Virginia's Airports: A Comprehensive Guide To Air Travel

Virginia is home to several airports, including two that serve the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. In this largely populated area, airports attract more carriers, resulting in more frequent and affordable flights. However, some residents of Virginia opt for out-of-state airports like Baltimore-Washington International, which offers Southwest flights, and airports in neighbouring states like Tennessee, North Carolina, and Maryland.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

The airport first opened in 1941 and was originally named Washington National Airport. Part of the original terminal is still in use today as Terminal 1, while a larger second terminal (Terminal 2) opened in 1997. In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed a bill to rename the airport in honour of Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, who served from 1981 to 1989. The legislation was drafted against the wishes of some local officials and political leaders, who argued that the airport was already named after George Washington, the first US president.

The airport is accessible via the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station on the Washington Metro, served by the Yellow and Blue lines. The station is located on an elevated outdoor platform adjacent to Terminal 2.

Washington Dulles International Airport

The airport was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy and Eisenhower on November 17, 1962. The main terminal was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and is known for its graceful beauty. The terminal at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan was modelled after the Saarinen terminal at Dulles. The airport's original design featured mobile lounges to meet each plane, but by 1985, this was no longer practical for an airport serving as a hub. Midfield concourses were constructed to allow passengers to walk between connecting flights without visiting the main terminal. A new train system, AeroTrain, was introduced in 2010 to transport passengers between the concourses and the main terminal.

The airport offers a range of dining options, including contemporary American cuisine and sports lounges. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) operates a two-airport system, including Washington Dulles International Airport, providing domestic and international air service for the mid-Atlantic region. The airport has a federally owned limited-access highway connecting it to the Capital Beltway (I-495), about 17 miles (27 km) to the east.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport

The airport features a large surface parking lot, accommodating both long-term and short-term parking needs. An additional overflow lot is available during peak travel times, ensuring ample parking spaces for all passengers. The airport also offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a variety of dining options, including cafes with freshly prepared meals, pre-packaged snacks, and Hudson News stores for last-minute travel necessities.

The airport is governed by the five-member Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, which includes representatives from the city and county of Roanoke. Twenty-nine air traffic controllers staff the Roanoke air traffic control facility, ensuring safe and efficient operations. The airport has two runways and handles an average of 116 operations daily, with an impressive on-time departure rate of 87% in 2021.

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport

The history of Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport dates back to the 1950s when Rockingham and Augusta counties and the cities of Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, and Staunton came together to form a commission for the construction of a regional airport. The airport was completed in 1958 with a 4,000-foot runway, which was extended to 5,000 feet shortly after and further expanded to 6,000 feet by 1970. Piedmont Airlines DC-3s commenced operations in 1960, and the airport has since undergone various renovations and improvements.

The airport has a partnership with Contour Airlines, a partner of American Airlines, offering daily round-trip flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) with fares starting at $69 each way. This connection allows travellers to access a global network of flights, as Charlotte serves as a major hub with numerous national and international destinations. Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport is also eligible for federal subsidies under the Essential Air Service program.

In addition to its commercial operations, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport is committed to serving the community. In August 2016, the airport received a $1.6 million federal grant to purchase two snow removal vehicles and an airport fire-rescue vehicle, enhancing its capabilities to maintain safe and efficient operations during winter weather events.

Tri-Cities Airport

The airport is a full-service commercial airport and an important community hub for the region, providing access to a network of destinations and opportunities. It covers 1,250 acres of land at an elevation of 1,519 feet and features two asphalt runways. In 2023, the airport recorded 49,790 aircraft operations, with an average of 136 per day, and had 53 aircraft based on-site.

The history of Tri-Cities Airport dates back to the mid-1930s when Johnson City's airfield and Kingsport's airstrip were deemed impractical for expansion. In collaboration with Sullivan County, Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport worked together to build what would become Tri-Cities Airport on 323 acres of land in Sullivan County. By September 1937, the airport had two small runways, a terminal building, and an aircraft hangar, and it saw its first airliner, an American Airlines DC-2. The airport was dedicated as McKellar Field by Senator Kenneth McKellar on November 5, 1937.

Over the years, various airlines have served Tri-Cities Airport, including American Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, Capital Airlines, United Airlines, Allegheny Airlines, and Southern Airways. Today, the airport continues to offer flights to various destinations, with major airlines providing year-long discount rates. The airport also features free Wi-Fi for passengers and visitors.

Frequently asked questions