News Release

Billy Mitchell Airport to Close on Aug. 17 to Rehabilitate Runway

Aerial image of the Billy Mitchell Airport.

NPS

News Release Date: July 29, 2026

Contact: Cape Hatteras Public Affairs

MANTEO, N.C. — Beginning Aug. 17, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will close the Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) to accommodate a runway pavement rehabilitation project. The closure will occur earlier than the previously announced Sept. 8 date, due to an accelerated construction schedule. The runway closure is expected to last until mid-November.

The paving project will involve full resurfacing of paved areas, applying new reflective paint and installing new tie-downs and anchors, all of which will improve visitor safety and enhance the overall visitor experience.

North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation is contracting and overseeing the paving project on behalf of the Seashore.

The National Park Service’s First Flight Airport (FFA) and Ocracoke Island Airport (W95) and the Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) will be available for daily flights during the runway paving project.