Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport is eight miles north of Charlottesville, in Albemarle County, Virginia, United States. It opened in 1955 and serves the Charlottesville/Albemarle region with non-stop flights to five major cities on three airlines' subsidiaries. CHO underwent major construction in summer 2006; an 800-foot runway extension began in summer 2010 and was completed in December 2012. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021–2025 categorized it as a non-hub primary commercial service facility. Federal Aviation Administration records say it had 274,767 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2015 and 295,930 in 2016. The Charlottesville Albemarle Airport Authority says there were 628,611 total passengers (enplaned and deplaned) in fiscal year 2017. Piedmont Airlines DC-3s arrived in 1955; the first jets were Piedmont 727s in 1967 (the runway was extended from 4661 ft to 6000 ft at about that time). As of September 2022, the airport was served by ERJ-145, E170, E175, CRJ-200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900 and 717 aircraft. Facilities The airport covers 710 acres (287 ha) at an elevation of 640 feet (195 m). Its single runway, 3/21, is long. The airport has a terminal with on-site rental cars (Enterprise, Avis, Budget, & National), ground transportation. Food Service is available through Tailwind Concessions under the brands Turbo Grill, Radar Bar, and Copilott Coffee. There is a gift shop selling grab and go food and local gifts on the second level at Gate 5. General aviation facilities include an executive terminal offering a full-service by the fixed-base operator, Signature Flight Support, flight schools, emergency medical transportation provided by the UVA Hospital's Pegasus service and aircraft charter firms. In 2019 the airport opened "The Founders Lounge", which is a quiet lounge area at gate 5. Access is available to anyone who purchases a day pass for a nominal fee. It features comfortable seating, conference room, tables, and decor from local artists and craftsman showcasing the Charlottesville area. Complementary beverages and snacks are also included. In 2020 the airport had 90,555 aircraft operations, average 248 per day: 67% general aviation, 19% air taxi, 11% military, and 3% airline. In January 2022, 56 aircraft were based at this airport: 40 single-engine, 6 jet, 1 helicopter, and 1 ultralight. Airlines and destinations Passenger Statistics Top routes Carrier shares Accidents and incidents Piedmont Airlines Flight 349 crashed on October 30, 1959 into Bucks Elbow Mountain while attempting to land at this airport, killing 26