Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Overview

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (IATA: CVG – ICAO: KCVG) is a public international airport in Hebron, Kentucky, serving the Cincinnati metropolitan area and surrounding tri-state region. Despite being situated in Kentucky, the airport primarily serves Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a significant hub for passenger and cargo operations. CVG is recognised as a major cargo gateway, home to Amazon Air’s primary air hub and a key global hub for DHL Express.

General Information

  • Location: Hebron, Kentucky (serving Cincinnati, Ohio)
  • Country: United States
  • Airport Type: Public, International
  • IATA Code: CVG
  • ICAO Code: KCVG
  • Elevation: 896 feet (273 metres)
  • Coordinates: 39°02′11″N 084°39′39″W
  • Timezone: UTC−5 (Eastern Standard Time) / UTC−4 (Daylight Saving Time)
  • Distance from City Centre: Approx. 21 km (13 miles) southwest of downtown Cincinnati
  • Website: www.cvgairport.com
  • Operator: Kenton County Airport Board
  • Services: Scheduled domestic and international flights, cargo, charter, and general aviation

Airport Details

  • Runways: 4
  • Runway Designations and Lengths:
    • 18C/36C: 3,658 m (12,000 ft) – Asphalt
    • 18L/36R: 3,353 m (11,000 ft) – Asphalt
    • 18R/36L: 2,743 m (9,000 ft) – Asphalt
    • 09/27: 2,438 m (8,000 ft) – Asphalt
  • Runway Surfaces: Asphalt
  • Runway Strength: Supports all aircraft types, including Code F (e.g. B747, A380)
  • Fire Services: ARFF Category 9
  • Tower Frequency: Available
  • Ground Frequency: Available
  • Navigation Aids: ILS, RNAV, VOR/DME, GPS
  • Customs and Immigration: U.S. CBP available 24/7 for commercial and general aviation
  • Aircraft Types: All categories of commercial, business, and cargo aircraft
  • Terminals: One main passenger terminal with Concourses A and B
  • Cargo Facilities: Major cargo hub for DHL Express and Amazon Air; extensive freight facilities
  • Fuel: JET A, AVGAS
  • FBOs: Signature Flight Support, Atlas Air Service
  • Equipment: GPU, de-icing, lavatory, potable water, hangars, maintenance
  • Ground Services: Full passenger, business aviation, and cargo support

Flight Operations

  • Permit Time: 24–48 hours for international GA flights with CBP coordination
  • Permission Required: Yes, for non-scheduled and foreign GA/charter flights
  • Slots: Not required
  • Aircraft Types: All aircraft up to Code F
  • Alternate Airports:
    • LUK: Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport (GA and regional)
    • DAY: Dayton International Airport

Contact Information

Passenger Information

  • Immigration Requirements: A Passport and a valid visa or ESTA are required for international arrivals
  • Crew Requirements: Passport, crew ID/licence, General Declaration, visa/ESTA as applicable
  • Transport Options: Taxis, Uber/Lyft, shuttles, car hire, and public transit (TANK buses)
  • Nearby Accommodation:
    • Close to Airport: Marriott Cincinnati Airport, Hilton, DoubleTree, Hampton Inn
    • Downtown Cincinnati: 21c Museum Hotel, The Cincinnatian, Hyatt Regency
  • Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD); credit/debit cards widely accepted

Local Attractions

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

One of the oldest zoos in the U.S., home to diverse wildlife and seasonal gardens.

Newport on the Levee

A shopping, dining, and entertainment complex is just across the Ohio River.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Centre

Museum dedicated to the history of the Underground Railroad and human rights.

Great American Ball Park

Home of Major League Baseball’s Cincinnati Reds, located along the riverfront.

Cincinnati Art Museum

Houses over 67,000 works, spanning 6,000 years of history and global cultures.

Travel Tips

  • Best Times to Visit:
    • Spring (Apr–Jun) and Autumn (Sep–Oct): Mild temperatures and fewer crowds
    • Summer: Popular for festivals and riverfront activities
  • Additional Notes:
    • CVG is among the fastest-growing cargo airports in North America
    • Signature Flight Support offers full VIP and crew services, including hangars and lounges
    • Preferred airport for private and executive aviation in the Cincinnati region
    • Well-suited for tech, logistics, and event-based travel needs

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport offers a unique blend of operational capacity, efficiency, and proximity to the Midwest’s key business and cultural centres. Ideal for commercial, cargo, and private aviation.