Billy Mitchell Airport

The Closest Airport to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

KHSE - Billy Mitchell Airport in Frisco, NC

Billy Mitchell Airport is the second most remote airport on the Outer Banks. The airstrip is located in Frisco, NC in the heart of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The airport is named after a local (you guessed it, Billy Mitchell) who was a pilot in World War I. It’s managed by the National Park Service and the NC Department of Aviation, and has limited facilities.

Billy Mitchell Airport is only open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Planes can’t land here at night, so we need to plan your trip accordingly. If you need to depart or arrive before or after daylight hours, your only choice is to fly into Manteo.

If you are staying on the Northern Beaches and would love to see this area but don’t want to drive, we offer customized Outer Banks Air Tours where you can see all of Cape Hatteras National Seashore including Cape Hatteras Lighthouse from the air.

Why Drive When You Can Fly?

Billy Mitchell Airport is a great choice for those visiting the southern shores. Ever heard the phrase “I wish I could get those 3 hours of my life back”? Well, Google says it’s a 3+ hour drive to Frisco from Norfolk International Airport in the off-season. During the spring and summer months, it can easily be a 4 to 5+ hour drive in back-to-back traffic. That’s a big chunk of your valuable vacation time! We can pick you up from ORF and fly to Hatteras Island in under 1 hour.

OTHER OUTER BANKS AIRPORTS

Dare County Regional Airport

Covering 340 acres and featuring two runways, Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) in Manteo, NC is the largest airport on the Outer Banks. The airport is sometimes referred to as Manteo Airport. Its location is adjacent to the North Carolina Aquarium. Taxi service and rental cars are available, and Outer Banks Airlines can help you coordinate rentals if needed.

First Flight Airstrip at Wright Brothers Memorial

Heard of the birthplace of aviation? Why not make it a part of your trip? First Flight Airport is located in Kill Devil Hills next to Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates the first successful and sustained flight. First Flight is a great choice for folks visiting Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk or even Nags Head or Duck.

Ocracoke Island Airport

If you’re visiting Ocracoke Island, there’s no quicker way to reach your destination than by flying with Outer Banks Airlines. Just say the word, and we can fly you to the Ocracoke Island Airport, helping you avoid beach traffic and the ferry required to reach this beautiful, albeit remote island.

Pine Island Airport

Pine Island Airport is no longer available, effective December 2019.

AIRPORTS NEAR THE OUTER BANKS

Currituck County Regional Airport

While not on the Outer Banks, Currituck County Regional Airport is a great choice if you are flying in on a larger aircraft, arriving after dark or visiting Knotts Island. The ferry to Knotts Island is only about 10-minute drive and you can reach the H2OBX waterpark in under 30 minutes.