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Daviess County Airport

About the Airport

Daviess County Airport (OWB) is not just an air gateway to Owensboro, but also an important transport hub for the entire western region of Kentucky. It serves as a starting point for exploring the bluegrass music capital and the business center on the banks of the Ohio River. Despite its compact size, the airport offers travelers a surprisingly comfortable and quick start to their adventures in the USA.

Daviess County Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
IATA Code OWB
ICAO Code KOWB
City Owensboro
Distance to Center approx. 5 km
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers over 55,000 (2022 data)
Popular Airlines Contour Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Eagle

The main advantage of Daviess County Airport is its convenience and friendly atmosphere. There is none of the hustle and bustle or long queues typical of major hubs, allowing you to go through check-in and security incredibly quickly. Passengers particularly appreciate the free parking — a rare benefit for modern airports. The compact terminal is easy to navigate, and the staff is known for their hospitality, making your stay here as pleasant as possible. The airport ensures reliable connections to major hub airports, opening access to a wide network of routes across the country.

Contact Information

Below you will find contact information for the Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB), serving the city of Owensboro and its surroundings.

  • Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and passenger regulations can be found on the airport's official portal — www.owb.aero.
  • Help Desk Phone: For inquiries and answers to your questions, you can call +1 270 685-4179.
  • Airport Address: 2200 Airport Rd, Owensboro, KY 42301, USA.
  • Email: For written inquiries, you can use the address info@owb.aero.
  • Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on its official page on Facebook.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your items were lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration via the main phone number. If items or luggage were lost on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline directly.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions regarding airport operations, it is recommended to contact the help desk. To resolve issues related to tickets, flight check-in, or baggage, please contact the airline you are flying with.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB) from the city center of Owensboro is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometers southwest of the city. A car journey usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose from several convenient modes of transport.

Taxi and Transfer — the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the airport. Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available in the USA. A trip from downtown Owensboro will cost approximately 15–25 USD depending on demand and time of day. This option is ideal if you are traveling with heavy luggage or simply value your time.

Car Rental — an excellent solution for those planning to move around the region actively. Many major rental companies have counters both at the airport and in the city. You can rent a car in advance and drive comfortably to the terminal, then return it right before your flight, ensuring maximum flexibility during your trip.

Airport Parking is one of the main advantages of OWB. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, completely free parking is provided. Travelers have access to both short-term and long-term parking spaces located in immediate proximity to the terminal. This rare convenience allows you not to worry about additional parking costs.

Regarding public transport, there are no direct bus or train routes to Daviess County Airport. The local transport system (GRITS) operates on a "dial-a-ride" basis, meaning trips must be booked in advance. For tourists rushing to catch a flight, this option may be less predictable, so choosing a taxi or car rental is recommended.

For a wider choice of flights, travelers may consider alternative airports. The nearest major air harbor is Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), located approximately 46 km away. Even more domestic and international destinations are offered by Louisville International Airport (SDF), which is situated at a distance of about 135 km from Owensboro.

Terminals and Map

Daviess County Airport (OWB) is a compact and convenient regional air hub characterized by a simple and clear structure. Travelers need not worry about complex navigation: the entire complex consists of one passenger terminal serving both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to this, finding your way around is incredibly simple.

The terminal building has a logical and intuitive layout. The ground floor houses the main service areas: airline check-in counters, the baggage claim area for arriving passengers, and car rental agency desks. After completing check-in, passengers proceed to the second floor, where the sole security checkpoint (TSA) and boarding gates are located. Since there are only a few gates at the airport, finding yours will be effortless.

One of the main advantages of the Owensboro airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Unlike large hubs, there are no long queues here. The check-in and screening process usually takes minimal time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to check in your luggage and pass through security without haste.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the few signs available. All key zones — from the entrance to the departure lounge — are within a few minutes' walk of each other. You won't have to worry about long walks or searching for the right building, as all services are concentrated under one roof, making travel through OWB as comfortable and fast as possible.

Airport History

The history of Daviess County Airport (OWB) is closely linked to the development of the city of Owensboro and the entire region. Officially known as Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport, it was opened for flights on November 1, 1948. The need for a new air harbor arose after World War II, when the old airfield, built back in the 1930s, could no longer cope with the city's growing needs. The new airport was designed to service larger aircraft and increasing passenger traffic.

In the early stages of development, the airport quickly became an important transport hub. The first airline to commence flights was Eastern Air Lines, soon followed by Ozark Air Lines. Initially, passengers were served in a temporary building, but already in 1951, a permanent terminal was ceremoniously opened, becoming a symbol of the region's post-war growth and prosperity. This step laid the foundation for decades of stable operation and further expansion.

