AVIATION PLANNING
The region’s aviation facilities serve a vital role in the overall transportation system. They aid in corporate recruitment and economic development, provide the ability to engage in business activities related to aviation and movement of cargo, provide military support, provide recreational and tourism opportunities, and enable emergency response for medical, fire, or police teams.
There are three publicly-owned General Aviation Airports in the GCLMPO planning area, one in each county. These include: Gastonia Municipal Airport; Shelby-Cleveland County Regional Airport; and Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport. Though none of these airports offer scheduled, passenger air service, Charlotte Douglas International Airport serves this purpose in adjacent Mecklenburg County. In addition, Concord Regional Airport in nearby Cabarrus County offers scheduled, passenger air service.
The GCLMPO will continue to maximize air transportation opportunities by:
- Supporting the GCLMPO’s airports’ ongoing long-range plans.
- Supporting airport expansions in Gaston, Cleveland, and Lincoln counties.
- Supporting economic development in the GCLMPO area.
- Supporting expansion opportunities for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport that will increase the attractiveness of the airport as a major passenger and intermodal facility.
The Gastonia Municipal Airport is located at 1126 Gaston Day School Road, just off Union Road and south of the City of Gastonia’s downtown. The airport is owned by the City of Gastonia and operated by a fixed base operator (FBO), Academy of Aviation. The airport serves a growing number of corporate aircraft, with private aircraft owners occupying more than 30 hangars with easy access to the runway and full parallel taxiway. Area emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies utilize Gastonia as a heliport and transport point.
The Shelby-Cleveland County Regional Airport is located at 830 College Avenue in Shelby. Owned and operated by the City of Shelby, the airport accommodates corporate and general aviation via a 5,001 ft. by 100 ft. fully lighted runway with full parallel taxiway. The airport has a terminal with restrooms, lounge, refreshments and pilot’s lounge.
The Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport is located at 714 Jack Dellinger Road in Iron Station, just off NC Highway 73, about six miles east of the Lincoln County Courthouse in Lincolnton. As a relief airport for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the airport serves corporate and private customers.