Which Other Airports Serve The New York Metropolitan Area?

The New York Metropolitan Area is served by several well-known major airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and Stewart. However, there are less prominent airports that also play a contributing role in facilitating air travel in and out of this bustling region. We’re exploring the locations, histories, and current operations of three such airports: Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN), Westchester County Airport (HPN), and Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), and considering if they are competitive alternatives to New York’s larger hubs.

Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN)

Photo: John McAdorey | Shutterstock

Location and overview

Located in Ewing Township, New Jersey, Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) lies approximately four miles northwest of the state capital of Trenton. This airport is relatively well-positioned for travelers from both New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania via I-95 and I-295, providing an albeit smaller and less hectic alternative to the more crowded airports in the New York metro area.

Historical background

According to flytrentonmercer.com, Trenton-Mercer Airport opened in 1929 and has a rich aviation history. In 1938, Amelia Earhart made a stop at Trenton-Mercer during one of her cross-country flights. During World War II, it played a significant role in the production of the Avenger Torpedo Bomber. Over the decades since, the airport has grown into a vital economic engine for Mercer County, contributing thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy there.

Current operations

TTN currently serves both commercial and general aviation. It features two asphalt runways and one terminal with four gates. The terminal itself features amenities such as free WiFi, a cafe, and rental car services. Frontier Airlines is the primary commercial carrier operating out of TTN, offering flights to various domestic destinations such as Atlanta, Orlando, and Tampa. The airport reportedly handles around 85,000 take-offs and landings each year, serving approximately 713,000 passengers annually (as of 2018).

Trenton-Mercer also hosts seasonal and charter flights, catering to vacationers and special groups. This flexibility makes TTN a versatile airport for more niche travel needs than the larger hubs might be able to accommodate.

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Westchester County Airport (HPN)

Photo: Thomas Barrat | Shutterstock

Location and overview

Westchester County Airport (HPN) is located in White Plains, New York, roughly 33 miles north of Manhattan. It is accessible from the major highways in the area and provides a less congested experience than the larger New York Airports.

Historical background

Established in 1942 as an airbase during World War II, HPN transitioned to civilian use in the post-war years. By 1981, Air Florida operated international nonstop service from HPN to Bermuda using a Boeing 737-200 (a unique offering at the time). According to Westchester County, it has since developed into a key regional airport, supporting both commercial flights and general aviation.

Current operations

HPN operates with one main terminal and several regional airlines such as American Eagle, Delta Connection, and JetBlue. Popular routes include flights to Boston, Chicago, and Florida. The terminal includes dining options, shops, and business services, catering to both leisure and business travelers, and the airport’s compact size helps ensure quick and hassle-free check-ins and security checks.

The airport’s proximity to affluent areas in New York and Connecticut makes it a preferred choice for business travelers and residents seeking the convenience and efficiency of a smaller airport.

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Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)

Photo: AITFFan1 | Wikimedia Commons

Location and overview

Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) is situated in Ronkonkoma, New York, about 50 miles east of Manhattan. This location serves residents of Long Island looking to avoid the traffic and delays often associated with JFK and LaGuardia.

Historical background

ISP was originally established as a military airfield in 1942. It transitioned to commercial service in the 1960s, gradually expanding its facilities and services. The airport itself is named after General Douglas MacArthur, a prominent military leader during World War II. In the early 1960s, the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation used ISP as a test site for its lunar module, which was later used in the Apollo missions.

Current operations

Today, ISP is serviced by airlines such as Southwest and Frontier, offering flights to various destinations, including Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. According to flymacarthur.com, the airport has a single, recently renovated terminal with four concourses and provides a range of amenities, including dining options and car rental services. ISP’s manageable size and ease of use make it a popular choice for Long Island residents traveling for business or snowbird trips to and from the Florida sunbelt.

Unique operational aspects

Environmental Initiatives

Each of these airports has implemented environmental initiatives aimed at reducing their carbon footprints and promoting sustainability.

• Trenton-Mercer Airport: TNN has introduced initiatives such as energy-efficient lighting and waste-reduction programs. The airport is also exploring the use of renewable energy sources to power its facilities.
• Westchester County Airport: HPN’s recent terminal renovations have incorporated green building practices, including using sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. According to its website, the airport is committed to reducing its environmental impact through continuous improvement.
• Long Island MacArthur Airport: ISP has implemented several eco-friendly practices, such as using hybrid and electric ground service equipment and promoting recycling programs throughout the airport. These efforts aim to enhance the airport’s sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The larger New York hubs:

Are these airports viable alternatives?

While JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and Stewart dominate the air travel horizons in the New York metropolitan area, airports like Trenton-Mercer, Westchester County, and Long Island MacArthur offer compelling alternatives. Each of these airports provides unique advantages, such as less congestion, ease of access, and a more relaxed travel experience. For travelers in specific regions or those seeking to avoid the hustle and bustle of larger hubs, these smaller airports can be highly competitive options.

Share your experiences flying through these alternative airports in the comments below.