Owais Crawford
There are approximately 36,000 regional airports worldwide, which are suitable for smaller aircraft and provide coverage for less-travelled routes. These regional airports are often more accessible than commercial airports, with 90% of the US population living within a 30-minute drive of a regional airport, compared to 60% for commercial airports. Regional airports are also more convenient for private jets, which can face long holds and challenges on the runway at large commercial airports. As such, private jet travellers often opt for regional airports, which offer shorter distances from the parking lot to the boarding gate, and superior quality of travel and service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of municipal airports | 5,000 public-use (open to the public) airports |
| Number of private-use municipal airports | 14,400 |
| Commercial service airports | Publicly owned airports with at least 2,500 passenger boardings each calendar year |
| Non-primary commercial service airports | Commercial service airports with 2,500-10,000 passenger boardings each year |
| Primary airports | Commercial service airports with more than 10,000 passenger boardings each year |
| Cargo service airports | Airports served by aircraft providing air transportation of cargo with a total annual landed weight of more than 100 million pounds |
| Regional airports | 36,000 (suitable for smaller aircraft) |
| Regional airports proximity in the US | 90% of the population lives within a 30-minute drive of a regional airport |
| Regional airports proximity in Europe | 50% of the population lives within a 30-minute drive of a regional airport |
| Regional airports advantages | Cheaper, less congested, shorter travel time, better service |
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What You'll Learn
Private jets often prefer smaller regional airports
Private jets can access all commercial airports, but commercial airlines cannot access smaller airfields. However, private jets often prefer smaller regional airports due to several reasons. Firstly, smaller airports can offer a more exclusive “VIP experience”. Private flyers receive a grand welcome, with conveniences such as golf buggy rides to their aircraft, assistance with luggage, and valet parking. Smaller airports also provide more direct access to remote or suburban locations, reducing the need for lengthy ground transportation. For example, in Los Angeles, private jets might opt for Van Nuys or Burbank instead of LAX, and in New York, they might prefer Teterboro or White Plains over JFK or Newark.
Additionally, commercial airports have stricter security checks and higher traffic volumes, making it challenging for private jets to land. Private flights are often placed in a “holding pattern” to give priority to airliners. In contrast, smaller regional airports offer more flexibility and are less congested, making it easier for executive jets to navigate. These airports are also less crowded and tailored to the needs of business aviation, providing premium services such as private hangars and streamlined processes.
Furthermore, landing fees at smaller airports are significantly lower than at major international airports, making them a more cost-effective option for private jet travellers. The roads out of regional airports are also less congested, reducing travel time to the final destination. Overall, flying into smaller regional airports aligns better with the goal of private aviation, which is to minimise the hassles typically associated with commercial flying.
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Commercial airports have longer wait times
Commercial airports are publicly owned airports that have at least 2,500 passenger boardings each calendar year. These airports often experience longer wait times due to several factors. Firstly, the sheer volume of flights and passengers passing through commercial airports contributes to longer queues and delays. The higher passenger volume can result in longer wait times at security, passport control, and customs. For example, New York's JFK Airport, one of the busiest airports, had the longest wait times in 2024, with an average of nearly 40 minutes to clear security and passport control.
Additionally, commercial airports often cater to both domestic and international travelers, which can increase wait times, especially during peak travel seasons. The complexity of customs and immigration procedures for international travelers can lead to longer processing times. Certain airports, such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Miami International Airport, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, are known for lengthy wait times at customs, which can affect the overall travel experience.
Another factor contributing to longer wait times at commercial airports is the shared use of runways by various aircraft types. Private jets, for instance, may be asked by air traffic control to adjust their speed on approach to accommodate larger commercial jets, which can result in longer landing times and taxiing distances. The size and layout of commercial airports can also impact wait times, as larger airports may require longer travel distances between gates, parking facilities, and the airport's exit.
Furthermore, commercial airports tend to be located farther from the final destination, adding to the overall travel time. In contrast, smaller regional airports are often closer to the ultimate destination, reducing the time spent travelling after landing. The roads exiting regional airports are also generally less congested, allowing for a faster departure from the airport premises.
To mitigate long wait times, some airports invest in technology such as automated passport control kiosks and TSA PreCheck lanes. Additionally, programs like TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry can help passengers expedite security processes and reduce overall wait times at commercial airports.
