Airports Serving Preston County, West Virginia
Preston County, West Virginia, nestled in the Allegheny Highlands of north-central West Virginia, is a rural mountain county where the rugged terrain shapes both daily life and travel options. With Kingwood as the county seat and a population of approximately 34,000 residents spread across 1,233 square miles, air travel access is a practical consideration for business travelers, residents seeking commercial connections, and aviation enthusiasts alike. The county is served by a combination of local general aviation facilities and regional commercial airports within a reasonable driving distance.
The closest dedicated aviation facility to Kingwood is the Kingwood-Preston County Airport (FAA identifier: W22), a small general aviation airport located just outside Kingwood. W22 is a single-runway general aviation field with a turf runway measuring approximately 2,600 feet, suitable for light piston aircraft, small charter operations, and private pilots flying Cessnas, Pipers, and similar light aircraft. The airport does not offer commercial scheduled service, instrument approaches, or fueling services comparable to larger facilities, but it serves as a vital resource for local pilots, agricultural aviation, and medical flight transport in emergencies. Preston County residents who own or charter small aircraft often use W22 as their home base, particularly for recreational flying over the scenic Chestnut Ridge and Laurel Highlands terrain that defines the region.
For commercial air travel, the nearest and most frequently used option for Preston County residents is Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW), located approximately 30 miles to the west in Morgantown, West Virginia. MGW sits at an elevation of 1,248 feet mean sea level and operates a single 5,199-foot primary runway (18/36). Serving as home to West Virginia University's aviation programs and a hub for regional connectivity, MGW historically offered scheduled commercial service, though service levels have fluctuated over the years. The airport is operated by the City of Morgantown and provides general aviation services, fueling, aircraft rental, and flight training. For Preston County residents, the 30-to-40-minute drive west on US Route 50 and WV Route 7 makes MGW the most accessible airport for charter flights, cargo, and regional air connections.
North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB), located in Bridgeport near Clarksburg approximately 45 miles to the southwest of Kingwood, offers another regional airport option for Preston County travelers. CKB sits at an elevation of 1,217 feet and features two runways, including a primary runway of 7,000 feet capable of handling larger regional jets. United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines, has provided service at CKB connecting to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), giving travelers access to the broader United Airlines network for domestic and international connections. The drive from Kingwood to CKB typically takes about 55 to 65 minutes via US Route 50 West and US-19 South, making it a viable choice for residents seeking commercial flight options without the longer drive to Pittsburgh.
For the widest range of commercial flights, nonstop destinations, and international travel, many Preston County residents drive to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), located approximately 90 miles to the north in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. PIT is a major hub served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and numerous carriers offering nonstop service to destinations across the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean. The airport features four runways, the longest measuring 11,500 feet, and handles millions of passengers annually. From Kingwood, the drive to PIT via I-68 East and I-79 North typically takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic through the Morgantown and Pittsburgh metro areas. PIT's extensive terminal facilities, including the Airside Terminal connected by an automated people mover, offer Preston County travelers a full-service international airport experience.
Preston County's position along the border with Maryland also puts Garrett County Airport (2G4) in Oakland, Maryland within approximately 35 to 40 miles to the east, though this small general aviation field offers no commercial service. Similarly, Elkins-Randolph County Airport (EKN) lies roughly 55 miles to the south and provides limited regional general aviation access. For outdoor recreation visitors heading to Coopers Rock State Forest, Cheat Lake, or the Monongahela National Forest's northern reaches, understanding which airport best fits their itinerary — whether MGW for regional access, CKB for United connections, or PIT for maximum flight options — is an important part of trip planning to the Preston County area.
Whether you are a local resident commuting for business, a visitor arriving to explore the natural beauty of Preston County's mountains and rivers, or a pilot seeking a quiet general aviation field amid scenic Appalachian terrain, the combination of W22, MGW, CKB, and PIT provides a layered network of aviation access for the Preston County, West Virginia community.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major West Virginia Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Preston County, West Virginia.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Preston County, West Virginia.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Preston County, West Virginia.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Preston County, West Virginia.