Franklin Wilkins Airport

The airport was closed because it was replaced by a new, larger, and more modern facility. The community of Lexington and Henderson County invested in the construction of the Beech River Regional Airport (ICAO: KPVE), located about 6 miles northwest of the old airport. KPVE offered superior capabilities, including a longer and wider runway (5,001 ft x 100 ft vs. KM52's 4,000 ft x 75 ft), modern instrument approaches (GPS), and updated facilities, making it better suited to handle modern general aviation and business aircraft. The closure of KM52 was a strategic decision to consolidate and upgrade aviation infrastructure for the region.

The former airport site has been repurposed and is now part of an industrial and commercial area. Satellite imagery shows the original 4,000-foot runway is still clearly visible but is in a state of disrepair, with significant cracking and vegetation growth, making it unusable for aviation. The runway and adjacent areas appear to be used for open-air storage of trailers, equipment, and materials. The former hangar and apron areas have been developed with several large industrial and commercial buildings. The access road is still named 'Old Airport Road', serving as a reminder of the site's previous use.

Opened in 1968, Franklin Wilkins Airport served as the primary general aviation hub for Lexington and Henderson County for over 35 years. It was named in honor of Franklin Wilkins, a local pilot and decorated World War II veteran who was tragically killed in an aircraft accident in 1966. The airport featured a single paved runway (1/19) and provided essential services for the community. Operations included private and business travel, flight training, medical transport, and agricultural aviation. It was a vital piece of local infrastructure, connecting the area to the national air transportation system and supporting local economic activity before it was superseded by the more capable Beech River Regional Airport.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Franklin Wilkins Airport. The existence of the modern and superior Beech River Regional Airport (KPVE) makes the reopening of KM52 redundant and economically unviable. The community's aviation needs are fully met by the new airport. Furthermore, the partial redevelopment of the land for industrial use presents a significant physical and financial barrier to any potential restoration of aviation activities at the original site.