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Regional airports are more accessible
Regional airports are also more accessible for private jets. Private jets often face long holding patterns before landing at large commercial airports due to the high volume of flights. Private jets may also be asked to keep their speed up on approach and exit the runway quickly after landing, which can be challenging for less experienced pilots. In contrast, smaller regional airports are better equipped to handle private jets, and parking is typically more convenient and closer to the airport building.
Regional airports are vital in connecting smaller communities to global travel and commerce. They serve as essential links in the transportation chain, providing services such as flight training, recreational flying, aerial firefighting, and skydiving. Despite their importance, regional airports currently serve relatively few passengers. However, this could change with technological advancements that make smaller aircraft more affordable and environmentally friendly.
To improve accessibility, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has invested millions of dollars in Airport Improvement Programs (AIPs) to enhance safety and accessibility at airports across the country. These grants will help airports in big cities, small towns, and everywhere in between, becoming safer and more accessible to their communities.
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Regional airports are cheaper
Regional airports are often cheaper to fly from, but there are several other factors to consider when choosing between a regional or larger airport. Firstly, let's explore why regional airports are generally more affordable.
Regional airports, also known as "non-hub" airports, tend to have lower operating costs and overhead, which can translate into lower ticket prices for passengers. These airports typically serve smaller aircraft and private jets, which are more cost-effective to operate per passenger. Additionally, regional airports may have fewer staff and infrastructure expenses, further reducing costs.
For example, in 2021, an analysis of 95 regional airports in the United States revealed that the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, offered the lowest average fares at just $105.81. This was followed by Provo Municipal in Provo, Utah, and Trenton Mercer in Trenton, New Jersey, with average fares under $115.
However, it's important to remember that ticket prices can vary due to various factors, and regional airports may have limited flight options. Larger airports, on the other hand, often have more competition, which can drive down prices. Additionally, bigger planes used at larger airports are more fuel-efficient per passenger, and crew costs are spread across a higher number of passengers, making it cheaper per person.
When considering regional airports, it's worth noting that they may offer a more convenient and efficient experience, especially for private jets. Smaller airports often have less congested roads, making it quicker to get to your final destination. Additionally, private jets may find it easier to navigate and park at regional airports, avoiding the lengthy holding patterns and challenges of sharing runways with large commercial jets at bigger airports.
In conclusion, regional airports are often cheaper due to their lower operating costs and smaller aircraft, but it's important to weigh this against potential limitations in flight options and other considerations, such as travel time to the airport and convenience.
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Regional airports are better for the environment
Regional airports are smaller and often serve remote areas that are not well served by other forms of transportation. They are also more efficient for private jets as they are less congested, and the trip to the final destination is shorter.
As regional airports are smaller, they can support travel with smaller, less polluting aircraft. With the aviation industry facing increasing pressure to address its environmental impact, regional airports can play a key role in reducing carbon emissions. For example, they can charge more for the use of more polluting aircraft, thereby incentivizing the use of cleaner aircraft.
Some regional airports are taking steps to become more environmentally friendly. Bristol Airport, for example, is attempting to meet the demand for both holidays and connection hub traffic. Denver International Airport features the largest solar power farm at a commercial airport in the US, with solar arrays generating enough electricity to power 2,500 homes. Boston Logan International features the world's first air terminal to win a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation, with roofing and pavement surfaces designed to reflect heat from the building, and low-flow bathroom fixtures to save water. Singapore's Changi Airport has two new terminal additions with skylights to boost natural light, air conditioners positioned nearer to the floor, and an abundance of greenery. Zurich Airport has reduced its carbon emissions by approximately 30% since 1991 and aims to reduce this even further by 2030.
In addition to the environmental benefits, regional airports can provide a better passenger experience. They can offer a better service as they are not dealing with the high volumes of people found in big airports. They also have shorter waiting times, as private jets are not held up by commercial jets.
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Frequently asked questions
Municipal airports are smaller and less congested than large commercial airports, making them more accessible and efficient for private flights. They also offer shorter travel times from the parking lot to the boarding gate, and the roads leading out of these airports are less congested.
Municipal airports are typically underused, even during busy travel times, as they lack the facilities and landing strips required for large aircraft.
Municipal airports are smaller regional airports that are suitable for smaller aircraft and provide coverage for less-travelled routes.
Municipal airports are considered public-use airports, which means they are open to the public.
