Fort Eustis (Felker AAF)

Felker Army Airfield, located on the military base Fort Eustis, is not a standard air gateway for tourists. It is a key aviation hub for the United States Army, with history and operations inextricably linked to military training and logistics. Instead of the hum of civilian liners, the roar of military helicopters and transport aircraft performing tasks of national importance resonates here. For travellers, it is more of an interesting landmark symbolising the power and organisation of the American armed forces rather than a point of arrival or departure.

The main feature of Felker Airfield is its strictly military designation. It does not service commercial passenger or cargo flights, and access to its territory for civilians is strictly limited. The airfield is home to various army aviation units and is used for pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and the transport of troops and cargo.

Its location directly on the grounds of the Fort Eustis base makes it a strategically important facility. It provides aviation support for the US Army Transportation Corps, which is headquartered here. For travellers and aviation enthusiasts, the airfield is of interest as an active military site, where observing operations (from a safe distance and authorised points) can be a unique experience.

Since Felker Airfield (FAF) is an active military facility within the Fort Eustis base, most of its contact channels are for official use. However, for general enquiries, the following details relating to Joint Base Langley-Eustis can be used.

• Official Website: Felker Airfield is part of Joint Base Langley-Eustis. The most up-to-date information can be found on the base's official website: www.jble.af.mil.
• Information Desk Phone: For general information, it is recommended to call the Fort Eustis base directory assistance at: +1 (757) 878-1212.
• Airport Address: Felker Army Airfield, Fort Eustis, Newport News, VA 23604, United States.
• Email: There is generally no dedicated public email for general enquiries. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: News and events at the base can be followed via official social media pages, for example on Facebook: facebook.com/JointBaseLangleyEustis.
• Lost Luggage Information: As this is a non-commercial military airfield, there is no standard baggage tracing service for civilian passengers. For lost items, please contact the base administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support is provided for service members and authorised personnel through internal services. Civilians should use the base information phone number for general questions.

When planning a trip to Felker Airfield (Felker AAF) at Fort Eustis, it is important to remember that this is an active military airfield located on an army base. Access is strictly regulated and permitted primarily for military personnel and authorised staff. Most civilian travellers heading to this region of the United States are advised to use the nearest civilian airport — Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), which is just a 10-15 minute drive away.

For those with permission to enter the base, the most convenient way to reach the airfield is by rental or private car. The drive from the centre of the nearest city, Newport News, takes about 15–25 minutes. Car rental points are located both in the city and at PHF airport. Remember that to enter the base, you will need to present identification at the checkpoint, as well as vehicle documents (registration and insurance).

Taxi and ride-sharing services (such as Uber or Lyft) may also be available, but it is worth checking the rules in advance. A driver without military identification may require an escort or a special pass to enter Fort Eustis territory. It is recommended to order a car well in advance and inform the driver of the destination. Regarding public transport, there are no direct routes to the airfield due to its status. The nearest bus stops are outside the base, making this option not very convenient.

Parking at Felker Airfield is intended for base personnel. If you are arriving by private car, follow the signs and parking rules for visitors. Travellers requiring more flight options should consider larger regional airports, such as Norfolk International Airport (ORF) or Richmond International Airport (RIC). Before travelling, strictly check the latest access information on the official resources of the Fort Eustis military base.

It is important to understand that Felker Army Airfield (FAF) is a military facility located on the Fort Eustis base in the United States. It is not a commercial airport and does not service regular passenger flights for civilians. Therefore, the structure familiar to tourists, with multiple terminals, duty-free zones, and public waiting lounges, is absent here.

Instead of terminals in the traditional sense, the airfield has one main operations building used to manage military and government flights. All services necessary for the arrival and departure of aircraft are concentrated here, including areas for the arrival and departure of service members and authorised personnel. The airfield layout is simple and functional, but navigation within it is available only to persons with appropriate clearance.

Registration and security procedures at Felker Airfield are strictly regulated and intended for military needs. They differ from those undergone by passengers at civilian airports and usually take less time due to the specific nature and low volume of "passenger traffic". These processes are unavailable to ordinary tourists, so information regarding processing times is not relevant for leisure travellers.

Tourists planning to visit this region should look to the nearest civilian airports. The most convenient options are Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF). These airports operate commercial flights and provide all necessary services for travellers.

Felker Army Airfield (FAF), located on the Fort Eustis military base in Virginia, has a rich history closely tied to the development of army aviation in the United States. Officially opened in 1954, it was named in honour of Major General William B. Felker, a pioneer in military transport operations. The creation of the airfield was a significant step in strengthening the army's logistical capabilities, primarily those of the Transportation Corps.

Since its foundation, Felker Airfield has served as a key centre for training pilots and technical personnel. Over the decades, iconic army helicopters have been based here: from the legendary Bell UH-1 "Huey" to the heavy transport CH-47 "Chinook" and modern UH-60 "Black Hawk". The airfield's infrastructure has been constantly modernised: in the 1970s, the runway was significantly extended to accommodate larger aircraft, and new hangars were built in subsequent years. The airfield played a vital role during large-scale Cold War exercises, such as REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany), where rapid deployment of troops and equipment to Europe was practised.

It is important to note that Felker is not a civilian airport and serves exclusively military needs. Its history is not a chronicle of passenger transport, but a record of the development of military aviation logistics and personnel training. Today, as part of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, the airfield continues to play a strategic role. It is home to the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) and remains one of the most important active army airfields in the country, ensuring the mobility and readiness of the armed forces.

