Morgantown Airport

Morgantown Municipal Airport is a cozy aerial gateway into the heart of the Appalachians, where instead of the usual hustle and bustle of metropolises, you are greeted by the measured rhythm of West Virginia. This aviation hub serves as the main departure point for students, business travellers, and guests of the famous West Virginia University (WVU). Thanks to its compact size and almost home-like atmosphere, the airport turns arrival and departure from a tiring procedure into an easy and pleasant part of your journey.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its modest size, Morgantown Airport possesses a number of unique advantages highly valued by frequent passengers. The main feature is the phenomenal speed of service. The path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate here can take mere minutes, which is absolutely unattainable for large international hubs.

An important advantage is the airport's strategic role in the Essential Air Service (EAS) programme. Thanks to this, even a small city has regular air connections with major international hubs, such as Washington (IAD) or Pittsburgh (PIT). Flights are often operated on small aircraft like the Cessna Grand Caravan, turning a regular flight into a real aerial excursion over the picturesque mountains of West Virginia.

The airport also serves as an important centre for business aviation and private pilots. The extended runway allows for the reception of corporate jets, making Morgantown a convenient entry point for business partners of the university and medical institutions in the region. The atmosphere here is devoid of impersonality: staff often know regular clients by face, creating a sense of club-level service.

For your convenience, we have collected the main contact information for Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW).

• Official Website: www.iflymorgantown.com — here you will find the current flight schedule, passenger information, and the latest news.
• Information Service Phone: +1 304-291-7461. Most questions regarding airport operations can be clarified at this number.
• Airport Address: 100 Hart Field Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA.
• Email: For contact via email, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: The airport has an official Facebook page where important updates and news are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you should immediately contact the representative of the airline you used. If you left personal items within the terminal, contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to your journey through Morgantown Airport, please contact the information service at the phone number listed above.

Getting to Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) from the city is quite simple thanks to its close proximity. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Public Transport is the most economical option. The local bus service, Mountain Line Transit Authority, offers routes that pass through the airport. The cost of a trip is only about $0.50, making this choice ideal for light travellers. Be sure to check the current schedule on the carrier's official website before your trip, as the frequency of trips may change, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Taxis and Ridesharing (Uber, Lyft) are a fast and convenient way to get to the terminal. A trip from the centre of Morgantown will take approximately 10-15 minutes, and the cost will be roughly 15-25 dollars. This option is ideal if you have a lot of luggage or are in a hurry, as it provides comfort and "door-to-door" service.

Car Rental or Personal Transport is a popular choice for travelling around the USA. If you have rented a car or arrived in your own, getting to the airport will not be difficult. One of the main advantages is free parking on the airport territory, available for both short-term and long-term stays. This option provides maximum flexibility and independence.

For travellers looking for more flight options, including international ones, it is worth considering larger airports in the region. These include Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), which is the main hub in the vicinity, as well as North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) in Clarksburg. Slightly further away are Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE) and Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB).

Morgantown Airport (MGW) is a small regional airport, so its structure is extremely simple and convenient for passengers. There is no complex system of multiple buildings here, which significantly facilitates navigation.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to the compact size of the building, all key zones are within walking distance of each other. The terminal layout is intuitive: after entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters and the security screening zone are located.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are located on the same floor. After passing security control, passengers enter a small waiting hall with a boarding gate. The baggage claim area for arriving passengers is located separately, near the terminal exit. Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transfers between them is not relevant — all movements take place on foot inside a single building.

Check-in and screening procedures at Morgantown Airport usually go very quickly due to the low passenger flow. Unlike large hubs, long queues are rare here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. It is practically impossible to get lost here, making travel through MGW as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

The history of Morgantown Airport (MGW), officially known as Walter L. Bill Hart Field, begins in the late 1930s. Its construction was part of the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) programme, aimed at creating jobs during the Great Depression. The official opening and dedication of the airport took place in 1939, making it an important infrastructure facility for the city and the region.

A key stage in the airport's development was the commencement of commercial transportation after World War II. In 1949, Capital Airlines performed the first scheduled passenger flight, connecting Morgantown with other cities in the USA. This event marked the beginning of a long history of serving regional aviation. In subsequent decades, the airport collaborated with various carriers, ensuring transport accessibility for students and faculty of West Virginia University, as well as for local businesses.

