Posted on August 29th, 2026
Moore County Airport (SOP, KSOP) is the primary private aviation airport serving Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and North Carolina’s Sandhills. Just minutes from Pinehurst, SOP provides convenient access to the area’s resorts, golf courses, businesses, and communities throughout Moore County.
The airport serves private aviation without scheduled airline service and has a 6,502-foot runway, passenger terminal, rental cars, ground transportation, and services available outside normal terminal hours by request. Its location within the Sandhills makes it especially useful for travelers whose plans are centered in Pinehurst or Southern Pines.
JetOptions can arrange your private flight to Moore County Airport around your schedule, passenger requirements, baggage, and plans after arrival.
Flying private to Pinehurst or Southern Pines? JetOptions can arrange the aircraft, schedule, and requested ground transportation for your trip through Moore County Airport.
SOP serves Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and destinations throughout Moore County from within the Sandhills, keeping the airport close to many of the places travelers are coming to visit.
Moore County Airport does not have scheduled airline service. Its terminal and airport services are centered on private aircraft, their passengers, and flight crews.
The airport is well placed for resort stays, golf trips, business visits, meetings, second homes, and time spent throughout Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and neighboring Sandhills communities.
Pinehurst’s recurring role as a U.S. Open host brings significant private aviation activity to the area during championship weeks. For these high-demand periods, arranging aircraft and local transportation well in advance is recommended.
Moore County Airport serves Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and communities throughout the Sandhills from its location in Moore County, North Carolina. The airfield is open 24 hours a day. Normal terminal hours are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with ground services available outside those hours by request.
The airport has one paved runway measuring 6,502 feet by 150 feet. Moore County Airport states that the runway can accommodate aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 737, allowing SOP to serve a wide range of private aircraft.
| Airport Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Moore County Airport |
| Airport Codes | SOP (FAA) / KSOP (ICAO) |
| Region Served | Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Moore County & the Sandhills |
| Airfield Hours | Open 24/7 |
| Terminal Hours | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Runway | 05/23 — 6,502 × 150 ft. |
| Control Tower | No permanent control tower |
| Ground Services | Available 24 hours by request |
| Passenger Services | Terminal lounge, ground transportation, on-site rental cars, catering by request & meeting facilities |
Runway 05/23 at Moore County Airport measures 6,502 feet by 150 feet and serves a wide range of private aircraft. The airport states that the runway can accommodate aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 737.
For charter flights, the aircraft used at SOP will depend on the route and conditions for the individual trip. JetOptions works with the selected operator to confirm that the aircraft presented for your charter is appropriate for Moore County Airport and your itinerary.
Moore County Airport operates its private aviation services on site. Passengers have access to a terminal lounge, ground transportation, on-site rental cars, catering by request, baggage assistance, and meeting facilities.
Transportation can be arranged for Pinehurst resorts, Southern Pines, and other destinations in the Sandhills. Travelers who prefer a rental car can also pick up a vehicle at the airport.
Although normal terminal hours are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the airfield remains open around the clock and ground services can be requested after hours. JetOptions can coordinate after-hours requirements with the selected operator when needed.
One of SOP’s principal advantages is simple: travelers arrive in the Pinehurst and Southern Pines area rather than at a larger airport in another part of North Carolina. For a trip centered in the Sandhills, that can make Moore County Airport a practical choice for both arrival and departure.
Pinehurst is best known for golf, but the area attracts visitors throughout the year for resort stays, business, meetings, events, second homes, and time with family and friends. Southern Pines, also close to the airport, has a historic downtown with restaurants, shops, lodging, and local businesses.
The broader Sandhills region is home to Pinehurst Resort and numerous private and public golf courses. Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted several U.S. Opens and now holds a long-term place on the USGA championship calendar.
The U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst No. 2 from June 14–17, 2029. Pinehurst is also scheduled to host future U.S. Opens in 2035, 2041, and 2047 as part of its role as a USGA anchor site.
Championship week brings a large influx of visitors to Pinehurst and the surrounding area. Private aircraft availability, airport arrangements, ground transportation, and accommodations can become limited as the tournament approaches, so early planning is worthwhile.
Moore County Airport has expanded its services for previous U.S. Opens, including the 2024 championship. Those arrangements are event-specific and may change for future tournaments, so JetOptions plans each U.S. Open charter around the airport requirements and services in place for that year’s event.
Planning to attend the U.S. Open at Pinehurst? Booking early provides more time to secure the aircraft and local transportation that work best for your schedule.
SOP is the primary private aviation airport for Pinehurst and Southern Pines, but other airports may be useful when a trip includes destinations elsewhere in central North Carolina.
