Chesterfield County Airport — Richmond, Virginia
Chesterfield County Airport (also known as Richmond Executive Airport) is the primary general aviation reliever airport for the Richmond metropolitan area, located in Chesterfield County south of the James River. As a reliever airport, its role is to divert general aviation traffic from Richmond International Airport (RIC), reducing congestion and freeing capacity for commercial airline operations. The airport handles a substantial volume of private, corporate, and charter operations serving the Richmond area, and its FBO facilities provide fuel, maintenance, avionics services, and charter operations. Chesterfield County's position as one of Virginia's most populous counties means the airport serves a large and economically diverse user base.
The airport's runway complex accommodates light jets, turboprops, and piston aircraft, and the FBO services here are among the most comprehensive in the Richmond area. Corporate flight departments based in the Richmond region — including those serving the area's significant pharmaceutical, financial services, and government contracting employers — frequently use Chesterfield County Airport as a more practical alternative to RIC's commercial terminal environment. The FAA Eastern Region's Richmond TRACON provides approach and departure control services for operations at Chesterfield, and coordination with Richmond International's airspace is routine for departures and arrivals transitioning between the two airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Chesterfield County Airport and Richmond International?
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is a commercial service airport with scheduled airline service operated by the Capital Region Airport Commission. Chesterfield County Airport is a general aviation reliever airport handling private, corporate, and charter operations. General aviation pilots typically find Chesterfield more practical than RIC due to shorter taxi times, simpler procedures, and FBO services tailored to GA needs.
What services are available at Chesterfield County Airport?
Chesterfield County Airport offers full FBO services including 100LL avgas and Jet-A fuel, aircraft parking and hangars, flight training, aircraft maintenance, avionics services, and charter operations. The airport has multiple runway options accommodating a range of aircraft types.
Is Chesterfield County Airport within Richmond's Class C airspace?
Yes. Chesterfield County Airport operates within the Richmond Class C airspace surface area. Pilots must establish two-way radio communication with Richmond Approach Control (or Richmond Tower for operations within the Class C surface area) before entering Class C airspace. Detailed procedures are available in the FAA Airport/Facility Directory entry for Chesterfield County Airport.
Does Chesterfield County Airport offer flight training?
Yes. Multiple flight schools and certified flight instructors operate from Chesterfield County Airport, making it one of the more active pilot training facilities in the Richmond metro area. Student pilots training here gain experience in Class C airspace operations, which is valuable for building skills in controlled airport environments.
Chesterfield County Airport Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Richmond, Virginia.
| Name | Chesterfield County Airport |
| Address | 7511 Airfield Drive, Richmond VA 23237 Map |
| Phone | (804) 743-0771 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Chesterfield County Airport
Airports in near by County
Airports near Richmond
Richmond Executive Airport — General Aviation Hub of the Richmond Metro
Chesterfield County Airport's role as the Richmond area's primary general aviation reliever gives it an importance to the regional economy that extends well beyond its relatively modest infrastructure. The airport enables corporate flight departments to operate from a facility purpose-built for GA needs rather than navigating the commercial terminal environment at RIC, and the resulting efficiency benefits translate directly into time savings for business travelers and reduced operating costs for companies maintaining aircraft in the Richmond area. Chesterfield County's growing population — one of the fastest-growing counties in Virginia — has brought new aviation customers to the airport as professional families relocating from Northern Virginia bring aircraft ownership with them.
Virginia DOT Aviation designates Chesterfield County Airport as part of the core public airport system for the Richmond Planning District, one of Virginia's most economically significant aviation markets. The airport's continued improvement — runway upgrades, hangar expansion, and updated navigational aids — has been supported through AIP grants coordinated between Virginia DOAV and FAA Eastern Region. The broader Richmond aviation system, comprising RIC for commercial service and Chesterfield/Hanover County Municipal (OFP) for general aviation, provides comprehensive aviation access to one of Virginia's most economically diverse and growing metropolitan regions.