Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW)

Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) is a vital regional aviation facility located approximately three miles east of Beckley, West Virginia, in the town of Beaver. Serving as the primary gateway to southern West Virginia’s scenic highlands, the airport supports a blend of commercial scheduled flights, corporate travel, and significant cargo operations. Its location near major highways makes it an essential piece of infrastructure for the Raleigh County business community and the local tourism industry. The airport features a single, compact terminal building that emphasizes passenger convenience and ease of navigation. Inside, travelers will find airline check-in counters conveniently located near the main entrance, leading directly to a single security checkpoint and a comfortable departure waiting area. Currently, the primary commercial service is provided by Contour Airlines, which offers regular flights to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT), connecting local residents to a major global hub. Terminal amenities at BKW include an on-site restaurant that is typically open from Monday through Friday, offering diners unique views of the runways and aircraft operations. A small gift shop and a well-equipped conference room with free Wi-Fi and visual display systems are also available for public use. One of the airport’s most traveler-friendly features is the provision of free long-term parking in close proximity to the terminal, a rarity among modern regional airports that significantly reduces the cost and stress of travel. Beyond passenger service, Raleigh County Memorial is a major center for general aviation and cargo logistics, hosting daily feeder flights for global carriers like FedEx and UPS. The airport operates two asphalt runways: the primary Runway 1/19, which is 6,750 feet long, and the secondary Runway 10/28 at 5,001 feet. The Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) provides comprehensive support for private pilots, including heated hangar storage, a pilot lounge with a massage chair, a complimentary coffee bar, and several ground transportation options to the Beckley area.