Albert J Ellis Airport
Richlands, United States
Albert J Ellis Airport
Eastern North Carolina's regional gateway serving Jacksonville and beyond.
- ›Named after Albert J. Ellis, a North Carolina businessman instrumental in the airport's establishment.
- ›Serves as a key airport for Marines and families at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River.
- ›Located in Richlands, Onslow County, though commonly associated with nearby Jacksonville.
- ›One of the top-performing small airports in North Carolina by enplanements.
- ›The airport has received federal grants for infrastructure and runway improvements.
Albert J. Ellis Airport, named in honor of a longtime North Carolina aviation advocate, serves the Jacksonville and Onslow County region of coastal North Carolina. The airport acts as a vital commercial link for the large military population surrounding Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. Despite its modest size, OAJ provides reliable connectivity for service members, families, and regional travelers.
- Main Terminal — A single compact terminal handling all commercial arrivals and departures with basic amenities and a welcoming regional atmosphere.
- Rental cars available on-site from major agencies including Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis
- Taxi and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) available outside the terminal
- Hotel courtesy shuttles offered by select nearby properties
- Private vehicle pickup via short-term and long-term parking lots on site
- Hampton Inn Jacksonville
- Comfort Suites Jacksonville
- Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville
Inside the terminal, food options are limited to a small café and snack offerings typical of a regional airport, so travelers are advised to eat before arriving. The Jacksonville area surrounding the airport offers a wide range of casual dining, fast food, and local seafood restaurants within a short drive. Nearby chains and local eateries along Western Boulevard provide convenient pre-flight meal options.
- Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure as security lines can lengthen during military travel surge periods.
- Rental car availability can be tight around military leave periods and holidays — book well in advance.
- Jacksonville's traffic near Camp Lejeune gates can cause delays during morning and afternoon rush hours, so plan extra drive time.
- Check for connecting flight options through Charlotte Douglas or Raleigh-Durham if direct routes are limited from OAJ.
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
Route map (3 destinations)
Airlines serving this airport
Routes
Aircraft operating here
Pick what matters for your layover or early flight, then compare on your favorite booking site.
IndianAirports may receive compensation when you book or purchase through some of the links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Prices and availability are set by the booking provider and may change. We never share your private trip details with partners — only the destination, dates and party size you searched.
City & Place Guide
No guide exists for this place yet — Click to generate a Traveler Pulse guide.
Passport, Visa & Immigration
Flying internationally via OAJ? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for United States from official government sources.
Albert J. Ellis Airport is a county-owned public-use airport in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. It is located in Richlands, 10 nautical miles (19 km) northwest of the central business district of Jacksonville and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The airport has a single runway and three gates. Opening on February 15, 1971, the airport is used by general aviation, the military and two commercial airlines, American Eagle and Delta Connection.
Read full article on Wikipedia