Overview & Role
Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO), formerly Lone Star Executive Airport, is owned by Montgomery County and sits about 37 miles north of downtown Houston and roughly 4 miles from downtown Conroe. It has become one of the region's most active business-aviation relievers, drawing traffic that would otherwise crowd Houston's larger fields. The airport handles 55,000-plus annual operations and supports a substantial based fleet ranging from pistons to large-cabin jets.
Runway Capability
The 7,501-foot primary Runway 14/32 is the workhorse, long enough for heavy and ultra-long-range jets to depart at meaningful payloads even on warm days. The 5,000-foot crosswind Runway 01/19 adds wind flexibility. This is a genuinely jet-capable field, not a light-GA strip, which is why charter operators position large-cabin aircraft here.
Customs & International Access
KCXO is a U.S. Customs User Fee Airport with CBP clearance available for international arrivals; the local customs office can be reached at 936-441-7750, and after-hours clearance can be arranged with advance notice. This makes Conroe a practical international gateway for North Houston without routing through Bush Intercontinental.
Charter Considerations
With two on-field FBOs and a strong based fleet, KCXO frequently has business jets positioned locally, which can reduce repositioning costs on outbound charters. The Jet Finder sources Part 135 aircraft matched to the 7,501-foot runway, comparing positioning fees, hourly rates, and cabin class for each mission from Conroe.
Safety & Planning
The field is towered during daytime hours and offers ILS and RNAV (GPS) approaches for all-weather operations. Part 135 charter flights operate IFR, providing ATC separation and structured routing. Pilots should confirm tower hours, as the airport reverts to CTAF procedures overnight.
Seasonal & Operational Factors
Southeast Texas brings hot, humid summers and Gulf moisture. The dominant operational hazard is convective: afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly and often peak between 14:00 and 18:00 local. Morning departures generally offer the smoothest conditions, and the cooler months provide the most reliable flying weather. Density altitude stays manageable given the 245-foot elevation.
Regional Context
KCXO complements Houston's other executive fields, including David Wayne Hooks Memorial (KDWH) about 19 NM south and Sugar Land Regional (KSGR). Its combination of a long runway, on-field customs, and full FBO services makes it a leading choice for business travelers in The Woodlands, Conroe, and the rapidly growing North Houston corridor.