Airports in Kanawha County, West Virginia: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Airports Serving Kanawha County, West Virginia

Kanawha County sits at the heart of West Virginia's capital region, and its primary air gateway is West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW), located directly within Charleston, the county seat. Yeager Airport is named after legendary test pilot Brigadier General Chuck Yeager, a Hamlin, West Virginia native who became the first person to break the sound barrier in 1947. The airport sits atop a ridge at an elevation of 981 feet above sea level, making it one of the more distinctive commercial airports in the eastern United States — with runways carved into the Appalachian terrain and a location that offers pilots and passengers alike sweeping views of the Kanawha River valley below.

Yeager Airport (CRW) serves as the busiest commercial airport in West Virginia, handling hundreds of thousands of passengers annually and connecting Kanawha County residents to major hub airports across the country. The airport spans approximately 770 acres and features two runways: Runway 5/23 at 6,302 feet and Runway 15/33 at 4,751 feet. Its runway configuration and ridge-top setting require specific instrument approach procedures, and the airport is well-equipped with ILS approaches and GPS overlays to support all-weather operations.

Commercial service at CRW is anchored by flights to major connecting hubs. American Airlines operates regional jet service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), providing Kanawha County travelers with connections throughout American's vast domestic and international network. United Airlines provides service to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), opening access to United's global route network. Delta Air Lines connects Charleston to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), one of the world's busiest airports and a gateway to hundreds of destinations. These three carrier partnerships mean that residents of Charleston, South Charleston, Dunbar, St. Albans, and surrounding Kanawha County communities can reach virtually any major U.S. city — and most international destinations — with a single connection.

The terminal at Yeager Airport underwent significant modernization improvements in recent years, featuring updated gate areas, expanded concessions, and improved passenger amenities. The facility includes a full-service restaurant, a bar and lounge area, retail shops, and a business center. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Parking options include short-term and long-term surface lots directly adjacent to the terminal building, with a cell phone waiting lot for passenger pickup. The airport also offers rental car services from major national agencies including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National, all located in the terminal building.

For private, charter, and general aviation operations, Yeager Airport maintains full fixed-base operator (FBO) services. Alternatively, Mallory Airport — a private general aviation facility located in the Kanawha County area — serves smaller aircraft and private flight operations in the region. General aviation pilots operating into CRW benefit from the airport's 24-hour ASOS weather observation system and its designation as a reliever airport in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).

Ground transportation from Yeager Airport into downtown Charleston and across Kanawha County is straightforward. The airport sits approximately 3 miles northeast of downtown Charleston via U.S. Route 119 and Interstate 64/77. Taxi and rideshare services operate from the terminal, and the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KRT) provides connecting bus routes. The drive to the State Capitol Complex takes under 10 minutes, and most Kanawha County communities are reachable within 20 to 30 minutes from the airport.

Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 3 Airports locations in Kanawha County, West Virginia.

County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.

Residents of Kanawha County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.

You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including Kanawha.

Frequently Asked Questions: Airports in Kanawha County, WV

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How early should I arrive at the airport?

Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.

2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.

3. What is clear at the airport?

Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.

Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.

To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.

4. Are masks required in airports?

The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.

5. Can you bring food through airport security?

Yes, you can bring food through airport security.

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.

Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.

6. How much is airport parking?

The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.

On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.

7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?

Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.

8. Can I sleep in an airport?

Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.

Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.