While at the Virginia Aviation Museum (see previous post) I also made a visit to Richmond International Airport. The airport, which I read is the busiest airport in Virginia, is located in Sandston, Va, some five miles East of Richmond. The airport was started as Richard Evelyn Byrd Flying Field in 1927. Among those present for the opening of the airport was Charles Lindbergh. The area had an even earlier history, some military balloons of the Civil War (the earliest use of military aviation in the US) were flown from nearby fields according to some accounts I have read. The airport has changed and grown greatly since its opening in 1927. 
The airport is very open and airy as befits a place where people take to the sky. There are a number of shops just short of the boarding checkpoints, the usual airport assortment of restaurants and bookstores. Good waiting area for people there waiting for arriving or departing flights. The airport had a few cars on display, and was very clean. It was a light travel time when I was there, though there were a few people heading for flights. I think the biggest year for the airport was in 2007 when some 3,634, 544 flew out or into the airport. However, that data may not be totally accurate, though I think the recession has impacted it. 
As seen in here, very open area. I like the high roof and the impression of it is very positive. The new terminal was dedicated in July 30, 2007. Eight airlines (American, Delta, JetBlue, AirTran, United, US Airways, Continental, and Air Canada) serve the airport. Local business leaders (in fact I watched the commercial on tv tonight) have been making a push 
to have more people fly the lower cost airlines as there is some concern they will cut back service to the airport if not cancel it outright. Richmond International once had some of the highest fares in the region, and that could well happen again. 
Seen here is the control tower for the airport. In addition to passenger traffic, the airport also has a large number of cargo flights. The airport provides a lot of economic impact to the region, and is a major source of jobs and job attraction to Richmond and the surrounding areas.Airports draw businesses to an area, and air service is an important part of that attraction. Being able to fly in cargo and commodities is also important to a community. Not everything is hauled by truck, or train, and many businesses depend on air service.
I enjoyed by visit to the airport, which is my second since I have been here.
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