Located in the central business district of Norfolk, USA, Norfolk International Airport is a major airport serving the state of Virginia with over three million visitors passing through it every year. The fourth busiest airport in the state, it is a major hub for international airlines like Delta Air, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, providing both domestic and global flights. Covering an area of 13 square kilometres, the airport has 30 different gates offering flights to major US cities, with its busiest routes including Atlanta, Charlotte and Baltimore.
Norfolk International Airport has two runways, with the main one stretching over 2,700 metres long making it appropriate for most types of aircraft, and also has a 41-metre high control tower and two interior concourses. Waiting visitors can relax in the food and beverage facilities of the terminal that include restaurants, cafes and bars serving international cuisine and American delicacies. There are also numerous shops for visitors to enjoy, selling local souvenirs, Virginia merchandise, books and travel items. Various lounges and comfortable waiting areas can be found at the airport, also containing practical facilities like currency exchange, lost and found, ATMs, postal services and business areas like the conference centre.
Although there are no direct bus shuttles to the airport itself, there is a nearby local bus stop less than three kilometres from the terminal on the Military Highway, Route 165. The arrivals terminal provides car rental services, taxis, and a shuttle service to the Hampton Roads area of Norfolk city. Drivers to the airport can park in any of the 7,000 available spaces.
Founded in 1938, Norfolk International Airport was built on an old golf course and played a major role for the US Army Air Corps during World War II in defending the Norfolk area. Commercial travel at the airport began in 1945, and the terminal building was extended and modernised. It was renovated again in 1974, expanding parking facilities and added 10 more gates to the terminal, and again in 2002 through a multi-million project improving the lobby and passenger services.