Manhattan's Airport: A Travel Mystery Unveiled

Manhattan is a bustling hub of activity, attracting tourists from all over the world. With iconic landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a city that never sleeps. While it is a popular destination, getting there can be a complex affair. There are several airports near Manhattan, but none within its boundaries. The closest airport to Manhattan is LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which is located 8 miles away in Queens. Other nearby airports include John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Teterboro Airport (TEB), and Westchester County Airport (HPN). These airports offer varying travel times and costs to Manhattan, with LGA being the most convenient and economical option for those travelling to Midtown Manhattan or Times Square.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia is one of the three major airports in New York City, alongside John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). LGA is the smallest of the three airports and primarily accommodates domestic flights, with limited international destinations. It is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

In the 2000s and 2010s, LaGuardia faced criticism for its outdated facilities, operational inefficiencies, and poor customer service. As a response, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) announced a multibillion-dollar reconstruction project in 2015, which is expected to be completed by 2025. The new Terminal B and Terminal C (encompassing the old Terminals C and D) are part of this redesign, while Terminal A remains mostly unchanged.

LaGuardia Airport has three active terminals (A, B, and C) with 72 gates. Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal (MAT), was the original terminal for overseas flights and is currently run by Modern Aviation, providing services for private and charter aircraft. Terminal B serves airlines other than Spirit and Delta and functions as a hub for American Airlines. Terminal C is a centralised headhouse that consolidates the former Terminals C and D, with four concourses serving Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection flights.

LaGuardia Airport is not directly served by rail. However, it is accessible via public MTA buses, with free transfers to the New York City Subway provided when using OMNY or MetroCard. The airport is also accessible by taxi and rideshare services, with designated pickup areas at each terminal.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Travellers can choose between public transportation and private vehicles for transfers to and from Manhattan. The AirTrain JFK connects the airport to the New York City Subway and the Long Island Rail Road, with transfers at Jamaica Station for subway travellers or Howard Beach for the A train. This option typically takes just over an hour and is more cost-effective. Taxis and ride-sharing services, on the other hand, offer a more direct but pricier alternative, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic conditions. Flat rates are applied for taxi rides to Manhattan.

JFK Airport is currently undergoing a $19 billion renovation, which includes the addition of two new terminals and modernisation of existing terminals. The project is expected to be completed by 2030. Dining options at the airport include Jikji Cafe in Terminal 1, Blue Point Brewing Company in Terminal 4, and Artichoke Basille's Pizza in Terminal 5. The airport also features lounges for various airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, Air France, and Emirates.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

History

The airport was constructed on 68 acres of marshland in 1928 by the City of Newark and was initially named Newark Metropolitan Airport. During World War II, the airport was operated by the Army Air Corps. In 1948, the Port Authority took over the facility and made significant expansions, including the addition of an instrument runway, a terminal building, a control tower, and an air cargo centre. The airport has undergone several name changes throughout its history, including being known as Newark International Airport and, following the September 11 attacks, it was renamed Newark Liberty International Airport in honour of the victims and the Statue of Liberty.

Airlines and Destinations

Ground Transportation

There are several options for ground transportation to and from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The airport is accessible via the New Jersey Transit Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines, which connect to Newark Airport Station. From there, passengers can use the AirTrain Newark monorail system to get to the airport terminals. The total travel time from midtown Manhattan is approximately 50 minutes, and the fare is $17.10 for a one-way trip. Additionally, bus services, such as the Coach USA Newark Airport Express, are available and offer round-trip and one-way fares.

Parking and Amenities

Westchester County Airport (HPN)

Located about 30 miles from Manhattan, Westchester County Airport (HPN) is a convenient and comfortable option for travellers. The airport is situated in the town of White Plains, New York, and is easily accessible by road and public transport.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it served as a base for the Air National Guard to protect New York City and Rye Lake. Today, it is a primary commercial service airport, offering domestic flights to various destinations across the United States.

Westchester County Airport has a small terminal with six gates and provides essential amenities for passengers, including a gift shop, departure lounge, and food concessions. The airport also offers convenient parking options, with a recent availability of 635 open parking spaces.

The airport is surrounded by a plethora of attractions, including grand Rockefeller properties, well-preserved 18th-century homesteads, and picturesque farming villages. Westchester also boasts over 50 parks, six 18-hole golf courses, and the only Art Deco amusement park in America, Playland Park.

For travellers looking for a convenient and comfortable airport experience, Westchester County Airport (HPN) is an excellent choice, providing easy access to Manhattan and the surrounding areas.

Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU)

Morristown Municipal Airport initially opened in the 1930s, but due to the Great Depression, activity was relatively slow. The airport received federal funding in 1933, but midway through construction, the funds ran out. The airport's original purpose was to serve as the eastern hub for the Zeppelin, but those plans were scrapped after the Hindenburg Disaster in 1936.

During World War II, Morristown served as a primary training centre for the army, which brought significant economic benefits to the airport. This allowed the airport to purchase and install hangars by the end of the war. In 1947, the new hangars attracted companies to the airport and the city of Morristown, leading to population growth in the area.

The airport has undergone several improvements over the years, including the construction of a new control tower in the 1960s and the extension of its main runway to accommodate jet aircraft. Morristown Municipal Airport has also been utilised by former President Donald Trump during his weekend visits and summer vacations at his home in Bedminster, New Jersey.

The airport is home to multiple jet charter operators and four flight schools. It features two runways: Runway 5/23, which is 5,998 feet long and equipped with High Intensity Runway Lights, and Runway 13/31, which is 3,997 feet long and has Medium Intensity Runway Lights.

Frequently asked questions