Roberta Aguirre
Richmond International Airport (IATA: RIC, ICAO: KRIC, FAA LID: RIC) is a joint civil-military airport in Sandston, Virginia, United States. The airport is located about 7 miles southeast of downtown Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It was originally named for Adm. Richard E. Byrd of Virginia, who became famous after reporting a successful flight over the North Pole in 1926. The airport has since been renamed, but it is still sometimes referred to as Byrd Field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Richmond International Airport |
| Acronym | RIC |
| Location | Sandston, Virginia, United States |
| Distance from Richmond | 7 miles |
| Year of establishment | 1927 |
| Previous name | Byrd Field |
| Named after | Adm. Richard E. Byrd |
| Owner | Capital Region Airport Commission |
| Number of runways | 3 |
| Number of terminals | 1 |
| Number of concourses | 2 |
| Amenities | Free WiFi, charging stations, business center, shopping and dining options, USO Center |
| Transportation | Rental cars, taxis, bus service |
| Airlines | Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Continental Airlines |
| Destinations | 20+ |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport was originally named after Adm. Richard E. Byrd of Virginia
- The Byrd name was important in Virginia
- Richmond International Airport is sometimes called RIC
- The airport is located in Henrico County, about seven miles southeast of downtown Richmond
- Richmond International Airport is one of the most modern and well-equipped airports in the US
The airport was originally named after Adm. Richard E. Byrd of Virginia
Byrd Field, as the airport was originally known, was used as a military base during World War II and was expanded significantly by the Army Air Corps. In 1942, the Federal government condemned private property so that the 936th Camouflage Battalion could build a phony airfield four miles away to fool German pilots. The deception was successful, and only one German pilot was fooled by it, but he died when he tried to land at what he thought was the real airfield.
After World War II, the Federal government transferred 2,250 acres of land, including the airport, to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The state planned to build two hospitals for African Americans on the land, but local opposition prevented the project from being completed. The airport has been renovated and expanded several times since then, most recently in 2018, when the number of gates was increased from 22 to 28 or 30.
Today, Richmond International Airport is the busiest airport in central Virginia and the third busiest in the state. It is located about seven miles southeast of downtown Richmond and offers flights to more than 20 destinations worldwide. The airport is well-equipped and modern, with various amenities for travellers, including free WiFi, charging stations, a business centre, shopping and dining options, and a USO Centre.
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The Byrd name was important in Virginia
The Byrd name was so important in Virginia that the airport was named after Richard E. Byrd, and the address of the airport is still 1 Richard E Byrd Terminal Drive. The airport is also sometimes referred to as Byrd Field, which was its original name. The airport was likely named after Richard E. Byrd because of his accomplishments in aviation, and his brother's prominent political position may have also played a role in the decision.
The Byrd family was well-known and influential in Virginia politics. Harry F. Byrd Sr., Richard's brother, led a political machine that dominated Virginia politics from the 1930s to the 1960s. The family's influence and connection to the state of Virginia likely contributed to the decision to name the airport after Richard E. Byrd. Additionally, the location of the airport in Richmond, Virginia, may have also played a role in the decision to name it after a Virginian aviation explorer.
The airport has since been renamed Richmond International Airport, but the Byrd name is still remembered in the address and original name of the airport. The airport is also sometimes referred to as RIC, which is the three-letter airport identifier used by pilots and airlines. Richmond International Airport is the busiest airport in central Virginia and the third busiest in the state. It has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing passenger volume and now has 28-30 gates across two concourses.
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Richmond International Airport is sometimes called RIC
Richmond International Airport is sometimes referred to as RIC, which is the three-letter airport identifier used by pilots and airlines to designate an airport. The airport is named after Adm. Richard E. Byrd of Virginia, a famous aviation explorer who reported a successful flight over the North Pole in 1926. The name was also chosen because of the Byrd family's political influence in Virginia at the time.
RIC is located about seven miles southeast of downtown Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is a joint civil-military airport in Sandston, Virginia, serving the Greater Richmond Region with non-stop flights to 26 destinations, served by seven air carriers. The airport has three runways and a single terminal with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B.
RIC has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. In the early 2000s, the airport announced a complete redesign, adding more gates, parking spaces, and a new terminal roadway and air traffic control tower. Another major expansion began in late 2018, with the number of gates increasing to 28 or 30 and the addition of more TSA screening lanes.
