Old Morehead-Rowan County Airport

The airport was closed because it was replaced by the new, larger, and more modern Morehead-Rowan County Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport (ICAO: KMRY). The old airport, sometimes known as Symons Airport, had significant operational and safety limitations. Its single runway was short (approximately 3,400 feet), it was situated in a valley which made aircraft approaches challenging, and its location prevented any significant expansion. The new facility was constructed to overcome these deficiencies, offering a longer runway (5,500 feet) and modern infrastructure to better accommodate corporate jets, support economic development, and improve overall aviation safety for the region.

The site of the former airport has been completely redeveloped and is now the MMRC (Morehead-Rowan County) Industrial Park. A large Family Dollar Distribution Center occupies a significant portion of the former airfield, including the area of the old runway and taxiways. While faint outlines of the runway may be visible in historical satellite imagery, the land is no longer recognizable as an airport and is fully repurposed for industrial and commercial use. It is not used for any aviation activities.

For several decades, the Old Morehead-Rowan County Airport was the primary general aviation hub for the city of Morehead and the surrounding county. It was a vital asset for local pilots, flight training, small business travel, agricultural aviation, and supporting activities for Morehead State University. The airport primarily handled single-engine and light twin-engine propeller aircraft. It played a crucial role in connecting the community to the national aviation network before its capabilities were outgrown by the region's needs.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the old airport. The land has been permanently and successfully redeveloped into a key industrial park for the region. All aviation services for the area are now handled by the modern Morehead-Rowan County Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport, making the old site obsolete for its original purpose.