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Wind: 8.12 m/sec Virgin Atlantic Kicks Off Norfolk Airport Growth
Here's the 2,000-word piece on ORF by David Capps.
FLIGHT: Utah-Based The Gay Vanguard Norfolk Regional Airport Turnpike to the Hampton Roads Area
Introduction
Norfolk International Airport (IATA: ORF) is a busy airport catering to both commercial and military aircraft, handling millions of passengers every year. Situated just 7 miles northeast of downtown Norfolk, Virginia, ORF is the third-busiest airport in the state and serves over two million enplanements per year. ORF is the third-busiest airport in Virginia and serves the region known as Hampton Roads with over 3 million passengers on average a year from metro areas such as Williamsburg, Elizabeth City, and the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News regions.
Airlines and Destinations
There are several major airlines that fly in and out of the Norfolk International Airport, such as Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines. These airlines provide direct flights to more than 40 cities, with the most popular destinations including Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.
Though ORF does not have any international service scheduled yet, the airport is in the midst of a $1 billion infrastructure project that will build a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility there. This opens the door for adding international flights to and from that airport.
Passenger and Flight Volumes
Norfolk International Airport served 2,065,116 passengers in 2022 and ranked as the fifty-fifth busiest airport in the United States. An average of 80 flights operate daily out of the airport, which sees higher levels of holiday and summertime usage.
ORF has experienced consistent passenger traffic increases, for a total increase of 9.3% in passengers flying through the airport this year over last. More than 490,000 passengers traveled through the airport in July 2022, a new record for any month.
How to Get Here
You can easily reach Norfolk International Airport off of Interstate 64. It is located at 2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA 23518.
Fly to the airport: Transactions from this checkpoint withdraw funds using several methods.
- Driving: ORF is about 7 miles to the east of downtown Norfolk, at exit 281A off I-64 East on Norview Avenue.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft can also take you to the airport.
- Public Transport: Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) bus system provides routes to connect ORF with locations around the region.
Parking
There are a few options for parking at Norfolk International Airport.
- Short-Term Parking: The Main Terminal Garage is the short-term parking for $3 an hour.
- Long-Term Parking: The Economy Lot, available for $10 per day.
- Additional services include valet parking, which are available at the main terminal costing $20 per day.
- ORF also has several off-airport parking facilities that provide cheaper long-term rates.
Transportation Prices
Transportation Options to/from Norfolk International Airport can widely range in price. Here are some rough price indications:
- Taxi: $25-$35 from downtown Norfolk
- Uber/Lyft: $15 – $25 from downtown Norfolk
- Hampton Roads Transit Bus: $2 each trip, one way
- Short-term parking: $3 per hour; Long-term parking: $10 per day
Terminal Layout
Norfolk International Airport features three primary terminals:
- Main Terminal: This is the largest of all terminals and holds almost everything from baggage claim to ticketing and security checkpoints.
- Concourse A: Domestic
- Concourse B: International flights (although ORF currently has no scheduled international flights)
Navigate the Airport
Norfolk International Airport is relatively easy to navigate and has excellent signage as well as friendly airport staff. This will get you around fine, but there are some tips that will be helpful on the way.
- When you arrive, make your way to the terminal and destination of baggage claim or rental cars as signaled.
- There are security checkpoints at all 3 terminals, so be sure to factor in the time you will need before your flight.
- Take a free shuttle bus every 10-15 minutes if you are connecting between terminals.
Getting Between Terminals
Free shuttle bus service is the best way to move between terminals at Norfolk International Airport. The buses operate every 10-15 minutes and stop at each terminal, so it is easy to switch from one to the next.
Services and Amenities
A range of other services and amenities to improve the passenger experience includes a diverse array of concessions at the terminals.
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport
- ATMs and Currency Exchange
- Nursing rooms, family restrooms
- Pet relief areas
- Electronic Devices Charging Stations
- Lost and found services
Restaurants and Shops
Norfolk International Airport features a mix of dining and shopping options for travelers such as:
- Burger King: Fast-food classics in the Main Terminal Lobby
- Starbucks: 24-hour coffee shop in the Main Terminal Lobby
- The Local@ORF: Tasting the local cuisine
- Several news, gift, and specialty retail shops in the terminals
Security and Customs
A new U.S. Customs and Border Protection Facility is under construction as part of a $1-billion facelift at the airport since 2007. This would then open the door for international flights to be added at ORF.
For domestic travelers, the security checkpoints are in all 3 terminals. The most important thing is to make sure you give yourself enough time before your flight to get through security.
Accessibility
Providing facilities and services for passengers with disabilities at Norfolk International Airport. Accessibility offered at ORF include the following:
- Designated disability parking spaces
- Wheelchairs and Electric Carts available
- Tactile maps and braille signage
- Hearing loops in key areas
- Service animal relief areas
Travel Tips
If you fly often and want your experience at Norfolk International Airport to be as stress-free as possible, follow these additional tips.
- Ensure you check your flight status and reach the airport at least a couple of hours before, especially during peak travel times
- Use the free Wi-Fi at the Airport to get work done while you are there
- Visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden, only a short ride from the airport, for a relaxing layover
- Learn the terminal layout and airport amenities of ORF before you arrive to navigate it like a pro
If you're a regular flyer or this is your first time venturing into the world of travel (and Norfolk), we strive to make your trip through Norfolk International Airport an easy and pleasurable experience. ORF is the ideal access point to the Hampton Roads region and beyond, offering easy-to-access amenities and a growing list of destinations.