airport has evolved into a modern and well-equipped airport, serving as a gateway to Virginia's Capital Region and offering convenient access to various destinations. These renovation and expansion projects have played a crucial role in enhancing the airport's capacity, functionality, and overall travel experience.

Cargo and passenger statistics

Richmond International Airport (RIC) has experienced extensive growth over the years, with a particular increase in passengers and cargo volume. In December 2023, RIC reported 10 consecutive months of record-breaking passenger traffic, with a 3.5% increase in total cargo volume compared to the previous year. The airport's central Mid-Atlantic location makes it an ideal hub for cargo transit, allowing goods to reach up to 50% of the US population within 24 hours. This advantage has led to more efficient manufacturing, reduced costs, and improved expansion capabilities for local businesses.

RIC's cargo facilities offer 750,000 square feet of cargo apron space and 142,000 square feet of air cargo warehouse space with direct apron access. Additionally, the airport has over 100,000 square feet of warehouse and office space and 1,000,000 square feet of apron space. The airport's cargo services include well-known carriers such as Amazon, DHL, FedEx, and UPS, providing international freight forwarding and tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes.

In 2016, Richmond International Airport recorded its second-highest yearly passenger volume, and the airport underwent a significant expansion in late 2018. The airport's single-story terminal with 12 gates was transformed into a two-level terminal with 22 gates, additional parking spaces, and a new terminal roadway. This expansion was designed by Gresham, Smith & Partners and completed in spring 2007. The airport also reopened its international gate (B15) for seasonal flights to Cancun, Toronto, and Punta Cana.

Richmond International Airport serves as a gateway for nine passenger airlines and four dedicated cargo carriers, offering domestic and connecting services worldwide. The airport has seen an increase of approximately one million passengers due to efforts encouraging competition among airlines. As a result, airlines serving RIC have upgraded their routes and aircraft. For example, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and Southwest Airlines introduced larger aircraft in 2017, and United Airlines upgraded its Denver service to a mainline aircraft. In 2017, the airport served a record-breaking 3,657,479 passengers, surpassing its previous record of 3,634,544 set in 2007.

The airport's location and nearby attractions

Richmond International Airport (IATA: RIC, ICAO: KRIC, FAA LID: RIC) is located in Sandston, Virginia, United States, an unincorporated community in Henrico County. The airport is approximately 7 miles southeast of downtown Richmond, the capital of Virginia, and is about 12 miles from the city centre. Richmond International is the third-busiest airport in Virginia, serving as a gateway to the region and attracting over 4.5 million visitors annually. The airport covers 2,500 acres of land and offers non-stop flights to 26 destinations through 9 airlines.

The airport is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Richmond's central business district, which boasts a modern feel with high-rise office complexes housing local, regional, and state offices. The James River runs through the city, and there are several historic neighbourhoods to explore nearby. Richmond is known for its cultural diversity, offering a range of attractions, including museums, parks, financial institutions, universities, hospitals, entertainment districts, and shopping areas. The city also hosts a variety of events, from art exhibitions to NASCAR races and marathons.

For those seeking accommodation or further travel information, Richmond Region Tourism provides a wealth of resources and can be contacted via phone or their website. The airport itself offers various amenities to enhance your travel experience, such as seamless on-site parking, restaurants, free WiFi, and charging stations.

In terms of nearby attractions, Richmond has something for everyone. The city is known for its vibrant culture and rich history, with well-preserved neighbourhoods like the Fan District and Church Hill offering a glimpse into the past. For nature enthusiasts, the James River Park System provides a tranquil escape, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities. Additionally, Richmond is home to several notable museums, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Science Museum of Virginia, and the Valentine Museum, which showcases the city's history.

The airport's central location makes it an ideal gateway to other destinations in the region. Popular nearby attractions include Fredericksburg, Williamsburg, Washington D.C., Charlottesville, and Virginia Beach. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing on the beach, Richmond International Airport serves as a convenient launching point for exploring all that Virginia has to offer.

Airlines and flights

Richmond International Airport (IATA: RIC, ICAO: KRIC, FAA LID: RIC) is a joint civil-military airport in Sandston, Virginia, United States. The airport is about 7 miles (11 km) southeast of downtown Richmond, the capital of Virginia. Richmond International Airport is the busiest airport in central Virginia and the third-busiest in the state. RIC covers 2,500 acres (1,012 ha) of land.

The airport has undergone significant expansion in recent years, with the number of gates increasing from 22 to 28 or 30. The TSA lane has also expanded from four to six lanes, and the airport has transformed into a sleek, modern space with additional gates and ticketing counters. The airport also offers amenities like free WiFi, charging stations, and a variety of dining options.

RIC hosts nine major airlines, each offering non-stop flights to major domestic destinations and connecting services to international destinations. The airlines include Allegiant, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. These airlines provide competitive air services to the citizens of Central Virginia, with efforts to encourage competition resulting in decreased fare premiums and increased quality and frequency of service.

Some specific flight routes from Richmond International Airport include:

• Non-stop flights to 26 destinations across the United States, including Orlando, Dallas, Denver, and Atlanta.
• International connections to global destinations, making travel to places like London possible.
• Historical routes operated by United Airlines in the mid-1970s included a daily round trip between Richmond and Los Angeles (LAX) via Washington–Dulles, using a Douglas DC-8-61.
• Commuter and regional airlines at Richmond in the past included Air Virginia, Delta Connection, Piedmont Regional Airlines, and Wheeler Airlines, offering flights to various destinations across the East Coast.

Frequently asked questions