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Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) is a county-owned public airport in Richlands, North Carolina, about 15 miles northwest of Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune. Opened in 1971 and named for local aviation advocate Albert J. Ellis, it offers commercial service in a compact single-terminal setting. It is the primary air gateway to Onslow County and the southern North Carolina coast, including Topsail Island and Emerald Isle.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know the terminal loop is compact, so wait for your arriving party to call from baggage claim before driving up to the curb—it keeps pickup quick and avoids congestion when the Charlotte flight lands.
🚖 Getting There
OAJ is reached by car via NC-111 and US-17, with rental cars, taxis, and ride-share services available at the terminal; public transit options are limited. Allow extra time for trips to Camp Lejeune or the beaches during military reporting times and summer weekends. Some local hotels offer shuttle service, so confirm directly before booking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines fly to Albert J. Ellis Airport?
A: Commercial service is mainly provided by American Eagle with nonstop flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT); routes and seasonal schedules can change, so verify with the airline.
Q: How far is OAJ from Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune?
A: The airport is roughly 10–15 miles from downtown Jacksonville and about 20–30 minutes from Camp Lejeune, depending on gate and traffic.
Q: Is parking available at OAJ?
A: Yes, OAJ has on-site short- and long-term parking adjacent to the terminal; payment is typically by card at exit, and rates are posted at the lot entrances.
Q: What amenities are inside the terminal?
A: The single terminal includes airline check-in, TSA security, baggage claim, rental car counters, vending/snack options, and free Wi-Fi; it is small and easy to navigate.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 29, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash