Exploring Norfolk: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Yes, there is an airport in Norfolk, Virginia, called Norfolk International Airport (IATA: ORF). The airport is located seven miles (11 km) northeast of downtown Norfolk and is owned and operated by the Norfolk Airport Authority. Norfolk International Airport offers various amenities and services, including accessible parking, elevators, and restrooms, as well as a variety of dining and shopping options. The airport serves the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina.

Norfolk International Airport is located 7 miles from downtown Norfolk

Norfolk International Airport (IATA: ORF, ICAO: KORF, FAA LID: ORF) is located just 7 miles (or 11 km) northeast of downtown Norfolk. The airport is within the boundaries of the independent city of Norfolk, Virginia, in the United States. Norfolk Airport Authority, a bureau under the municipal government, owns and operates it.

Norfolk International Airport is easily accessible from downtown Norfolk. It is a convenient option for travellers heading to or from the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. The airport is also known by its address, 2200 Norview Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23518.

The airport has a range of facilities to make travel easier for all passengers, including those with disabilities. For example, access ramps to accommodate wheelchair travel are located at the hourly and daily parking lots and garages. All restrooms feature at least one cubicle designed for non-ambulatory use, with dimensions that can accommodate a wheelchair. The airport also offers complimentary wheelchair assistance, which can be requested upon arrival by calling Huntleigh USA.

Norfolk International Airport has undergone significant developments over the years, including the addition of new terminals, concourses, and improved facilities. The airport covers 1,300 acres of land, with a main runway of 9,001 by 150 feet and a crosswind runway of 4,875 by 150 feet. Despite its name, Norfolk International Airport does not currently have any regularly scheduled international flights. However, it serves as a small hub airport, accommodating a significant number of passengers each year.

The airport is owned and operated by the Norfolk Airport Authority

Norfolk International Airport (IATA: ORF, ICAO: KORF, FAA LID: ORF) is owned and operated by the Norfolk Airport Authority, a bureau under the municipal government. The airport is located seven miles (11 km) northeast of downtown Norfolk, within the boundaries of the independent city in Virginia, United States.

The Norfolk Airport Authority has been responsible for the airport's growth and development over the years. In the 1990s, the Authority expanded the airport's air cargo terminal, parking facilities, and passenger terminal. A new concourse extension with 10 additional gates, a modern fire station, and an FAA air traffic control tower were also added. Embracing the digital age, the airport launched its website and installed internet access booths for travellers during this time.

The Authority has also undertaken a multi-phase plan to improve various aspects of the airport, including terminals, concourses, dining and retail facilities, and customer service. Renovations and improvements are ongoing, with capital development projects planned for 2024 and beyond. These projects include runway rehabilitation, pedestrian bridge enhancements, terminal development, and the construction of a concourse extension and an airport hotel.

The Norfolk Airport Authority is committed to ensuring that travel for all passengers can be accomplished with maximum ease and safety. Norfolk International Airport is fully accessible to handicapped travellers and provides various features and equipment to facilitate movement for non-ambulatory travellers. For example, access ramps to accommodate wheelchair travel are located at the parking lots and garages, and all elevators are equipped with standard graphics and raised markings to designate handicapped facilities.

The Authority also offers accessible ticket counters and self-service kiosks, and upon request, the airlines provide complimentary wheelchair assistance. Additionally, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program at ORF allows people with non-visible disabilities to access the support they need through the use of Sunflower Lanyards.

Norfolk International Airport is one of seven 4-star US airports

Norfolk International Airport (IATA: ORF, ICAO: KORF, FAA LID: ORF) is located seven miles (11 km) northeast of downtown Norfolk, Virginia, United States. The airport is owned and operated by the Norfolk Airport Authority, a bureau under the municipal government. ORF serves the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina.

Despite its name, Norfolk International Airport does not currently have any regularly scheduled international flights. However, it has certainly earned international acclaim through its prestigious Skytrax 4-Star Regional Airport rating. Skytrax, a global benchmark of airport standards, rated ORF as one of just seven 4-star US airports out of 572 airports in its 2023 survey.

This 4-star rating reflects the airport's ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and improving operational efficiencies. As part of this commitment, the airport is undergoing a $1 billion modernization endeavour, its largest since the opening of the existing departures terminal in 1974. The improvements will not only enhance the experience for travellers but also increase operational efficiencies.

Norfolk International Airport has a rich history dating back to the early days of commercial aviation in the 1920s. It has grown and adapted over the decades, playing a crucial role during World War II and embracing the transition to jet aircraft in the 1960s. Today, the airport covers 1,300 acres (526 hectares) of land, featuring two runways: the main runway (5–23) at 9,001 by 150 feet (2,744 x 46 metres), and a crosswind runway (14–32) at 4,875 by 150 feet (1,486 x 46 metres).