Throughout its history, the airport has undergone several key stages of modernization. The most significant reconstruction took place in the 2000s, when the terminal was radically updated and expanded. During the works, new passenger waiting areas were added, check-in counters and the baggage claim area were modernized, and jet bridges were installed for convenient boarding. These improvements allowed the airport to meet modern standards of comfort and safety, attracting new airlines and increasing passenger flow.

Today, Daviess County Airport remains a key element of Western Kentucky's infrastructure in the USA, playing an important role in the business and tourism life of the region. It not only ensures air connectivity for local residents but also serves as a gateway for guests arriving in Owensboro for business or leisure. The airport continues to develop, adapting to the changing requirements of the aviation industry and confirming its status as a reliable and modern transport center.

Services and Amenities

Daviess County Airport (OWB) is a modern and compact regional air hub offering passengers basic amenities for a comfortable wait before departure. Although the range of services corresponds to the size of the airport, everything necessary for a short stay is available here.

Free Wi-Fi is available for travelers throughout the terminal, as well as power outlets and charging stations for mobile phones and other gadgets. You can grab a snack at a small café or use vending machines with drinks and snacks. There are few specialized shops at the airport, but essential items can be purchased.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and parking spaces. Families with small children can use diaper changing tables in the restrooms. A general comfortable lounge is designed for waiting for flights. There are no separate VIP lounges, business centers, or conference rooms in the terminal.

Please note that there are no currency exchange points or bank branches at the airport. It is recommended to arrange these services in advance in the city of Owensboro. Although there are no hotels on the airport grounds, several hotels offering convenient accommodation for transit passengers are located in the immediate vicinity, just a few minutes away by car.

Where to Eat

When planning a flight from Daviess County Airport (OWB), it is important to consider that this is a small regional air station, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. To ensure your journey is comfortable, it is best to have a meal beforehand in the city of Owensboro.

On the airport territory, you will most likely find vending machines with drinks, sandwiches, and light snacks such as chips or chocolate bars. This is a convenient option for a quick bite if there is little time left before departure. There are usually no full-service restaurants, cafés, or bars in the terminal building, so one should not count on a hot lunch or a variety of dishes.

Due to the compact size of the airport, there is no separation into multiple establishments in the departure and arrival zones. Dining options, if represented by anything other than machines, will be available to all passengers. Unfortunately, finding specialized dishes — vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal — is practically impossible. Travelers with special dietary needs are strongly advised to bring food with them.

Thus, for a full lunch or dinner before departing from this airport in the USA, the best solution would be to visit one of the numerous cafés or restaurants in Owensboro itself. This will allow you to enjoy local cuisine without haste and choose dishes to your taste.

Tips for Travelers

Traveling through a regional airport, such as Daviess County Airport in Owensboro, is often calmer and more predictable than through major international hubs. Nevertheless, a few useful tips will help make your flight as comfortable as possible and avoid unforeseen situations.

Arrival and Check-in. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to check in luggage, pass through security, and board the flight calmly. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. In a small airport, queues at check-in counters and security checkpoints are generally shorter, which is a great advantage.

Security Screening and Hand Luggage. Security rules are standard for all American airports. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: all containers with liquids, gels, and aerosols in hand luggage must not exceed 100 ml (3.4 oz) and must be packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter. Large electronics, such as laptops, will need to be removed from your bag for separate scanning. Ensure that your hand luggage does not contain prohibited items, such as sharp objects or flammable substances.

Seat Selection and Saving Tips. When checking in for your flight, if possible, choose a seat according to your preferences. Window seats are good for views, while aisle seats are convenient for moving around the cabin. If a quick exit upon arrival is important to you, choose rows in the front part of the aircraft. To save money, book tickets in advance and consider traveling light with only hand luggage to avoid baggage fees. You can also bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security, as well as light snacks.

Transfers and Customs. Daviess County Airport primarily serves domestic flights, so you will likely not need to go through customs control. Customs and immigration procedures are relevant only for international flights. If you have a connecting flight at a larger airport, study its layout in advance and allow enough time to transfer between terminals. A minimum of 60-90 minutes is a good buffer for connecting domestic flights.

In Case of Flight Delay. Delays happen, and it is important to remain calm. Monitor updates on information boards and in your airline's mobile app. If the delay is significant, contact an airline representative to inquire about your rights to compensation, provision of meals, or accommodation. Keep your phone charger handy to stay connected at all times.

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