Why KMQI is the Outer Banks fuel stop

Dare County Regional Airport (KMQI) in Manteo is the only public-use Outer Banks airport that consistently offers both 100LL and Jet A fuel, which makes it the de facto fuel stop for the entire region. Pilots flying into First Flight Airport (KFFA) almost always plan to top off at KMQI either inbound or outbound — it’s only 7 nautical miles south.

Runways and facilities

The primary runway is 4,300 ft of asphalt (Runway 5/23), which comfortably accommodates light jets and turboprops in addition to general aviation piston traffic. The field is non-towered, CTAF 122.7. The FBO offers self-serve and full-service fueling, a pilot lounge, restrooms, courtesy transportation, and rental cars.

Things to do near KMQI

Manteo is on Roanoke Island, home to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the Roanoke Island Festival Park, and the North Carolina Aquarium. The downtown waterfront has restaurants and shops within a short drive of the airport. For visitors heading to the central Outer Banks beaches, KMQI is roughly a 15-minute drive to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills.

For a side-by-side comparison with the other public-use OBX airports, see Nearby Airports and the comprehensive Fly Into the Outer Banks pilot guide.

Related Pages on First Flight Airport

• First Flight Airport (KFFA) Pilot Information
• Fly Into the Outer Banks — All OBX Airports
• First Flight Airport FAQ
• Visiting First Flight Airport

How KMQI compares to KFFA

Dare County Regional (KMQI) is the practical hub of OBX general aviation; First Flight Airport (KFFA) is the historic destination. KMQI has a 4,300-foot lit runway, self-serve 100LL fuel, AWOS, and on-field rental cars. KFFA has none of those things — it is a 3,000-foot daytime-VFR strip on the grounds of the Wright Brothers Memorial. Many pilots use KMQI as a fuel and overnight base, then make a short hop to KFFA for the memorial visit. See our full airport comparison for details.