RDU can be considered for trips that combine Pinehurst with Raleigh, Durham, Research Triangle Park, or other destinations in the Triangle.
Located at Sanford, Raleigh Executive Jetport is another private aviation option for trips that include destinations between Pinehurst and the greater Raleigh area.
Fayetteville Regional may be useful when an itinerary includes Fayetteville, Fort Liberty, or destinations southeast of Pinehurst.
Private flights to Moore County Airport range from shorter regional trips to transcontinental travel. The right aircraft depends on the departure point, passenger count, baggage, cabin preferences, schedule, and length of the trip.
Light and midsize jets can be suitable for many regional and medium-distance flights, while super-midsize and larger aircraft provide additional cabin space, baggage capacity, and range for longer journeys and larger groups. Travelers bringing golf clubs or other oversized baggage should mention those requirements when requesting a quote, since baggage capacity varies by aircraft.
Travelers can compare JetOptions private jet and aircraft categories for information about cabin sizes, passenger capacities, ranges, specifications, photos, and charter pricing.
Private planes can reach Moore County Airport nonstop from cities throughout the United States. The routes below are examples of flights to Pinehurst, with approximate flight times and aircraft that are well suited to each trip. Actual flight times and aircraft options vary with routing, winds, passenger requirements, and availability.
From Teterboro Airport (TEB), a nonstop flight to Moore County Airport (SOP) takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Travelers arranging a New York private jet charter have access to numerous private aircraft options for this relatively short East Coast trip.
Sample aircraft: A Phenom 300 light jet offers a comfortable cabin and efficient performance for a flight of this length.
Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) to Moore County Airport is approximately a 2-hour nonstop flight. For passengers booking a Chicago private jet charter, midsize aircraft provide a good combination of cabin space, baggage capacity, and range for the trip to Pinehurst.
Sample aircraft: The Citation XLS midsize jet is a popular charter aircraft with a stand-up cabin and generous baggage capacity for its class.
A nonstop flight from Dallas Love Field (DAL) to Moore County Airport takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. On a Dallas private jet charter to Pinehurst, a super-midsize aircraft offers more cabin room and baggage capacity for the longer flight.
Sample aircraft: The Challenger 350/3500 super-midsize jet combines a spacious cabin, substantial baggage capacity, and ample range for this route.
These aircraft are examples, not requirements for the routes shown. JetOptions can recommend charter options based on your departure airport, travel dates, passenger count, baggage, and preferred schedule.
JetOptions has specialized exclusively in arranging on-demand private jet charters since 2009. There are no memberships or jet-card commitments required. Each charter is arranged individually for the client’s trip.
Tell your Charter Advisor where you’re departing from, when you want to travel, how many passengers are flying, and where you’re headed after landing. We can then compare suitable aircraft and coordinate the charter with the selected operator.
JetOptions can also assist with requested ground transportation, catering, and other arrangements associated with your flight to Moore County Airport.
Moore County Airport (SOP) directly serves Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and the surrounding Sandhills and is the primary private aviation airport for travelers visiting the Pinehurst area.
The FAA identifier is SOP, and the ICAO identifier is KSOP.
Yes. The airfield is open 24 hours a day. Normal terminal hours are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with ground services available outside those hours by request.
Runway 05/23 measures 6,502 feet long by 150 feet wide.
SOP serves a wide range of private aircraft, and the airport states that its runway can accommodate aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 737. The aircraft used for an individual charter will depend on the route and operating conditions for that trip.
Yes. Golf clubs can be carried on private aircraft, although baggage capacity varies by aircraft type. Let JetOptions know how many golf bags and other pieces of luggage will be traveling when requesting your charter.
Yes. Moore County Airport provides private aviation services for arriving and departing aircraft and passengers. The airport offers a passenger terminal and lounge, ground transportation, on-site rental cars, catering by request, baggage assistance, and meeting facilities.
SOP does not have a permanent control tower. Temporary air traffic services have been used during major events, including the 2024 U.S. Open, but those arrangements are specific to each event.
The next U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is scheduled for June 14–17, 2029. Pinehurst is also scheduled to host the championship again in 2035, 2041, and 2047.
Yes. Private aircraft, airport services, accommodations, and local transportation are in greater demand around major championships, so arranging the trip well in advance can provide more options.
Yes. JetOptions can assist with requested ground transportation from SOP to Pinehurst, Southern Pines, area resorts, and other destinations in the Sandhills.
Contact JetOptions with your departure city, travel dates, passenger count, and plans in Pinehurst. We’ll provide private jet options for your trip to Moore County Airport.