The airport offers various amenities, including free WiFi, charging stations, a business center, shopping and dining options, and a USO Center. It also provides ground transportation options such as rental cars, taxis, and bus services. Richmond International Airport is known for its modern facilities and efficient operations, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for travellers.
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The airport is located in Henrico County, about seven miles southeast of downtown Richmond
Richmond International Airport (IATA: RIC, ICAO: KRIC, FAA LID: RIC) is located in Henrico County, about seven miles southeast of downtown Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The airport is named after Adm. Richard E. Byrd of Virginia, a famous aviation explorer who reported a successful flight over the North Pole in 1926 and later over the South Pole in 1929. The Byrd name was also important in Virginia politics, with Richard's brother Harry F. Byrd Sr. serving as governor and U.S. senator, leading a political machine that dominated the state's politics from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Richmond International Airport is a joint civil-military airport in Sandston, Virginia, an unincorporated community in Henrico County. The airport covers 2,500 acres of land and is the busiest airport in central Virginia, serving the Greater Richmond Region with non-stop flights to 26 destinations through seven air carriers. The airport has three runways and a single terminal with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. It offers various amenities, including free WiFi, a business centre, shopping and dining options, and a USO Centre.
The airport has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. In the early 2000s, Richmond International Airport saw a period of extensive growth, leading to a complete redesign completed in 2007. The number of gates was increased, parking spaces were added, and a new terminal roadway and air traffic control tower were constructed. More recently, in 2018, the airport began another expansion project, increasing the number of gates in Concourse A and expanding the checkpoint area in Concourse B.
Richmond International Airport has a significant history, including its use as a military base during World War II. The airport has witnessed several notable aviation incidents, including the 1946 crash of a Douglas C-47 operated by Viking Air Transport, resulting in the deaths of all 27 people on board. Additionally, in 1951, an Eastern Airlines Flight bound for Miami suffered severe buffeting after an access door opened mid-flight, requiring an emergency landing at Richmond International Airport.
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Richmond International Airport is one of the most modern and well-equipped airports in the US
Richmond International Airport, also known as RIC, is a joint civil-military airport in Sandston, Virginia, about 7 miles southeast of downtown Richmond. Established in 1975 by the Virginia General Assembly, the airport is owned and operated by the Capital Region Airport Commission (CRAC) and overseen by representatives of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and the City of Richmond. With a focus on convenience and innovation, Richmond International Airport has undergone significant transformations and expansions over the years, making it one of the most modern and well-equipped airports in the US.
Passengers and travellers can attest to the airport's modern and sleek design, which was achieved through a $300 million renovation aimed at enhancing the overall airport experience. Entering and parking at the airport have been made incredibly convenient, with the terminal boasting additional gates and ticketing counters. The renovation successfully blends the sophistication of a large airport with the charm of a smaller one, making it a hassle-free option for travellers in the region.
The airport has also experienced extensive growth and redesign over the years. In the early 2000s, Richmond International Airport underwent a significant transformation, expanding from a single-story terminal with 12 gates to a two-level terminal with 22 gates (plus non-jet bridge gates) by 2007. This expansion also included adding parking spaces, creating a new terminal roadway, and constructing an air traffic control tower. The terminal building underwent major renovations, with upper-level departures, lower-level arrivals, and a central utility plant. The security checkpoints were also widened to accommodate increased passenger traffic.
Richmond International Airport continues to evolve, with ongoing and future construction projects. The airport recently expanded its A Concourse, adding 6 to 8 gates, and increased the number of TSA screening lanes in Concourse B. Plans are also underway 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.
Beyond its modern design and conveniences, Richmond International Airport is one of the busiest air cargo facilities in the nation. In FY2021, the airport handled more than 180 million pounds of cargo through dedicated carriers like Amazon Air, DHL, FedEx, and UPS. With its central Mid-Atlantic location, cargo transit through Richmond International Airport is highly efficient, allowing goods to reach 50% of the US population within 24 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Richmond International Airport is still commonly referred to as Byrd Field, named after Adm. Richard E. Byrd of Virginia.
The airport was named after Adm. Richard E. Byrd, a famous aviation explorer, who reported a successful flight over the North Pole in 1926.
The address of Richmond International Airport is 1 Richard E Byrd Terminal Dr, Ste A3, Richmond, VA 23250, US.
