Airports Serving North Carolina's Outer Banks: A Travel Guide

The closest airport to the Outer Banks in North Carolina is Norfolk International Airport (ORF) in Norfolk, Virginia, which is around 80-82 miles from Kitty Hawk and around a 1.5-2 hour drive. This airport is a popular choice for visitors to the Outer Banks, offering numerous daily flights from major US cities and various ground transportation options. Alternatively, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is located 192 miles west of the Outer Banks, around a 3.5-hour drive. This airport is a good option for those seeking a broader range of flight options, as it connects to numerous domestic and international destinations.

Norfolk International Airport

Upon arrival, you'll find a variety of ground transportation options. Car rental agencies are readily available, making it convenient to start your journey towards the Outer Banks. You can also schedule a taxi or use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, which have an agreement with the airport authority.

In addition to its focus on passenger comfort and convenience, Norfolk International Airport has plans to expand its destinations. While there are currently no international destinations with regularly scheduled service, the airport hopes to introduce non-stop international flights as early as 2025, starting with the Caribbean.

So, whether you're a leisure traveller seeking a beach vacation or an adventurer eager to explore the Outer Banks, Norfolk International Airport is an excellent choice. With its convenient location, modern amenities, and expanding travel options, it serves as a gateway to the beautiful destinations of North Carolina's coast.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

RDU is a major airport and the second-largest in the state, serving as the main airport for Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Research Triangle region of North Carolina. It covers 5,000 acres and has two terminals with 45 gates in total. As of 2024, the airport ranked 35rd in passenger arrivals and departures in the US, serving over 15 million passengers and offering flights to more than 70 destinations, including 14 international destinations.

The airport has a variety of dining and shopping options, and passengers can also take advantage of the airport's convenient parking locations. Rental car services are available at the airport, making it easy for travellers to explore the Outer Banks and the surrounding area.

The drive from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to the Outer Banks takes you through North Carolina's beautiful landscapes along Route 64, and across Roanoke Island into Nags Head. The trip along US 64 can be a more enjoyable drive compared to the route from Norfolk to Kitty Hawk, despite the airport being further away from the Outer Banks.

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport

The airport has a history dating back to World War II and has undergone several name changes. It was previously known as Craven County Regional Airport, Simmons-Nott Airport, and New Bern Regional Airport. The airport has played a role in military aviation and was once leased by the Marine Corps as an outlying field. Today, it is a bustling regional airport with a variety of amenities and services.

The airport features a spacious and charming waiting area with rocking chairs, a restaurant called Triple Play Oasis Restaurant & Sports Bar, and car rental agencies. Construction plans for a major terminal expansion are also underway, aiming to increase the facility's size by approximately 20% and include new gates, dedicated airplane boarding bridges, enhanced security, and modern restrooms.

With its convenient location and upcoming improvements, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is an excellent option for travellers visiting the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast regions of North Carolina. The airport provides easy connections to popular destinations and offers a seamless travel experience with its friendly customer service and accessible parking.

Dare County Regional Airport

The Dare County Regional Airport (IATA: MEO, ICAO: KMQI, FAA LID: MQI) is a public airport located in Manteo, a town in Dare County, North Carolina. It is around one mile (2 km) northwest of the central business district (CBD) of Manteo, on the northwestern portion of Roanoke Island. The airport covers 340 acres (138 hectares) and has two runways.

The airport offers a small museum that showcases the history of aviation in the Outer Banks. The exhibits include models of aircraft, photographs, and displays about local aviators, such as Dave Driskill. The airport is also adjacent to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

Currituck County Regional Airport

The Currituck County Regional Airport is a county-owned, public-use airport in Currituck County, North Carolina. It is located four nautical miles (or about five miles/seven kilometres) south of the central business district of Currituck, North Carolina. The airport is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011-2015, which categorised it as a general aviation facility.

The airport was originally constructed by the United States Army Air Forces around 1942, and was known as the Barco Flight Strip. It served as an emergency landing airfield for military aircraft on training flights during World War II. After the war, it was closed and turned over to the local government by the War Assets Administration (WAA). Currituck County now manages all airport operations.

The airport covers an area of 250 acres at an elevation of 18 feet above mean sea level. It has a single runway designated 5/23, with an asphalt and concrete surface measuring 5,500 by 150 feet. For the 12-month period ending November 9, 2011, the airport recorded 25,000 aircraft operations, averaging 68 per day. The breakdown of these operations was 70% general aviation, 28% military, and 2% air taxi.

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