Beckley Airport

Beckley Raleigh County Memorial Airport is not just a point on the aviation map, but an important aerial gateway to the picturesque region of southern West Virginia. Situated atop a plateau, it offers breathtaking views of the Appalachians even before the landing gear touches the ground. This cosy and compact airport serves as a starting point for exploring national parks, historical sites, and the distinctive culture of this corner of the USA. Despite its modest size, it plays a key role in the region's transport infrastructure, ensuring connections to major aviation hubs.

The main advantage of Beckley Airport is its convenience and lack of hustle often found at major aviation hubs. Passengers appreciate the quick check-in, short queues at security, and free long-term parking, making the start and end of a journey as comfortable as possible. The airport services flights under the federal Essential Air Service programme, which ensures air connectivity for smaller communities. The primary and sole commercial carrier is Contour Airlines, operating regular flights to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT), opening up connections to hundreds of destinations. Thanks to this, residents and guests of the region gain access to a global flight network through a convenient and peaceful local airport.

To ensure your trip through Beckley Airport goes as smoothly as possible, save its contact details. Below is the essential information for contacting airport representatives.

• Official Website: On the website flybeckley.com, you will find the current flight schedule, passenger information, and the latest airport news.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions regarding airport operations, you can contact the administration at: +1 (304) 255-0476.
• Airport Address: 176 Airport Road, Beaver, WV 25813, USA.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official airport website for communication.
• Social Media: News and operational updates can be tracked on the airport's official Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged during the flight, you must contact your airline's representative immediately. The airport service does not handle the search for luggage registered for a flight.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions related to services within the terminal building (e.g., lost property, accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility), please call the main airport number.

Getting to Beckley Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) from the city centre of Beckley, USA, is quite simple due to its close proximity. The journey usually takes just 10-15 minutes. Here are the main methods to consider when planning your route.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing. This is the most convenient and fastest way to reach the airport. Local taxi services operate in the city, as well as popular apps like Uber and Lyft. The cost of a trip from the city centre will be moderate. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early departure or late arrival, as the number of available drivers in a small city may be limited.

Car Rental. If you plan to explore the scenic surroundings of West Virginia, such as the New River Gorge National Park, renting a car is the ideal option. Offices of major rental companies can be found at the airport or nearby. Having your own transport will provide you with maximum freedom of movement. The road to the airport is well signposted.

Airport Parking. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, Beckley Airport provides convenient parking. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking located in immediate proximity to the terminal. Parking prices are generally quite affordable.

Public Transport. Direct public transport routes to Beckley Airport may be limited or non-existent. Local bus lines mainly serve urban areas and do not always have a stop at the terminal. This option is the least reliable, so it is worth checking the current schedule with the local transport company before travelling, but it is better to rely on other methods.

When planning your journey, it is also useful to know about alternative air harbours in the region. The nearest major airports are: Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) 64 km away, Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston (77 km), and the larger Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) at a distance of about 114 km. Also within reach are Tri-State Airport (HTS) and Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB).

Beckley Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) is a small regional airport distinguished by its extreme simplicity and convenience for passengers. It consists of one compact terminal handling all flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to its modest size, the airport is perfectly suited for those who value a quick and hassle-free completion of all pre-flight formalities.

The terminal structure is intuitive. Immediately at the entrance, you will find the airline check-in counters. After checking in, passengers proceed to the single security checkpoint, beyond which lies a small waiting area with the boarding gate. The arrivals and baggage claim area is also located in the same building, in immediate proximity to the main entrance. All navigation comes down to following a few signs; it is practically impossible to get lost here.

One of the main advantages of Beckley Airport is the speed of service. Due to the low passenger flow and limited number of flights, check-in procedures and security screening take a minimal amount of time. Typically, all formalities take no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before departure to check in luggage and pass through control without rushing.

No special advice is required for navigating the terminal — its layout is so simple that you will easily orient yourself even if you are here for the first time. The entire path from entering the building to the boarding gate is a straight and short line. This makes travelling through Beckley Airport maximally comfortable and eliminates the stress associated with navigating large aviation hubs.

The history of Raleigh County Memorial Airport, serving the city of Beckley, begins in the mid-20th century. The airport was officially opened in 1950, replacing the older and smaller Beckley-Mount Hope Airport. The new air harbour was designed with the capability to accommodate larger and more modern aircraft, which was an important step for the development of the entire region's transport infrastructure.