The airport is easily accessible, with various transportation options available in the arrivals terminal, including on-site rental cars, taxi cabs, and app-based transportation services. Norfolk International Airport is also fully accessible to handicapped travellers, offering a range of features and equipment to ensure maximum ease and safety for all passengers.

The airport covers 1,300 acres of land and has 2 runways

Norfolk International Airport (IATA: ORF, ICAO: KORF, FAA LID: ORF) covers 1,300 acres of land and has two runways. The airport is located seven miles (11 km) northeast of downtown Norfolk, within the boundaries of the independent city of Norfolk, Virginia, in the United States. The airport's main runway, 5–23, measures 9,001 by 150 feet (2,744 x 46 m), while the crosswind runway 14–32 is 4,875 by 150 feet (1,486 x 46 m).

The history of Norfolk International Airport dates back to the early days of commercial aviation in the region. In 1926, Norfolk residents experienced their first commercial flights on the Mitten Line, operated by Philadelphia Rapid Transit Air Service, Inc. However, due to high costs, this service was short-lived. It wasn't until 1938 that the Norfolk Municipal Airport was established on the site of the former Truxton Manor Golf Course, featuring a 3,500-foot runway and a passenger terminal completed in 1940.

During World War II, the airport played a crucial role, with the Army Air Corps taking over operations from 1942 to 1947. The runway was expanded, and two more runways were added to accommodate the increased flights. After the war, commercial travel resumed, and by the early 1950s, Norfolk even had more daily flights than New York's La Guardia Airport.

Today, Norfolk International Airport is a bustling transportation hub, serving the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. Despite its name, the airport currently does not have any international destinations with regularly scheduled services. However, it handles a significant amount of air cargo, with about 70 million pounds of cargo shipped in and out each year.

The airport has undergone various improvements and expansions over the years, including the addition of new terminals, concourses, and parking facilities. It is also accessible to handicapped travellers and provides features and equipment to ensure maximum ease and safety for all passengers.

The airport is accessible to handicapped travellers and provides various features to accommodate non-ambulatory travellers

Norfolk International Airport (IATA: ORF, ICAO: KORF, FAA LID: ORF) is located seven miles (11 km) northeast of downtown Norfolk, Virginia, United States. The airport is easily accessible to handicapped travellers and provides a host of features to accommodate non-ambulatory travellers, ensuring maximum ease and safety during their journey.

Parking and Terminal Accessibility

Norfolk International Airport offers accessible parking spaces in several locations, including Garages A and D, the Daily Parking Lot East, Hourly Parking Garage A, and the Departures North and South lots. The parking rates are standard for all users, and accessible spaces are available in both outdoor and garage parking areas. Ramps are conveniently located in the hourly and daily parking lots, making it easy for wheelchair users to enter and exit the airport terminal. The terminal entrances and exits on both the arrival and departure sides are equipped with automatic double doors, which are sufficiently wide to accommodate wheelchairs.

Elevators and Restrooms

Throughout the airport, elevators are strategically placed in the Main Passenger Terminal, Arrivals (baggage claim) Terminal, and parking garages. These elevators are easily identifiable with standard handicapped graphics and are equipped with raised markings on the control buttons. All restrooms in the airport feature at least one cubicle with a raised toilet seat designed for non-ambulatory use. These cubicles are spacious enough to accommodate wheelchairs and are equipped with handrails, full-length mirrors, and low-level paper towel dispensers or hand dryers. Family restrooms can be found in various locations, including the main lobby, concourses, and Arrivals Terminal, which also has an adult-changing table.

Water Fountains and Bottle Fill Stations

Norfolk International Airport has thoughtfully positioned water fountains throughout the terminals at a comfortable level for wheelchair users. Additionally, water bottle fill stations are conveniently located on the airline concourses near TSA checkpoints and the family restroom in the Arrivals Terminal.

Wheelchair Assistance and Passenger Loading Bridges

Upon request, the airlines operating at ORF provide complimentary wheelchair assistance. Wheelchair services can also be arranged in advance by contacting Huntleigh USA at 757-435-4199 upon arrival at the passenger terminal. Terminal-to-plane passenger loading bridges offer direct access to and from the aircraft without the need for using stairs. Travellers can contact their respective airlines to inquire about special lift capabilities for their aircraft.

Ground Transportation

The Arrivals Terminal at Norfolk International Airport provides easy access to various ground transportation options, including rental cars, taxi cabs, and app-based transportation services. All these options are wheelchair accessible, ensuring a seamless travel experience for all.

Frequently asked questions