Dare County Regional Airport is a public-use regional airport located in Manteo, North Carolina, serving as a key aviation hub for the Outer Banks. With its modern facilities and convenient location, MQI offers essential services to private pilots, charter operators, and the local community. The airport provides an ideal gateway for visitors exploring North Carolina's scenic coastal region and outdoor recreation destinations.
Airport Codes:
FAA Identifier: MQI
IATA Code: MEO
ICAO Code: KMQI
Location: One mile northwest of Manteo's central business district, on Roanoke Island
Ownership: Publicly owned and operated by Dare County
Status: Open to the public, attended year-round
Elevation: Approximately sea level
Total Area: 340 acres
Accessibility: Adjacent to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Dare County Regional Airport features two well-maintained runways:
Runway 05/23
Length: 4,306 feet
Surface: Asphalt
Condition: Full service, regularly maintained
Runway 17/35
Length: 3,303 feet
Surface: Asphalt
Condition: Full service, regularly maintained
Both runways are maintained to FAA standards and accommodate a wide range of general aviation aircraft.
100LL Avgas: Full service ($6.00) and self-service ($5.70) available
Jet A: Full service ($5.70) available
Fueling Hours: Available during regular FBO business hours
Fuel Provider: Titan Aviation
Aircraft parking (ramp and tie-down areas)
Hangar leasing and sales
Aircraft ground handling services
Passenger terminal and lounge
Flight training programs
Aircraft rental services
Aerial tours and sightseeing flights
Aircraft maintenance and repair
Staffed UNICOM (year-round)
Passenger terminal facilities
Comfortable waiting areas
Convenient ground transportation arrangements
Vehicle rental coordination services
Dare County Regional Airport
410 Airport Road
PO Box 429
Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 252-475-5575 or 252-475-5570
Fax: 252-473-1843
Email:Â
airportops@darenc.com
Website:Â
Located just minutes from the heart of the Outer Banks, MQI offers unbeatable proximity to:
Distance from MQI: 6 nautical miles north (approximately 3-minute flight)
Special Features: Adjacent to Wright Brothers National Memorial
Currituck County Regional Airport (KONX)
Distance from MQI: 33 nautical miles northwest (approximately 30 miles by road, 40-minute drive)
Special Features: Ideal for tourists seeking convenient access to northern Outer Banks
Notes: Public-use general aviation airport serving the northern OBX region
Distance from MQI: 41 nautical miles south (approximately 41 miles by road)
Location: Frisco, North Carolina (within Cape Hatteras National Seashore)
Ownership: National Park Service (operated by NC DOT Division of Aviation)
Facilities: Unattended; minimal facilities with two portable restrooms and pilot operations room
Tie-downs: 39 locations (31 near pilot facility, 8 mid-field)
Hours: Open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
Distance from MQI: Approximately 95 miles north (approximately 2-hour drive; 90-minute flight time)
Airlines: Delta, United, American, Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant, and more
Ground Transportation: Rental cars, shuttles, ride-sharing services, taxi cabs
Notes: Closest major commercial airport to the Outer Banks; most popular option for OBX visitors
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Distance from MQI: Approximately 192-210 miles west (approximately 3.5 to 4-hour drive)
Location: Morrisville, North Carolina
Type: Major international airport
Services: Extensive domestic and international flight network
Airlines: 10 major carriers including Delta, American, United
Direct Flights: Over 60 destinations across the country
Ground Transportation: Wide variety of rental car, taxi, ride-share, and shuttle services
Address: 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: 919-840-2123
Notes: Greater selection of flight options and origin points; scenic drive through historic North Carolina towns
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Beach activities and water sports
Off-road vehicle adventures
Fishing opportunities
Hiking and nature trails
Wright Brothers National Memorial
North Carolina Aquarium
Outer Banks History Center
Local art galleries and museums
Seasonal events and festivals
Full range of restaurants and cafes
Vacation rentals and hotels
Resorts and beachfront accommodations
Local shops and markets
CTAF Frequency: 122.9 MHz
Control Tower: Seasonal (operates during peak travel periods)
UNICOM: Staffed year-round
AWOS-3: 128.275 / Tel. 252-473-2826
Cherry Point Approach: 124.725 / 350.35
Cherry Point Departure: 124.725 / 350.35
Airport is open for public use during daylight hours
Exact hours vary by season; contact airport for current information
Dare County Regional Airport is easily accessible from major aviation hubs throughout the eastern United States:
Typical flight time from Washington D.C.: ~90 minutes
Typical flight time from New York metro: ~150 minutes
Typical flight time from Charlotte: ~90 minutes
Upon arrival, visitors can arrange:
Vehicle rentals (Beach4x4.com offers 4WD vehicles for beach driving)
Ground transportation to local hotels
Charter car services
Shuttle services to nearby attractions
From Manteo (approximately 1 mile):
Head northwest from downtown Manteo toward Roanoke Island
Follow signs for Dare County Regional Airport
Enter via Airport Road
Check current weather conditions and NOTAMs
Contact airport for runway conditions
Confirm fuel availability (call ahead during off-season)
Reserve hangar space in advance during peak season
Valid pilot's license and aircraft registration
Appropriate charts and flight planning materials
Current weather briefing
Contact numbers for ground services
AirNav: Complete aeronautical information
AOPA Airport Directory: Pilot reviews and resources
FAA Flight Service Station: Flight planning assistance
Local Dare County Tourism: Vacation planning information
The Outer Banks experiences seasonal variations that may affect airport operations:
Peak Season (Summer & Fall Holidays):
Increased traffic and congestion
Higher demand for services
Reserve facilities in advance
Popular vacation destination
Off-Season (Winter & Spring):
Reduced traffic
More available facilities
Weather can be variable
Great time for quieter getaways
Dare County Regional Airport maintains strict adherence to FAA safety standards:
Regular runway inspections and maintenance
Professional airport management and security
Compliance with all federal aviation regulations
Modern lighting and navigation equipment
Experienced staff trained in emergency procedures
Pilots should:
Follow all posted airport procedures
Contact UNICOM for landing instructions
Adhere to noise abatement procedures
Comply with all parking and tie-down regulations
Dare County Regional Airport serves not only as a vital transportation hub but also as an important facility for the local community. The airport supports:
Emergency medical flights
Coast Guard operations
Search and rescue missions
Local business aviation
Flight training and education programs
Aerial touring services for visitors
For flight planning, facility questions, or general inquiries, contact:
Dare County Regional Airport Operations
Phone: 252-475-5575
Email:Â
airportops@darenc.com
Hours: Year-round staffing available during business hours
Whether you're a seasoned aviator or a first-time visitor to the Outer Banks, Dare County Regional Airport welcomes you with professional service, modern facilities, and Southern hospitality.