Fort Eustis Airport (Felker Army Airfield, FAF) is an active military airfield on the grounds of the Fort Eustis base in the United States. Consequently, its infrastructure and services are oriented primarily towards serving military personnel, their families, and officials. The passenger terminal here does not possess the range of services familiar in large civilian airports, though basic amenities for travellers are provided.

Dining and Shopping. Opportunities for dining and shopping directly within the airfield terminal are very limited and may be restricted to vending machines with drinks and snacks. A wider selection of canteens, cafes, and shops, including the army department store (Post Exchange), is available on the main territory of the Fort Eustis military base, but outside the airfield itself.

Lounges and Amenities. Standard waiting areas are equipped for passengers. There are no specialised VIP lounges here; however, service members and their families may use the services of the USO centre located on the base. The terminal generally offers access to free Wi-Fi and charging stations for electronic devices.

Financial and Medical Services. There are no bank branches or currency exchange points within the terminal. ATMs can be found on the base grounds. Emergency medical care is provided at the base's medical facilities. It is recommended to carry a basic first aid kit for minor needs.

Additional Services. The airport complies with accessibility requirements for passengers with disabilities. There are no dedicated play areas for children in the terminal, but family support centres operate on the base. Regarding accommodation, the IHG Army Hotel is available on the Fort Eustis grounds for military personnel, while a wide selection of civilian hotels can be found in nearby cities such as Newport News. Conference rooms and business centres for general use are not provided at the airport.

When planning your trip, it is important to consider that Felker Airfield (FAF), located at Fort Eustis, is a military facility and not a civilian commercial airport. Consequently, there are no traditional passenger terminals with public restaurants and cafes familiar to tourists.

Access to the military base, including the airfield, is strictly limited and permitted only to service members, their families, and authorised persons. Dining for personnel on the base is usually organised in canteens (Dining Facilities, or DFAC) and small food courts managed by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), where well-known fast-food chains may be present. These establishments are not intended for the general public.

Travellers finding themselves in this area are advised to look for snack or full dining options in the nearby city of Newport News. There you will find a multitude of restaurants and cafes to suit every taste and budget, offering both local Virginian cuisine and international culinary favourites, including Halal options.

Travelling through Fort Eustis Airport (Felker AAF) has its own specifics, as it is an active Army Airfield serving the Fort Eustis base and a limited circle of private flights. Unlike standard civilian airports, stricter access rules apply here, and familiar tourist amenities are absent, so preparation for departure requires special attention.

Arrival Time Recommendations

For departures from Felker AAF (FAF), it is recommended to arrive at the base territory at least 2–2.5 hours before the scheduled departure time. The main reason for this buffer is the need to pass through the security checkpoint (gate) when entering Fort Eustis itself. Queues at the entrance gates can be unpredictable, especially during morning rush hours when personnel are arriving for duty. Factor in time for vehicle inspection and document checks before you even reach the airfield itself.

Registration and Security Features

The registration procedure here differs from civilian terminals. Instead of familiar airline counters, you will likely be met by representatives of Base Operations or the flight crew commander. Security at the airfield is at the highest level: be prepared to present identification (Military ID or passport) at several stages. Inspection of personal belongings may be conducted more thoroughly than at civilian airports. It is important to remember that unauthorised photography and video recording are strictly prohibited on the airfield territory, especially near military equipment and hangars.

Tips on Seat Selection and Flight Comfort

If you are flying on a military aircraft (e.g., Space-A) or a private charter, seat selection is often on a first-come, first-served basis or determined by the vessel's load. For flights on military transport aircraft, it is strongly recommended to carry warm clothing (a jacket, scarf), as the cabin can be cool, and earplugs, since noise insulation in such aircraft is minimal. On private small aviation flights, check with the pilot regarding where to sit for the best view or aircraft balance.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and Prohibited

In addition to standard international safety rules (restrictions on liquids, sharp objects), remember the strict rules of the military base. It is categorically forbidden to bring any type of weapon (even with a civilian licence, unless there is special permission from the base commander), narcotics (including substances that may be legal in some states but are prohibited on federal facilities), and explosives. It is recommended to carry printed copies of all documents and orders in your hand luggage if your flight is service-related.

Recommendations for Transfer Passengers

Felker AAF is not a transit hub. If your route involves a further transfer at a major civilian airport (for example, at the nearby Newport News/Williamsburg or Norfolk), plan your ground transfer in advance. Taxis and services like Uber/Lyft may have restrictions on entering the base territory without an appropriate pass. The best option is to arrange a meeting with an escort who has base access to drive you to the transfer point.

Customs Control

If you are arriving from abroad, customs control may be carried out directly on-site by prior request or at the first point of landing in the US. Be prepared for the fact that at a military facility, customs officers may pay increased attention to electronic devices and luggage contents. All declarations must be completed with extreme precision.

Saving Time and Money

There are no Duty-Free shops or expensive cafes at the airfield itself, which eliminates unnecessary expenses. However, to save time and stress, ensure in advance that all passengers have valid documents for base access (Real ID or visitor pass). Processing a temporary pass on-site can take from 30 minutes to an hour, creating a risk of missing the flight. It is better to bring food with you, as vending machines may be the only available option.

In Case of Flight Delay

Delays at military airfields are often related to priority operational tasks or weather conditions. Unlike civilian airports, there are no comfortable waiting lounges with Wi-Fi and restaurants here. Keep a book, a power bank for charging gadgets, and a supply of water with you. If the delay is lengthy, check with staff about the possibility of visiting nearby facilities on the base (for example, the transport museum or food court), if security regulations and waiting time permit.