Since its opening, the airport has become a key transport hub for southern West Virginia, a region known for its coal industry. Over various decades, it has been served by different airlines, including Piedmont Airlines and later US Airways Express, providing vital connections to major cities in the USA. The name "Memorial Airport" was given in honour of armed forces veterans, highlighting its special significance to the local community.

Throughout its history, the airport has repeatedly undergone modernisation to meet modern aviation standards. Works have been carried out to reconstruct the runway, update navigation equipment, and improve the terminal to enhance passenger comfort. These improvements have allowed the airport to maintain its role as an important regional aviation centre, especially with the growing tourist interest in the New River Gorge National Park located nearby.

One interesting fact about the airport is its location on a high plateau. This ensures breathtaking views during take-off and landing, but also creates specific air navigation conditions for pilots, especially in changeable weather. Today, Beckley Airport continues to play a significant role, serving as a gateway for business travellers, tourists, and locals, connecting this picturesque corner of the Appalachians with the rest of the world.

Beckley Airport (BKW) is a small regional airport providing a basic set of services for a comfortable wait for your flight. It is important to note that the infrastructure here is not as developed as in major international hubs in the USA, so some services may be limited or unavailable.

Dining and Shopping: The choice of dining establishments and shops at the airport is very limited. Typically, passengers have access to vending machines with snacks and drinks. For a full meal or shopping, it is better to use establishments in the city of Beckley before arriving at the airport.

Waiting Areas and Wi-Fi: Passengers can spend time in the general waiting area. There are no specialised VIP lounges here. Free Wi-Fi is usually available within the terminal, and there may be power outlets for charging electronic devices, although their number may be small.

Financial and Medical Services: Beckley Airport lacks bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs. It is recommended to complete all financial transactions in advance. Medical assistance is limited to first aid provided by airport staff.

Passenger Services: For passengers with disabilities, the airport is equipped in accordance with accessibility standards, including ramps and specially equipped toilets. Passengers requiring assistance with boarding can request it through their airline. For travellers with small children, changing tables may be available in the restrooms, but separate play areas are not provided.

Business Services and Hotels: There are no conference rooms or business centres within the airport building. The nearest hotels offering such services, as well as accommodation options, are located in close proximity to the airport in the city of Beckley and its surroundings.

When planning a departure from Beckley Airport (BKW), it is important to arrange your meals in advance. Being a small regional airport, it offers extremely limited options for snacks directly inside the terminal building. You will not find the variety of restaurants, cafes, or dining spots typical of large aviation hubs in the USA.

There are no full-service catering establishments inside the terminal. Passengers are advised not to count on ordering hot meals, fresh pastries, or finding specialised menus (such as Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.). For purchasing basic snacks, such as chips, chocolate bars, and bottled drinks, vending machines may be available. However, their assortment and functionality are not guaranteed.

The best strategy for travellers is to eat before travelling to the airport or to bring food with you. The city of Beckley, located a few minutes' drive away, offers many options for every taste and budget: from fast-food restaurants for those in a hurry to cosy cafes where you can have a quiet lunch before your flight. This will allow you to avoid rushing and wait for your flight in comfort.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Beckley goes smoothly, make use of these tips. Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) is a small regional aviation hub, which has its own specific features, but with the right preparation, your departure will be comfortable and stress-free.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. Although queues for check-in and security are usually shorter at small airports like this one, extra time will save you from unforeseen situations. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and print your boarding pass or save it on your phone.

Security Control and Seat Selection. There is only one security checkpoint here, and the process usually goes quickly. Prepare your documents in advance and remove electronics and liquids from your hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely and exit the aircraft first.

Hand Luggage. Standard security rules apply here as well. Liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Laptops and other large electronics must be placed in a separate tray for scanning.

Transfers and Customs. Most flights from Beckley are short hops to major hubs (e.g., Charlotte), where you will transfer to your main flight. Plan your connection time carefully — allow at least 1-1.5 hours. Since the airport serves domestic flights, there is no customs control here. If you are flying to the USA from another country, you will pass through customs at your first airport of arrival in the country.

Economy and Flight Delays. To save money, book tickets in advance and try to travel light to avoid paying for luggage. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative. A small airport may have a limited selection of cafes and shops, so it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, or pre-downloaded films with you to pass the waiting time.