Moore County Airport

Moore County Airport—The Doorway to the Capital of American Golf

Introduction

Situated in the center of North Carolina's Sandhills area, Moore County Airport (IATA: SOP, ICAO: KSOP) is a modest general aviation airport that serves as the "Gateway to the Home of American Golf." Minutes from the world-famous golf meccas of Pinehurst and Southern Pines, this elite jetport invites pilots and passengers to a warm retreat filled with history and tradition.

Now, due to its excellent services and maintenance as well as great geographic location, Moore County Airport serves a large number of private operators traveling both for business and pleasure, such as golf tourism. Whether you are making your way onto a golf getaway, attending an event, or just traveling through, the airport will provide a quality travel experience effortlessly.

Airlines and Destinations

From the earliest days, Moore County Airport has hosted relatively little commercial service, even as its primary mission is providing services to general aviation traffic. CCAir, a US Airways Express carrier, had metro and Saab flights to Charlotte in the 1990s and early 2000s. After 9/11, the service was closed.

Delta Air Lines quickly resumed commercial service with seasonal Delta Connection-operated CRJ flights to its hub in Atlanta for the summer of 2006. But even this service had stopped by November 2007.

The West Coast airline JSX experimented with seasonal service to the airport in a single season, introducing pop-up flights from Dallas Love Field and New York's suburban-oriented Westchester County Airport during the summer of 2020. The flights were aimed at wealthy businessmen in need of a quick golfing break.

Passenger Flights And

There are no complete passenger or flight volume statistics from Moore County Airport, which serves general aviation. Yet it continued to see a constant throughput of private and charter aircraft operations, mainly servicing the local golf resorts and public.

Although there is no scheduled commercial service, the airport serves as an important transportation center for private and corporate aviation, as well as occasional charters.

How to Get Here

Moore County Airport is ideally located just 3 miles north of Southern Pines and a mere 5 miles northeast of Pinehurst, deep in the heart of North Carolina's beautiful Sandhills region. The field is served by major roadways such as US Hwy 1 and NC Hwy 22.

The airport has one runway, 5/23, with a length of 6,502 feet and a width of 150 feet, and comfortably accommodates most private airplanes, including business jets (80-200).

Parking

Both private and visiting aircraft have lots of parking options at Moore County Airport. The airport's ramp and tiedown areas are large and in close proximity to the terminal building as well as FBO facilities.

These include the airport's well-kept parking lots, which pilots and passengers are allowed to use as long as spaces remain. Overnight and long-term parking are also available.

Transportation Pricing

Ground transportation in Pinehurst/Southern Pines is served by a number of options to/from both areas via taxi services, rideshare platforms, and rental car agencies.

The cost for these transportation services is dependent on the provider, distance, and circumstances. We suggest that visitors do some research to determine and compare all the available alternatives, so they can choose the best combination corresponding to their needs as well as the most economical solution for travel.

Terminal Layout

The terminal building at Moore County Airport functions as airport administration offices, a pilot's lounge, and a waiting room for passengers. The design of the terminal layout is to make your experience easy and fast, whether you're coming from or going back home. The terminal has restrooms and a few vending machines along with basic passenger services.

Navigate the Airport

Moore County Airport is easy to navigate, due in part to its small size and the various markings. Arriving visitors will immediately see the main terminal building, FBO services, and aircraft parking areas.

The airport is well-signposted, helping pilots and passengers easily move through the site. The airport staff is also there to answer any queries or help out with special requests that you may have, thereby offering a seamless and glitch-free experience.

Getting Between Terminals

Because Moore County Airport features one single terminal building, you will not have to move between terminals. The main terminal facility is used for all passenger and pilot services.

Services and Amenities

The Moore County Airport, also known as Pinehurst-Southern Pines, is a small airport but contains many services one would expect at larger airports, including:

• FBO (Fixed Base Operator) services supporting private and charter aircraft, such as fuel and maintenance
• Pilot's lounge with seating and amenities
• Restrooms
• Vending Machines
• Wi-Fi access across the terminal
• Convenient access to rental car agencies as well as taxi and rideshare services

Restaurants and Shops

Moore County Airport has no restaurants or stores on site, but they are available at numerous dining and shopping establishments in Pinehurst and Southern Pines.

This extremely diverse array of restaurants represents casual downscale establishments to upscale fine dining and everything in between, all within a short drive from the airport. For leisure and business travelers alike, the local communities have quite a few boutiques, specialty shops, and golf-related retailers.

Security and Customs

Being a GA airport, Moore County Airport is not equipped with specific security checkpoints or customs facilities. But the airport follows all FAA and TSA regulations to protect its operations.

It is the responsibility of pilots and passengers to ensure that they follow any security or customs procedures in place for their individual flight or travel itinerary. Airport staff are on hand to give directions and assistance where needed.

Accessibility

The Moore County Airport strives for a fully accessible facility and service to accommodate each visitor. These include, but are not limited to:

• The main terminal building and terminal landside areas have been designed to accommodate guests with disabilities.
• Parking spaces set aside for disabled patrons
• Open entrances and walkways
• Accessible restroom facilities for wheelchair users
• Assistance available on request

The airport staff is trained to ensure assistance for passengers with special needs and make their travel experience comfortable.

Travel Tips

Traveling to Moore County Airport and need a few tips? Here is your guide:

• Pre-book your ground transportation because options may be scarce at the airport.
• Get to the airport early: Make sure that you reach the airport on time, park your vehicle if any, check-in, and complete all necessary preflight procedures.
• As you check out the layout and services at your airport, make sure that this is worth stopping by.
• Enjoy a visit next door to Pinehurst and Southern Pines for world-famous golfing, dining, or shopping.
• Keep tabs on any airport or weather updates — you never know what kind of wrenches might get thrown in your travel plan.

The terminal building at Moore County Airport, known as the "Gateway to the Home of American Golf," is attractive and adds to an enjoyable form of travel service for private aircraft operators and golf lovers. It replaces an aging terminal on a site that has been the primary general aviation gateway to the Pinehurst and Southern Pines golf destinations with well-maintained facilities suited for aircraft owners' needs and full-service offerings.

Whether you're on a golf escape, here for that "can't miss" event, or just passing through, Moore County Airport is dedicated to providing an unforgettable and unique travel experience. Because of this, make sure to improve your airport routine with all the southern charm and good hospitality offered by the airport.