Staten Island's Airport: What's The Deal?

Staten Island, New York, is served by several airports in the region, but does it have its own airport? The short answer is no, but Staten Island has a rich history of aviation and has been served by various airports over the years, some of which are now abandoned or serve different purposes.

Staten Island's closest airports

There are two airports in Staten Island, New York, which are a mix of public and private airports. However, there are several other airports close to Staten Island that you can consider.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR/KEWR)

This airport is 13 miles from Staten Island, New York. It offers both international and domestic flights from Newark, New Jersey.

Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU/KMMU)

Morristown Municipal Airport is 25 miles from Staten Island, NY. This airport has domestic flights from Morristown, New Jersey.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA/KLGA)

LaGuardia Airport is 26 miles from Staten Island, NY. It offers both international and domestic flights from New York, New York.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK/KJFK)

John F. Kennedy International Airport is 28 miles from Staten Island, NY. It offers both international and domestic flights from New York, New York.

Staten Island's history of aviation

Staten Island, New York, has a rich history of aviation. The first commercial airport in Greater New York, Donovan-Hughes Airport, was opened in 1926 by George Schaff in New Springville-Greenridge. The airport was on the western side of Richmond Avenue and had a single north-south gravel/turf runway and several hangars. There was also a seaplane base in the Fresh Kills adjacent to the airport, which was considered part of the airport and was operated by Schaaf.

The first "airport" to open on Staten Island was Baldwin's Flying Field in Oakwood (1910-1923). It was established by Capt. Thomas Scott Baldwin and was the site of numerous air circuses, but it failed to become a certified airport and closed in 1923. The Aero Defense Base at Miller Field was established in 1919 (although one source says it opened in 1921) by the government and became the home of the 27th Division Air Corps of the National Guard and the Army. Miller Field was also used for anti-aircraft fire and training Coast Guard personnel.

During the early to mid-1950s, Staten Island was a pioneer in the aviation industry with five airports and three airplane-manufacturing operations. The Staten Island Airport, which opened in 1941, was the last airport to close. It became the home of the Civil Air Patrol, a flying taxi, and a flying school. The facility covered 250 acres and was the largest privately-owned airport in the city.

In addition to these airports, Staten Island was also home to the world's first commercial airplane manufacturing plant, opened in 1905 by Charles R. Wittemann. The land, originally owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt, offered a perfect location for testing out new designs. Wittemann's company produced 200 gliders, 35 airplanes, and many aircraft parts.

Today, there are no airports on Staten Island. The closest major airports are Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport, which are all within 13-28 miles of the island.

Transport options to Staten Island

There are no airports on Staten Island itself, but there are a few airports nearby. The closest airport to Staten Island is Newark Liberty International Airport, which is 13 miles away. John F. Kennedy International Airport is 19 miles away, and LaGuardia Airport is 18 miles away. Morristown Municipal Airport is another option, 25-26 miles from Staten Island.

If you're looking to get to Staten Island, you can use the Moovit app to help you navigate public transportation easily and at a minimum cost. The app includes public transit fees, ticket prices, and costs. It also shows all public transit maps in Staten Island, with bus, train, subway, light rail, ferry, and cable car routes and stops on an interactive map.

The SIR subway line goes to Staten Island, with the nearest subway station being Great Kills, a 1-minute walk from Staten Island. The SIM4C is the first bus that arrives at Staten Island, at 4:16 am, and the S61 is the last, at 12:33 am. The local bus routes are designated with an S, and express buses to Manhattan are marked with an X. The express bus system provides the only means of mass transit into Manhattan, other than the Staten Island Ferry. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) runs New York City Transit, the agency in charge of the city's public buses, subways, and the Staten Island Railway.

Staten Island's public and private airports

While there are no airports located directly on Staten Island, there are two airports, both public and private, that are relatively close by.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

John F. Kennedy International Airport is a bustling hub for international and domestic flights, located 28 miles from Staten Island. It offers a mix of amenities and connectivity options, making it a prime choice for travellers visiting Staten Island. It is accessible via various transportation options, including car services, limousines, coach buses, and public transit.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark Liberty International Airport is a major international airport located in Newark, New Jersey, just 13 miles from Staten Island. It is a convenient option for travellers, offering easy access to Staten Island through various transportation choices, such as car services, public transit, or rental cars.

In addition to these two major airports, there are several other airports in the region that are within a reasonable distance from Staten Island, including LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU), and Teterboro Airport (TEB). These airports offer domestic and, in the case of LaGuardia, international flights as well.

The convenience of flying to Staten Island

While Staten Island, New York, does not have its own commercial airport, there are several airports nearby, making flying to Staten Island a convenient option. The island is well-served by a trio of major airports, ensuring travellers can easily reach their destinations.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the closest airport to Staten Island, at just 11 miles away. It is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey, and offers a broad range of domestic and international flights. This airport is a convenient gateway for those visiting Staten Island, with a variety of transportation options available to get to the island. These include a direct car service to Manhattan, public transit, or a rental car.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is another excellent option for those travelling to Staten Island. While it is located slightly further away at 22 to 28 miles from Staten Island, it is a bustling hub for international and domestic flights, offering a mix of amenities and connectivity options. The journey from JFK to Staten Island typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Transportation options include car or limousine services, coach buses, or public transit.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is a third choice for travellers heading to Staten Island. Located 25 to 30 miles from Staten Island, it offers international and domestic flights and is equipped with numerous amenities and transport links.

In addition to these major airports, there are also smaller airports within a reasonable distance from Staten Island, such as Morristown Municipal Airport, Teterboro Airport, and Trenton-Mercer Airport.

The variety of airports near Staten Island provides travellers with flexibility and convenience. With multiple options for both international and domestic flights, as well as various transportation links, getting to Staten Island by air is a straightforward and accessible choice.

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