The Hickory Regional Airport, owned and operated by the City of Hickory, is the aviation leader in Western North Carolina. The Hickory Regional Airport provides the Hickory Metro area with a gateway to the world through a well-maintained runway/taxiway system, a customer-focused terminal building, and aircraft services through the City-operated Fixed-Base Operations (FBO). Conveniently located just off U.S. 321 at 3101 9th Avenue Drive NW.  Hickory’s airport is a general aviation airport, not currently served by a commercial airline.

With a commitment to providing the highest level of service to its customers, the Hickory Regional Airport offers free Wireless Internet Access, exceptional facilities, free parking, advanced airfield maintenance and timely service, and fuel operations.

For more information about the Hickory Regional Airport, please contact the FBO at (828) 327-0147 or Airport Manager Chad Hunsucker at (828) 327-0147.

History of Hickory Regional Airport

The Hickory Municipal Airport first opened to aircraft traffic in May 1940 with two unpaved runways. The airport was constructed in 1937 at an original cost of $500,000.

In August 1941, Pennsylvania Central Airline (later Capital Airlines) brought the first scheduled air-carrier service to Hickory. This service was interrupted by World War II and was suspended in May 1942. During the war years, the Hickory Municipal Airport served as a pilot training center for the military.

In May 1950, the City of Hickory contracted for the construction of a north-south runway (runway 1/19). Capital Airlines resumed scheduled service in August 1951, and continued until August 1952, at which time Piedmont Airlines began to serve Hickory. From 1952–1980, Piedmont Airlines flew to cities such as Asheville, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Tri-Cities Area, and Atlanta.

In 1960, the base of operations for the airport was moved from the south side of the field, when a new terminal building was constructed. 

In the fall of 1973, the Federal Aviation Administration commissioned an Air Traffic Control Tower at the Hickory Airport. The Control Tower is still open as a contract tower.

The most recent airline, Delta Connection, ceased operation from Hickory to Atlanta in 2005.

Although Hickory Regional Airport has always been owned and operated by the City of Hickory, the airport had several fixed base operators over the years. In December 2011, the City of Hickory assumed all FBO operations to ensure no interruption in general aviation services occurred at the airport.

Today, Hickory Regional Airport is a general aviation airport that still holds its 139 FAA Certificate for commercial service. It covers 739 acres and has one asphalt runway, 6/24, which measures 6,400 x 150 feet.