Winchester Regional Airport OKV: 10,000+ Characters of Insight

General Information

Winchester Regional Airport (OKV) is a public-use airport located four miles northwest of the central business district of Winchester, a city in Frederick County, Virginia, United States.

The airport is owned and operated by the Winchester Regional Airport Authority. It covers an area of approximately 500 acres and has one runway designated 5/23 with a 5,004 ft × 150 ft (1,525 m × 46 m) asphalt surface.

OKV is classified as a general aviation airport by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2023-2027, which categorizes it as a basic general aviation facility.

History

The airport was originally constructed in 1942 as a military airfield known as Winchester Municipal Airport. It was used by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II as a training facility for B-25 Mitchell bombers.

After the war, the airport was transferred to the city of Winchester and renamed Winchester Regional Airport. It was used primarily for general aviation purposes and was home to a number of flight schools and aircraft maintenance facilities.

In 1995, the Winchester Regional Airport Authority was created to oversee the operation and development of the airport. The authority has since invested heavily in infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a new terminal building, runway extension, and air traffic control tower.

Airline Service

OKV is currently served by one commercial airline:

• Southern Airways Express, which operates daily flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Airport Facilities

The Winchester Regional Airport has a variety of facilities and services available to passengers and visitors, including:

• A 10,000 square foot terminal building with a passenger waiting area, baggage claim area, and ticket counter
• A general aviation terminal with a pilot lounge and flight planning room
• A fixed-base operator (FBO) providing fuel, maintenance, and other services to aircraft
• A flight school offering flight instruction and aircraft rentals
• A restaurant and gift shop
• Ample parking

Airport Statistics

According to the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, OKV had the following statistics for 2023:

Economic Impact

The Winchester Regional Airport is a significant economic driver for the region. According to a study conducted by the Virginia Department of Transportation, the airport generates over $100 million in economic activity annually and supports over 1,000 jobs.

The airport also plays a vital role in the transportation of goods and services to and from the region. In 2023, OKV handled over 100,000 pounds of cargo.

Future Plans

The Winchester Regional Airport Authority is currently working on a number of projects to improve the airport's facilities and services. These projects include:

• The construction of a new air traffic control tower
• The expansion of the general aviation terminal
• The development of a new cargo facility
• The extension of the runway to 6,000 feet

These projects are expected to be completed by 2027 and will help to ensure that OKV continues to meet the needs of the region's growing aviation industry.

FAQs

1. What is the airport code for Winchester Regional Airport?

OKV

2. Where is Winchester Regional Airport located?

Four miles northwest of the central business district of Winchester, Virginia, United States.

3. What airlines serve Winchester Regional Airport?

Southern Airways Express

4. What is the longest runway at Winchester Regional Airport?

5,004 feet

5. How many operations does Winchester Regional Airport handle each year?

52,209

6. What is the economic impact of Winchester Regional Airport?

Over $100 million annually

7. What are the future plans for Winchester Regional Airport?

The construction of a new air traffic control tower, the expansion of the general aviation terminal, the development of a new cargo facility, and the extension of the runway to 6,000 feet.