West Virginia Airports: A Comprehensive Guide To Air Travel

West Virginia, a U.S. state, is served by a number of airports, including both public-use and military airports. The primary commercial airports in the state include Tri-State/Milton J. Ferguson Field Airport, North Central West Virginia Airport, and Greenbrier Valley Airport. West Virginia also has several commercial service airports, such as Morgantown Municipal-Walter L. Bill Hart Field Airport and Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport. In addition, there are reliever airports, general aviation airports, and other public-use and military airports across the state.

Primary commercial airports

West Virginia has several primary commercial airports. These include:

Tri-State Airport (Milton J. Ferguson Field)

This airport is also known as Huntington Tri-State Airport. It is located in Huntington, West Virginia.

North Central West Virginia Airport

This airport serves the city of Clarksburg and was previously known as the Harrison-Marion Regional Airport.

Greenbrier Valley Airport

This airport is located in Lewisburg, West Virginia.

Yeager Airport

Also known as West Virginia International Yeager Airport, this airport is located in Charleston, West Virginia. It is owned by the Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority and is home to the McLaughlin Air National Guard Base. The airport is situated on a hilltop, offering passengers views of downtown Charleston and the surrounding hills.

Morgantown Municipal Airport (Walter L. Bill Hart Field)

This airport is located in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport

This airport is situated in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Commercial service airports

West Virginia has several airports that offer commercial passenger services. These airports are owned by the public and record more than 10,000 passenger boardings annually. Here is a list of some of the commercial service airports in West Virginia:

Morgantown Municipal Airport (Walter L. Bill Hart Field)

The Morgantown Municipal Airport is located in Morgantown, West Virginia. It offers scheduled passenger services and records at least 2,500 passenger boardings each year.

Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport

The Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport is situated in Parkersburg, West Virginia. It is a publicly-owned airport that provides scheduled passenger services. The airport sees at least 2,500 passenger boardings annually.

Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport (Shepherd Field)

The Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport, also known as Shepherd Field, is based in Martinsburg, West Virginia. It is categorised as a reliever airport, which means it helps to reduce congestion at larger commercial airports while also providing general aviation access to the community.

Raleigh County Memorial Airport

The Raleigh County Memorial Airport, located in Beckley, West Virginia, is another commercial service airport in the state. It is categorised as a non-primary airport, recording at least 2,500 passenger boardings annually.

Wheeling Ohio County Airport

The Wheeling Ohio County Airport is situated in Wheeling, West Virginia. It is classified as a general aviation airport, catering to smaller aircraft and private flights while also offering commercial services.

Reliever airports

West Virginia has a range of reliever airports, which are designated by the FAA to reduce congestion at large commercial airports and improve general aviation access for the community.

The first of these is the Eastern WV Regional/Shepherd Field Airport, located in Martinsburg, West Virginia. This airport serves the city of Martinsburg and the surrounding area, providing an important gateway for general aviation.

The second reliever airport is the Appalachian Regional Airport, which serves the Appalachian region of West Virginia. This airport is a vital hub for general aviation and provides access to remote areas of the state.

The third airport is the Wheeling Ohio County Airport, situated in Wheeling, West Virginia. This airport is conveniently located for those travelling to and from Wheeling and the surrounding region, offering an essential service for general aviation.

Finally, the Raleigh County Memorial Airport is another reliever airport in West Virginia, serving the city of Beckley. This airport provides an important gateway for general aviation traffic and contributes to the state's overall aviation network.

These reliever airports play a crucial role in supporting West Virginia's aviation infrastructure, ensuring that smaller communities have access to air travel and helping to alleviate congestion at larger commercial airports in the state.

General aviation airports

West Virginia has a variety of general aviation airports, which are the largest single group of airports in the US airport system. These airports cater to private pilots and small aircraft, providing essential services such as fuel, hangar storage, and maintenance.

The general aviation airports in West Virginia include:

Raleigh County Memorial Airport

Located in Beckley, West Virginia, this airport serves the southern part of the state. It offers easy access to the nearby mountain ranges and is a popular stop for pilots looking to explore the region's natural beauty.

Wheeling Ohio County Airport

This airport is situated in Wheeling, West Virginia, and serves the northern part of the state. It is conveniently located near the Ohio River and offers quick access to the surrounding areas.

Elkins-Randolph County Airport (Jennings Randolph Field)

Elkins, West Virginia, is home to this airport, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is a popular choice for pilots who enjoy scenic flights and provides access to the region's outdoor recreational activities.

Mercer County Airport

Bluefield, West Virginia, is served by this airport, which is strategically positioned in the southern portion of the state. It is a convenient stop for pilots travelling across West Virginia and provides access to nearby towns and cities.

Upshur County Regional Airport

This airport, located in Buckhannon, West Virginia, serves the central region of the state. It is a popular refuelling stop due to its convenient location and has received praise for its efficiency.

Appalachian Regional Airport

While not mentioned in the list of general aviation airports, this airport is worth noting as it is located in the heart of West Virginia, in the city of Beckley. It provides convenient access to various destinations within the state and offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains.

These airports play a vital role in connecting West Virginia's communities, fostering economic development, and providing essential services for private pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

Military airports

West Virginia is a state in the United States that is home to several military airports. These airports are used for various purposes, including military operations, training, and transportation. Here is a detailed description of the military airports in West Virginia:

Dawson Army Airfield (at Camp Dawson):

The Dawson Army Airfield, located at Camp Dawson in West Virginia, is a military airport used by the United States Army. It serves as a training site for various military units and is equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support military operations and exercises. The airfield is known for its strategic location and plays a crucial role in the region's defence capabilities.

Yeager Airport (CRW):

Yeager Airport, located in Charleston, West Virginia, is a unique military airport that also serves commercial flights. It is positioned on a hilltop, offering a stunning view of the surrounding valleys and rolling hills. The airport hosts the McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, home to the West Virginia Air National Guard's 130th Airlift Wing. This wing operates eight C-130 Hercules aircraft, contributing to the airport's strategic significance. Yeager Airport is the state's biggest airport and is serviced by major airlines, making it a vital hub for both military and civilian aviation.

Notable Former Military Airports:

In addition to the active military airports, West Virginia also has a few notable former military airports. These include the Roy Airfield, which closed in 2005, and the Weirton Airport, which ceased operations in 1974. These airports once served important functions but are no longer operational.

West Virginia's military airports play a crucial role in the state's defence infrastructure and contribute to its connection with the rest of the country and the world. These airports showcase the state's commitment to military preparedness and its support for the armed forces.

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