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welcome to OAJ

Your Adventure Starts Here

Seamless travel . Exceptional service.

OAJ: Your journey to Seamless Travel

If you live in Jacksonville or surrounding areas, OAJ Ellis Airport is the most convenient airport for you. Not only are we located close to you, but our airport has many other features that make flying relaxing and stress-free.

our airlines
Flight Availability

Convenient flight options to popular destinations across the country.

Exceptional Amenities

Exceptional amenities for your convenience while
you travel.

Quality Services

Quality services designed with your convenience and travel experience in mind.

50 Years of Service

Proudly connecting you to your destination for over
50 years.

An evening view of ATC at OAJ Ellis Airport | Albert J. Ellis AirportOpening Day | Albert J. Ellis AirportOAJ Building | Albert J. Ellis Airport

700+

reviews

From our Happy Travelers

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Timeless Beauty

Experience All that eastern North carolina Has to Offer

Beaches

North Carolina’s coast is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and typically clear blue water. It’s a quick day trip to Topsail Beach with plenty of public accesses. Or you can head north to the barrier island of Emerald Isle or further to the famed Outer Banks.

Towns & Cities

There’s plenty to do around here, with Jacksonville, the commercial hub of Onslow County, situated along the New River, and Swansboro offering quaint downtown waterfront shopping, pubs, and dining.

History

Explore Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, which pays tribute to our military heritage through the years. Visit the charming Historic Downtown Swansboro, or discover New Bern, the state’s original capital and home to Tryon Palace. You can also experience the African American Heritage Trail, spend time at Hammocks Beach State Park, and explore various local museums to enrich your visit even further.

Military

This is one of the nation's most welcoming military and veteran-friendly destinations. Home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, our community is a seamless blend of military and civilian life. Here, we live, work, and play together as one.

Activities and Events

There’s no shortage of things to do while you are here. From family parks with great activities to signature festivals and events, plus great food and shopping, find it in our coastal community. Here are a couple of resources to begin your stay plans:

Unmatched Convenience

quality & services

At OAJ Ellis Airport, your travel experience is our top priority. Conveniently located, we offer a variety of amenities and exceptional service to ensure your journey is seamless and enjoyable from start to finish.

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Convenience

Quick, hassle-free check-in, avoid the long lines and wait times of larger hubs. Close, no congestion parking facility with EZ Park payment kiosk at baggage claim. And you’re close to home.

Quality Service

Personalized attention in a more relaxed atmosphere makes for a better travel experience. Fewer passengers so staff can provide quicker, more efficient service.

Amenities

Your journey starts here. Comfortable, not overcrowded waiting areas, Wi-Fi & charging stations, restaurant with full-service bar, gift shop, national car rental agencies on site, plus the military lounge.

Real ID

On May 7th, 2025, all U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights! The deadline is May 7, 2025 —- Check here to see if you are ready https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

Here to help

frequently asked questions

Find answers to all your travel questions in our comprehensive FAQ section, designed to help you navigate our airport with ease.

learn more
Where is the airport located?

264 Albert Ellis Airport Road, Richlands, NC 28574

13 miles by road northeast of downtown Jacksonville via NC-17B S to US-258 N / NC-24 W to NC-111 N (Catherine Lake Road) to Albert Ellis Airport Road on the left. 34° 49.832’N 77° 36.344’W

What airlines fly to OAJ and how do I book travel?

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines fly in and out of OAJ. The airlines sell tickets on-site, but both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines serve OAJ and you can book a ticket online on our website, with our new and improved booking engine, or at aa.com or delta.com. As a member of the military, special fares may be available from ticket agents. You can either contact a travel agent or call reservations, (800)221-1212 for Delta Air Lines, or (800) 433-7300 for American Airlines.

How long does it take to get through security?

Typically the wait is 10 minutes or less, except during peak holiday travel days the wait can be longer, so please plan accordingly.

What time should I arrive for my flight?

In order to reduce stress we recommend arriving at the airport one hour prior to your scheduled departure. Please note that federal regulations require that all baggage and passengers must be checked in no less than 42 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. This may vary, so confirm with your airline. If you are not checking any baggage you may check in on the airlines website and print out your boarding pass up to 24 hours in advance. For international departures the airlines recommend you arrive 2 hours in advance.

How should I pack for my flight?

We suggest that passengers pack smart. Pack light – carrying heavy luggage isn’t enjoyable and can be costly. The airlines charge nominal fees for checked luggage and the penalties for overweight bags can be significant depending on your destination. Check the airlines’ websites for specific rules regarding size and weight restrictions. The rules are different for military personnel traveling on orders and the policies are posted on the websites. Don’t check critical, fragile or valuable items in the event your baggage is delayed. These items such as keys, medicine, travel documents, jewelry or anything you can’t live without should be in your carry-on.

Are pets allowed at the airport?

Yes. Pet relief areas are located near the flag plaza to west of the terminal building and near the employee parking lot east of the terminal building.

Good airport. Love the smaller airports. Much easier to deal with. Security was friendly and super thorough and very professional. Would definitely use it again.

Música P

Very easy airport to navigate due to its small size. All staff are super friendly and helpful. I wish larger airports had the character this smaller airport has. Thank you for an easy and stress-free experience.

Kelly B

Friendly airport. Relatively new. Spotlessly clean. Couple of food concessions after check in. 4 main car rental companies with friendly staff.. Always enjoy arriving and departing at this airport.

Andrew P

It is always a wonderful experience at Albert J Ellis Airport. The staff are welcoming and professional. Very clean airport as well.

Gary W

One of the best small airports that is underutilized! New, super clean, friendly staff and flying from here beats the two hour drive to Raleigh-Durham International Airport and parking here is very affordable! Love this airport!

Blue & Green Traveling Team

The best little airport... convenient all the way around and super clean!

Julie C

Check-in was easy! The staff was super friendly. TSA was efficient and friendly as well. Facility is clean with lots of space and loading for departure was smooth.

Jim H

By far the cleanest airport I have ever been to in my life and I've been flying since 1984. Nice professional friendly staff. I felt safe.

Chris M

Best airport in North Carolina. They treat you better than gold, very very friendly staff and quick security. Felt super comfortable here!

Charles G

It is easy to maneuver to where you need to go and it's gorgeous! The floors, all the glass work, the architecture is very cool and it's smaller which I love.

Mimi H

Very clean, very small airport! Everyone we have had contact with has been kind and upbeat. The little restaurant in the airport has a killer breakfast sandwich. Highly recommend this airport if you are able to fly through.

Heather N

Friendly staff. Efficient security. Highly recommend!

James R