Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) — Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (IATA: CHO) serves the greater Charlottesville–Albemarle County region of central Virginia, providing commercial airline connections for the University of Virginia community, Monticello tourism visitors, wine country travelers, and business passengers throughout the Piedmont region. The airport sits approximately eight miles north of downtown Charlottesville on a plateau between the South Fork Rivanna River valley and the Southwest Mountains, offering clear approach paths from the east while maintaining proximity to the city. American Airlines operates regional jet service through its Charlotte Douglas International hub (CLT), with additional service provided through Dulles connections.
CHO's general aviation facilities accommodate a broad spectrum of private and corporate aircraft, supported by on-airport FBO services providing fuel, maintenance, and charter operations. The University of Virginia's presence creates sustained demand for aircraft handling business travelers and university leadership, and Charlottesville's growing technology and professional services economy has expanded the corporate aviation base. The FAA Eastern Region classifies CHO as a non-hub primary commercial service airport, meaning it serves fewer than one million passengers annually but provides scheduled airline service that is essential to regional connectivity. Virginia DOT's Aviation Division coordinates capital improvement planning for CHO through the state's Airport Improvement Program grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines serve Charlottesville Albemarle Airport?
American Airlines and its regional partners (American Eagle/PSA Airlines/Piedmont Airlines) provide nonstop service from CHO to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), connecting passengers to American's nationwide and international network. Service offerings may expand or contract seasonally; checking the airport's official flight schedule for current routes is recommended.
How far is CHO from the University of Virginia?
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport is approximately 8 miles north of the University of Virginia's main Grounds campus. Taxi, rideshare, and rental car services at the airport provide the most flexible connections to UVA and downtown Charlottesville.
Does CHO have TSA security screening?
Yes. As a commercial service airport, CHO operates a TSA security checkpoint for all departing passengers. Travelers should arrive at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure, though the airport's smaller size typically allows faster check-in and screening compared to major hub airports.
Is general aviation fuel available at CHO?
Yes. FBO services at Charlottesville Albemarle Airport provide 100LL avgas and Jet-A fuel, along with aircraft handling, tie-downs, and maintenance referrals. General aviation pilots should contact the FBO in advance for ramp space availability, particularly during University of Virginia home football weekends when transient traffic increases significantly.
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport - CHO Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Charlottesville, Virginia.
| Name | Charlottesville Albemarle Airport - CHO |
| Address | 100 Bowen Loop, Charlottesville VA 22911 Map |
| Phone | (434) 973-8341 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Charlottesville Albemarle Airport - CHO
Airports near Charlottesville
CHO Airport and the Charlottesville Region's Aviation Needs
Charlottesville's aviation demand is shaped by a distinctive combination of academic, cultural, and economic factors. The University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, draws visitors, faculty recruits, and athletic event attendees from across the country year-round. Jefferson's Monticello and the nearby Shenandoah National Park generate tourism that extends into the fall leaf season and summer months. The region's rapidly growing technology sector — anchored by UVA's research programs and proximity to Northern Virginia's tech corridor — has increased demand for corporate aviation and business travel connections through CHO.
Infrastructure at CHO includes a single primary runway (3/21) measuring 6,000 feet, adequate for regional jet operations but limiting to larger mainline aircraft. The airport authority has pursued master planning efforts to evaluate runway extension and terminal facility upgrades as demand grows. Ground access via US Route 29 connects the airport efficiently to Charlottesville and the greater Albemarle County area. For travelers exploring Virginia's wine country in the Monticello American Viticultural Area — home to more than 40 wineries within easy driving distance of CHO — the airport provides a practical gateway that avoids the congestion of driving from Dulles or Richmond on weekend afternoons.