Over the decades, the airport has repeatedly undergone modernisation to meet modern standards. One of the most significant projects was the recent reconstruction and extension of the main runway. This allowed for the accommodation of larger regional aircraft, increasing the reliability and safety of air traffic. The passenger terminal has also been updated to provide greater comfort for travellers.

Interesting fact: the airport is named after Walter L. "Bill" Hart — a local aviation enthusiast and the first manager who led it for over 30 years. Today, Morgantown Airport continues to play a critically important role in the transport system of the northern part of West Virginia, ensuring connections with major hubs of the country, often with the support of the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) programme, which subsidises flights to small cities.

Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) is a small regional aviation hub that provides passengers with basic services for a comfortable wait before their flight. It is important to understand that due to its size, the range of amenities here is focused on the essentials, and many extended services typical of large international airports are absent.

For passengers in the terminal, there is a small café or snack bar where you can have a bite to eat and drink coffee before your flight. Vending machines with drinks and snacks may also be installed. Options for full-scale shopping are not provided here. The main waiting area is equipped with comfortable seating. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, as well as charging stations for electronic devices to stay connected.

Specialised services such as VIP lounges, bank branches, and currency exchange points are absent at Morgantown Airport. Passengers needing financial operations are advised to take care of this in the city beforehand. Regarding medical care, in emergency cases, airport staff will provide first aid, but there is no specialised medical centre here.

The airport fully complies with accessibility requirements for passengers with reduced mobility, offering ramps and specially equipped restrooms. For assistance with boarding and disembarking from the aircraft, you should contact your airline in advance. Families with children can use changing tables in the restrooms. There are no hotels or business centres directly on the airport grounds, however, many options for accommodation and business meetings can be found in Morgantown itself, which is just a few minutes' drive away.

Morgantown Airport (MGW) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of catering establishments here is quite limited and designed for the basic needs of passengers. Nevertheless, you can find options to have a snack before departure or while waiting for arrivals.

In the main and only terminal of the airport, a small café or snack bar usually operates. Most often, it is located in the public zone (landside), that is, before passing security control, which allows both departing passengers and those meeting them to use its services. Here you can order coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and some simple hot American dishes.

For a quick snack, coffee with a bun or packaged snacks are perfect. If you have time for a more substantial meal, you can order a burger or salad. Sometimes the menu may include dishes reflecting local flavour, but this is not guaranteed. Since the airport serves the state of West Virginia, it is worth asking about the availability of the famous pepperoni rolls — a popular local pastry.

The selection for passengers with special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, is extremely limited or absent. It is recommended to eat at one of the numerous restaurants in Morgantown before travelling to the airport or to bring suitable snacks with you. Prices in the airport café are generally moderate. Operating hours depend directly on the flight schedule — the establishment opens before the first morning departures and closes after the departure of the last evening flight.

Besides the café, vending machines are usually installed in the terminal building, where you can purchase drinks and snacks around the clock. This is a convenient option if you arrived at the airport at a time when the main establishment is already closed.

To ensure your journey through Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) goes as smoothly as possible, use these useful tips. This small regional airport offers a calmer atmosphere compared to large hubs, but preparation is still important.

Arrival Time and Check-in
For domestic flights served by the airport, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to check in luggage and pass security control without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website.

Passing Security Control
Although queues here are usually shorter than in large airports, standard TSA (Transportation Security Administration of the USA) rules apply fully. Remember the "3-1-1" rule for liquids: containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz), packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Large electronics, such as laptops, must be removed from carry-on luggage for screening.

Seat Selection and Carry-on Luggage
Choose your seat on the plane during online check-in: by the window for beautiful views, or by the aisle for more legroom and convenience. Check the allowable dimensions and weight of carry-on luggage on the airline's website in advance. Do not pack sharp objects or flammable substances in it.

Passengers with Connections and Customs
Morgantown Airport serves only domestic flights. There is no customs or passport control here. If you have a connecting flight, clarify with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Moving between gates in this compact terminal will not take much time.

Saving Time and Money
The main ways to save are to book tickets in advance and avoid baggage fees by travelling light or paying for it online. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing control to avoid buying expensive water. Study parking rates in advance if you plan to leave your car.

If the Flight is Delayed
In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Monitor updates on information boards or in the airline's app. Contact a representative of the carrier to learn about your rights to rebooking or compensation. Options for waiting in the small terminal may be limited, so it is useful to have a book, headphones, or a charged power bank with you.