The Ever-Expanding Roa Airport: Size And Future Plans

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is a regional airport located in Virginia, United States. The airport is situated 3 miles (5 km) northwest of downtown Roanoke and covers 912 acres (369 hectares). With a history dating back to the post-World War I era, the airport has evolved from a pair of dirt runways to a modern facility offering over 40 scheduled flights daily to eight major cities. The airport features two runways, with the longer one measuring 6,800 feet (2,100 meters) in length, and it is governed by the five-member Roanoke Regional Airport Commission. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is the only full-service airport in Western Virginia and is conveniently located just minutes from the city's downtown business district.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport's location

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (IATA: ROA, ICAO: KROA, FAA LID: ROA) is located within five miles (approximately 8 kilometres) of downtown Roanoke, Virginia, in the United States. It is within the independent city's borders, nestled in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge. The airport is within a 10-minute drive of downtown Roanoke and is surrounded by a variety of accommodations and attractions.

The Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, consisting of five members, governs the airport. This commission includes representatives from the city and county of Roanoke. The airport covers 912 acres (369 hectares) and has two runways, with an average of 116 operations daily. The longer runway is 6,800 feet (2,100 metres) by 150 feet (46 metres), while the other runway is 5,810 feet (1,770 metres) by 150 feet (46 metres). The airport has a large surface parking lot, divided into long-term and short-term parking, with an additional overflow lot available during peak travel times.

The airport offers more than 40 scheduled flights daily, providing nonstop service to eight major cities across the United States. These include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, Sanford-Orlando, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and IAD). The major airlines that fly out of Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport daily include American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta, with Allegiant Air providing full-sized jets and frequent service to Florida.

The airport is easily accessible by road, with interstate access, and public transportation options are also available. The Smart Way Bus serves the airport, operating Monday through Saturday, connecting to downtown Roanoke, Salem, Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Virginia Tech. Local bus service Valley Metro also provides service to the airport during specific hours.

The airport's history

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) has a rich history that dates back to the years following World War I. The idea of an airport in the Roanoke Valley became a priority for local leaders, who envisioned it as a landing strip, aircraft storage facility, and a flight school. The original location was secured in 1929, about 6 miles north of Roanoke city limits, and the first airline service began in 1933 when Ludington Airlines made Roanoke a stop on its New York-Nashville route. However, due to poor conditions, American Airlines, which had started serving Roanoke in 1934, moved its operations to Lynchburg in 1937.

After American Airlines' withdrawal, city leaders recognised the need for a new facility. The airport was initially privately operated, but in 1937, the city of Roanoke took control and paved the runways with Works Progress Administration funds. In 1941, the airport was dedicated and named Woodrum Field in honour of Clifton A. Woodrum, a congressional representative from Virginia. American Airlines resumed service to Roanoke, and by 1950, the airport boasted three runways.

Over the years, the airport underwent several expansions and improvements. In the 1970s, a proposal for runway expansion was delayed due to the consideration of a new regional airport serving Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Martinsville. Eventually, the expansion was completed in 1985, along with a tunnel beneath Runway 06/24. The airport's name was also changed from Roanoke Municipal Airport to Roanoke Regional Airport in 1983.

In the late 1980s, a Master Plan was developed, calling for the construction of a new terminal building and other improvements. This led to the formation of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission in 1987, ending Roanoke's sole operation of the airport. The new terminal opened in 1989, and a new tower was commissioned to provide an unobstructed view of the entire airport. The present tower, standing at 197 feet, became operational in 2004 and was dedicated in 2005 to honour former Roanoke air traffic manager John Hinkle.

Today, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport offers over 40 scheduled flights daily to eight major cities. The airport has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a pair of dirt runways and a single hangar, now serving as a modern airport with a rich history spanning decades.

Airlines and flights

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) offers more than 40 scheduled flights daily, providing nonstop service to eight major cities. These include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, Sanford-Orlando, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Washington, D.C (Dulles). The airport also offers direct flights to New York LaGuardia (LGA) on American and Delta Airlines, and to Charlotte (CLT) on American Airlines. From February 14, 2025, Allegiant will offer a new twice-weekly service to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, which will be ROA’s ninth non-stop destination.

The major airlines that operate out of Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport include American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta. Allegiant Air also provides full-sized jets and frequent service to Florida.

The airport has two runways and an average of 116 operations a day. The longer runway is 6,800 feet (2,100 m) by 150 feet (46 m), and the other is 5,810 feet (1,770 m) by 150 feet (46 m). The airport covers 912 acres (369 ha).

Some example flights from Roanoke Regional Airport include:

• United flight to O'Hare International, priced at $189 for a return trip
• American Airlines flight to Tampa International, priced at $195 return
• American Airlines flight to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, priced at $195 return
• American Airlines flight to Denver International, priced at $195 return

Airport facilities

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is a regional airport located within the city of Roanoke, Virginia, United States. The airport is situated three miles (approximately 5 km) northwest of downtown Roanoke, but still within the independent city's borders. Covering 912 acres (369 ha), the airport has two runways and facilitates an average of 116 operations per day.

The airport has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the period after World War I when local leaders envisioned an airport in the Roanoke Valley to provide a landing strip, aircraft storage, and a flight school. The airport's early days began in 1929 when the city of Roanoke leased land in Roanoke County for an airport. The original facility, known as Roanoke Municipal Airport, featured a single hangar and a pair of dirt runways.

Over the years, the airport has undergone significant transformations and expansions. In the 1980s, a major expansion took place, including the extension of runways to accommodate larger jets. The airport's name was changed to Roanoke Regional Airport in 1983, and a new terminal was built in 1989. Today, the airport offers more than 40 scheduled flights daily, providing nonstop service to eight major cities across the United States.

The airport's terminal has been designed with expansion in mind, and while there has been talk of further expansion, no official plans have been announced. The upper-level Airside, located inside the TSA security checkpoint, features seven gates (Gates 1–6 and 5A) and a small cafe area. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. The airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and Allegiant Air, offering full-sized jets and frequent services to various destinations.

Airport operations

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is a regional airport located in Virginia, United States. The airport is situated 3 miles (5 km) northwest of downtown Roanoke, within the city's borders. It is the only full-service airport in Western Virginia and is the closest commercial airport to the New River Valley.

The airport covers 912 acres (369 hectares) and features two runways, with the longer one measuring 6,800 feet (2,100 metres) in length and the other 5,810 feet (1,770 metres). On average, the airport handles 116 operations daily, including more than 40 scheduled flights, providing non-stop service to eight major cities across the United States. The major airlines operating from ROA include American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and Allegiant Air, with the latter providing full-sized jets and frequent service to Florida.

ROA has been designed with expansion in mind, and while plans have not been finalised, there is a need for additional gate space during peak times to accommodate new flights. The airport has undergone several improvements over the years, including a runway expansion in the 1980s, refurbishment in 2002, and the completion of a new tower in 2004, providing an unobstructed view of the entire airport for air traffic controllers.

In terms of competition, the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a significant rival, offering twice the number of daily flights and serving destinations further afield. However, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport's proximity to the New River Valley and its status as a full-service airport make it a convenient option for passengers in the region.

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