The Hamptons Airport: Does It Exist?

The Hamptons, a group of towns and hamlets in Long Island, New York, is served by several airports, including East Hampton Airport, Long Island MacArthur Airport, Montauk Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport. East Hampton Airport, located on the western border of East Hampton, has a rich history dating back to 1937 and has been used by celebrities and notable figures. With multiple options for air travel, the Hamptons are easily accessible for visitors and locals alike.

East Hampton Airport

The history of East Hampton Airport dates back to 1936 when construction began on an original 209-acre plot, which later expanded to 260 acres. At the time, it was the second-largest airport in terms of size on Long Island. Over the years, the airport has seen various improvements and expansions. In 1943, plans were made to expand the airport to 700 acres, and celebrities such as Henry Ford II, W. Averell Harriman, Gary Cooper, and Clark Gable were spotted at the airport. In the 1980s, scheduled service to New York was offered by East Hampton Air and Montauk-Caribbean Airways, with Trump Air joining them in 1989. However, all three services were discontinued in 1990.

In 1994, the current terminal building was constructed after the town decided not to build the winning design submitted by architects in the Beaux Arch '89 project. The airport has also played host to notable events, such as a fundraiser held by Bill and Hillary Clinton in 1999. In 2014, the BLADE Urban Air Mobility app, created by Hamptons resident Robert S. Wiesenthal, had a significant impact on helicopter service to the airport, making it easier for individuals to book seats on chartered helicopters.

Today, East Hampton Airport continues to be a popular option for travellers heading to the Hamptons, offering a convenient alternative to arriving by car or train. The airport provides easy access to the village of East Hampton and other nearby destinations. It is served by various carriers, including evoJets, which specialises in private jet charter services to and from the Hamptons. Fly The Whale also offers seaplane flights between the Hamptons and Manhattan, taking just 35 minutes to arrive at East Hampton Airport.

Montauk Airport

The airport primarily serves private pilots, charter flights, and seasonal visitors. In the 12-month period ending September 10, 2010, the airport had 30,361 aircraft operations, averaging 83 per day. The majority of this traffic occurs between May and September. The airport has a shuttle bus to the beach for pilots and outdoor showers for departing beachgoers. There are also several restaurants within walking distance of the airport, as well as County Park beaches at the northeast end of Runway 6/24.

In the past, there have been attempts to expand the airport. In 1961, Suffolk County tried to purchase the airport and turn it into a county airport, but these plans failed. More recently, East Hampton town, Suffolk County, and the State of New York have all stated that they do not have the funds to buy the airport.

Helicopter noise complaints

The Town of East Hampton Airport is situated on 600 acres on the western border of East Hampton. The airport serves a mix of private pilots, charter flights, and commercial businesses. It has two runways, a terminal building, a seasonal control tower, and 62 private hangars.

While the airport is a hub for aviation activity, it has also been a source of noise complaints from nearby residents. These complaints have been ongoing for several years, with residents reporting interruptions to their peace and quality of life due to the noise from aircraft. The issue has led to a debate between the town, aviation companies, and residents over the implementation of noise restrictions and curfews.

In 2014, helicopter traffic to East Hampton increased by 47%, resulting in a significant rise in noise complaints. The town enacted laws to curb the noise, including a flight curfew. However, a federal appeals court struck down some of these laws due to procedural irregularities. Despite this setback, the town continued to receive numerous noise complaints, with 1,000 complaints recorded over Memorial Day in 2017 alone.

The noise complaints have not gone unnoticed by town officials, who are working to address the issue. In 2018, the East Hampton Town Board voted to revoke the access of Blade, a private helicopter company offering relatively affordable seats to passengers. However, the company remained undeterred, stating that they would continue to operate in compliance with federal regulations.

The debate surrounding helicopter noise in the Hamptons is complex. While residents are rightfully concerned about the impact of noise on their quality of life, any restrictions on air travel could have economic implications for the town. Additionally, aviation companies argue that federal aviation laws take precedence over local noise restrictions. As a result, the town has considered alternative options, such as curfews, prescribed landing and departure times, and banning specific noisy models.

Private jet options

If you're looking to travel to the Hamptons via private jet, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, it's important to consider the aircraft you choose. The choice of aircraft should depend on factors such as the distance you're flying, the number of passengers and amount of luggage, as well as your budget and preferences.

There are several airports in the Hamptons area that cater to private jets, each with its own advantages. East Hampton Airport (HTO, KHTO, or JPX) is located just 3 miles west of the town's centre and can accommodate small jets and turboprops. It is the most convenient airport for those travelling to East Hampton and nearby towns such as Southampton. However, due to its short runway, certain aircraft may be diverted to Francis S. Gabreski Airport (FOK). This airport is located about 25 miles west of East Hampton and can accommodate much larger aircraft, making it a good option for those with bigger jets.

There are also other airports within a 50-mile radius of East Hampton that can be used, such as Teterboro (TEB) and White Plains (HPN). These airports offer convenient access to the Hamptons and are often used as alternatives, depending on the origin of the flight.

When considering a private jet charter, it is recommended to use a good charter broker or a company that specialises in organising private jet charter flights. These companies can offer a diverse range of aircraft and ensure that you find the perfect fit for your travel needs, including flexibility in scheduling and competitive pricing. Additionally, they can provide you with information regarding any necessary customs checks and crew rest periods, which are required to be a minimum of 10 hours within each 24-hour cycle.

History of the airport

The East Hampton Town Airport, located on the western border of East Hampton, New York, has a rich history, predating major NYC airports such as LaGuardia and JFK International. Construction of the airport began in 1936 on a 209-acre plot, which later expanded to 260 acres, making it the second-largest airport on Long Island at the time.

In its early days, the airport lacked basic amenities like water, electricity, and telephones. The first terminal was a World War I barracks transported from Camp Upton by mules. The airport began offering scheduled flights soon after its opening, with the Hampton Air Service providing connections to Holmes Airport (now near LaGuardia Airport). Over the years, the airport has changed ownership and undergone various transformations.

The airport has a long history of attracting celebrities and prominent figures. In its early years, celebrities spotted at the airport included Henry Ford II, W. Averell Harriman, Gary Cooper, and Clark Gable. More recently, it has been frequented by celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Bill and Hillary Clinton, who even held a fundraiser at the airport hangar in 1999.

The airport has also faced its share of challenges and controversies. There have been protests related to housing inequality and the wealthy users of the airport. Additionally, there have been ongoing debates about environmental and noise pollution concerns. However, the airport has made commendable sustainability efforts, including the implementation of an apiary, electric vehicle chargers, and birdhouses for endangered species.

In recent years, the airport's management has experienced upheaval due to the introduction of the BLADE Urban Air Mobility app, which revolutionized helicopter booking services. The app made it much easier for travelers to book seats on chartered helicopters, impacting traditional charter services. As of May 19, 2022, the airport transitioned from a public to a private airport, according to FAA records, with new codes and a name change to the Town of East Hampton Airport.

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