It opened in 1955 and serves the Central Virginia and Shenandoah Valley region with non-stop flights to five major cities[4] on three airlines' subsidiaries.

[6][7][8] The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021–2025 categorized it as a non-hub primary commercial service facility.

[1][12] The airport has a 60,000 sq ft (6,000 m2) terminal with on-site rental cars (Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz, & National) and other ground transportation.

It features comfortable seating, conference room, tables, and décor from local artists and craftsman showcasing the Charlottesville area.

[14] Following the return of flights to Chicago–O'Hare in August, it was announced that the airport intends to construct a new terminal and parking garage by the end of the decade.