The Gordon K. Bush Ohio University Airport provides safe, reliable and efficient facilities and services for the University's aviation-related initiatives and the citizens and visitors of our community. As the Airport is a vital part of the local, state and national economy and multi-modal transportation network, we strive to maintain and develop the Airport in an environmentally sound manner. The Airport is maintained and operated in compliance with all local, state and federal laws and policies regarding airport and grant administration, and will consider all available funding sources for airport maintenance and development.
Location & Service Areas
The Gordon K. Bush Ohio University Airport (KUNI) serves the general aviation needs of Athens County and portions of several adjoining counties. The Airport is located off U.S. Highway 50 in Lee Township, in the southwest corner of Athens County. Primary surface access is from County Road 71 (Columbia Road). The entrance to the Airport access road is located on Columbia Road about ½ mile from the junction of U.S Highway 50. The Airport is about twelve miles southwest of the City of Athens and about one mile southwest of the Village of Albany.
The Airport service area consists of Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Washington, Vinton, Galia, Jackson, Morgan and Perry Counties. The total population of the service area is estimated to be about 315,000. Ohio University Airport has the longest runway and most sophisticated approaches when compared to other area airports. With over 50 based aircraft and supporting over 54,000 annual aircraft operations, the Ohio University Airport is one of the most important general aviation airports in Southeast Ohio.
The Airport is designated as a general aviation airport in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) and is considered to be of national interest in this designated role. The FAA report, "General Aviation Airports: A National Asset," completed in May 2012, identifies the Ohio University Airport as a Regional Airport. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) classifies the Airport as an Advanced Service airport in its airport system plan.
OHIO Training Programs
A major contributor to Ohio University Airport’s success has been the Department of Aviation flight training program and the Avionics Engineering Center research and development programs, both under the jurisdiction of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. The University offers Associate degrees in Aviation Technology and Bachelor of Science degrees in Aviation Science. The Avionics Engineering Center specializes in research, development and evaluation of electronic navigational communication and surveillance systems.
