Dare County Regional Airport

Dare County Regional Airport is a public-use airport located in Dare County, one mile west of the central business district of Manteo. Owned by Dare County, it serves the Outer Banks region and the Albemarle Sound area. The airport provides essential general aviation services and supports local tourism, business, and emergency operations.

History

The airport's origins trace back to World War II, when it was constructed in 1942 as a military airfield for the United States Navy. Initially named Manteo Airport, it supported naval aviation training and coastal patrol missions along the Atlantic coast. Following the war, the facility was declared surplus and transferred to Dare County for public use. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, development included runway extensions and the construction of new hangars to accommodate growing general aviation traffic. Key figures in its development included local officials and the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Division of Aviation. The airport has played a significant role in the region's growth, facilitating access to popular destinations like the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Facilities

Dare County Regional Airport covers an area of 245 acres at an elevation of 13 feet above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 5/23, which is 5,000 feet long and 100 feet wide, with a surface of asphalt. The airport features a fixed-base operator offering services such as fueling, aircraft parking, and minor maintenance. The terminal building houses administrative offices and a pilot's lounge. Other facilities include several T-hangars and a large box hangar for based aircraft. The airport is equipped with Pilot-controlled lighting and is home to the Coastal Carolina based U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary aviation unit. It operates under Federal Aviation Administration regulations as a general aviation reliever airport.

Airlines and destinations

The airport is primarily a general aviation facility and does not have scheduled commercial passenger service from major airlines such as American Airlines or Delta Air Lines. However, it has historically been served by regional carriers and air taxi operators providing on-demand and charter flights. These services have connected the Outer Banks to major hubs like Norfolk International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The airport is a critical base for medevac operations conducted by providers like Air Methods and for corporate flights supporting the local tourism and real estate industries. Its location makes it a preferred arrival point for private aircraft visiting destinations such as Kitty Hawk and Nags Head.

Accidents and incidents

On December 8, 1995, a Piper PA-31T operated by Airborne Express crashed during a night approach in poor weather, resulting in fatalities. The National Transportation Safety Board investigation cited spatial disorientation as a probable cause. In August 2003, a Cessna 172 experienced a landing gear failure upon touchdown, causing substantial damage but no serious injuries. A more recent incident in 2018 involved a Beechcraft V35 that veered off the runway during a high-wind landing; the pilot was uninjured. These events have prompted ongoing reviews of pilot training and airport safety procedures by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Statistics

For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2023, the airport recorded approximately 20,000 aircraft operations, averaging 55 per day. This activity comprised 98% general aviation, 1% air taxi, and 1% military. At that time, there were 24 aircraft based at the airport: 79% single-engine, 13% multi-engine, 4% jet, and 4% helicopter. The airport generates significant economic impact for the region, supporting businesses tied to the Outer Banks and Albemarle Sound. It ranks among the busiest general aviation airports in North Carolina and is a designated reliever airport for the Hampton Roads metropolitan area.

Category:Airports in North Carolina Category:Buildings and structures in Dare County, North Carolina Category:Transportation in Dare County, North Carolina