Williamsport, Pa: Airport Availability And Accessibility

Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is served by the Williamsport Regional Airport, which has been in operation since 1929. The airport is located in Lycoming County, about five miles east of Williamsport, and offers flights to various destinations, including Orlando International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. With two asphalt runways, it processes approximately 40,000 passengers annually and is categorized as a primary commercial service airport.

Williamsport Regional Airport's history

Williamsport Regional Airport, located in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, has served north-central Pennsylvania since 1929. The groundwork for the airport was laid as early as 1920 when John A. and Andrew W. Siegel, and Joseph A. Heim purchased a 200-acre plot. In 1927, the Williamsport Chamber of Commerce recognised the potential economic impact of having a permanent airport in the area. The following year, the Williamsport Civil Aviation Authority began looking for a suitable location near Williamsport. The airport company, with the help of the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Williamsport, raised $75,000 by selling shares at $100 each, allowing them to purchase 161 acres of a family farm in Montoursville. The airport company was granted a charter in late 1928, and the airport was dedicated on July 20, 1929, with an estimated 30,000 people in attendance, including Amelia Earhart.

Williamsport Regional Airport has two asphalt runways, 9/27 and 12/30, and processes approximately 40,000 passengers annually. The airport is home to Energy Aviation LLC, which provides general aviation services and operates the terminal. The Federal Aviation Administration reported 23,901 passenger boardings in 2008, 19,834 in 2009, and 22,519 in 2010. The airport was categorised as a primary commercial service airport in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011-2015.

The airport has undergone several improvements and renovations over the years. In 2009, a $3 million budget was allocated for minor renovations to the existing terminal, including updating runway lighting and widening taxiways. In 2016, plans were approved for over $75 million in improvements, including a new terminal building that opened in October 2018. The new terminal features seating for 150 people, limited food options, updated security features, and a passenger loading bridge.

Williamsport Regional Airport has a history of various airlines serving the airport. In the 1950s, Capital Airlines operated Douglas DC-3s to several destinations, and in 1961, they merged with United Airlines, which continued to serve the airport. TWA Lockheed Constellations flew a route that included Williamsport in 1964, but they left in 1965. United Airlines Vickers Viscounts operated nonstop flights to several cities in 1966, but they also departed the airport that year. Allegheny Airlines continued to serve the airport with nonstop and direct flights to multiple destinations. In 2015, US Airways merged with American Airlines, resulting in American Eagle offering flights to Philadelphia and later Charlotte, NC. Southern Airways Express currently operates Cessna Caravans to Washington Dulles International Airport, with plans to expand service in 2024.

The airport has also been the site of several notable aviation incidents. On December 1, 1959, an Allegheny Airlines Flight crashed outside of South Williamsport, resulting in the deaths of all but one of the 26 passengers and crew due to low cloud ceiling and foggy conditions. On April 4, 1991, the Merion air disaster occurred when a helicopter collided mid-air with a plane flying from Williamsport, resulting in multiple fatalities. On December 22, 2015, a Porter Airlines flight was diverted to Williamsport Regional Airport due to smoke in the cockpit and cabin, leading to the safe evacuation of all 66 passengers.

Airlines and destinations

Williamsport Regional Airport (IATA: IPT, ICAO: KIPT, FAA LID: IPT) has been serving north-central Pennsylvania since 1929. The airport is located five miles east of Williamsport, in Lycoming County, and has two asphalt runways.

Southern Airways Express operates Cessna Caravans to Washington Dulles International Airport. In 2024, the airline announced it would begin servicing 10 flights per week to Dulles International Airport, marking the return of commercial passenger service since 2021. Southern Airways Express also operates flights to Orlando International Airport.

Williamsport Regional Airport has a long history of airline services, with Capital Airlines, the predecessor of United Airlines, flying Douglas DC-3s to Baltimore, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Rochester, and Washington D.C. National Airport in the 1950s. In 1964, TWA Lockheed Constellations flew a route that included Williamsport, and in 1966, United Airlines Vickers Viscounts flew nonstop to several destinations, including Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Elmira, New York Newark Airport, Washington National Airport, and Buffalo. Allegheny Airlines also operated nonstop flights to various destinations, including New York LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Boston, using Convair 440s and Convair 580s aircraft.

The airport has also been used for special events, such as the Air Show and Balloonfest held annually from 1996 to 2013, and it has attracted well-known aircraft like the B-17 and the EC-130 Commando Solo.

Military usage

Williamsport Regional Airport (IATA: IPT, ICAO: KIPT, FAA LID: IPT) is located in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, and serves Williamsport and the surrounding area. The airport has been in operation since 1929 and processes approximately 40,000 passengers annually. While it is not designated as a military airport, the PA Air National Guard and Air Force use it for training exercises throughout the year. The airport's low commercial traffic and updated facilities make it ideal for TGL maneuvers and refuelling stops for aircraft like the United States Air Force's Lockheed C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster, and Lockheed EC-130.

Williamsport Regional Airport exemplifies the joint use of civilian and military aviation facilities, which offers several advantages to both parties. Joint-use airports blend elements of public and military airfields, providing opportunities for civilian aircraft that might not have existed otherwise. These airports are owned by the Department of Defense and shared by military and civilian aircraft. In the United States, there are ten joint-use airports operated by the Air Force, ten by the Army, and one by the Navy.

Civilian access to military airfields can improve efficiency and reduce costs for both the government and civilian entities. Additionally, these joint-use airports can play a crucial role in emergency services, such as providing remote areas with aerial ambulances or aerial firefighting equipment.

Civil enclaves are designated areas within military air bases for civil aviation use, often found in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, where legacy air bases from World War II are utilised for domestic air traffic instead of building new civilian airports. These civil enclaves usually have curfews, altitude restrictions, and specific hours reserved for military flight training.

In the case of Williamsport Regional Airport, its joint use by the military and civilians showcases the benefits of shared facilities. The airport's infrastructure and location make it suitable for military training exercises without significantly impacting regular civilian operations.

Joint-use airports and civil enclaves demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of aviation facilities to accommodate both civilian and military needs, ensuring efficient utilisation of resources and promoting cooperation between civilian and military authorities.

Air shows and events

Williamsport Regional Airport (IATA: IPT, ICAO: KIPT, FAA LID: IPT) in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, has a rich history of aviation and a commitment to showcasing this history through various events and air shows.

From 1996 to 2013, the airport hosted an annual Air Show and Balloonfest, attracting visitors from far and wide. The airport has also been the site of several open houses, providing the public with a unique opportunity to explore the facilities and learn about aviation. One notable airshow was held on May 14, 2016, featuring the Spirit of Freedom Douglas C-54 Skymaster, an aircraft with a significant role in the Berlin Blockade.

The airport has undergone significant improvements over the years, with investments totalling more than $75 million in 2016. This included the construction of a new terminal building, which opened in October 2018, offering enhanced amenities and updated security features.

In recent years, Williamsport Regional Airport has continued to develop its infrastructure and services. In 2024, the airport announced the return of commercial passenger service, with Southern Airways Express providing flights to Washington Dulles International Airport. This development marked a significant step forward, offering travellers convenient connections and seamless transfers with major airlines.

The airport also plays a vital role in the local community, with Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology providing educational and cultural events. The Williamsport Regional Association of Pilots further enhances the aviation community by organising a fly-in event every June, bringing together aviation enthusiasts and professionals.

Williamsport's biggest event is the annual Little League World Series, attracting thousands of teams from over 80 countries each August. The city also boasts cultural offerings such as the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Ballet, as well as historical attractions like Millionaire's Row, providing a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

Airport improvements

Williamsport Regional Airport serves Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area, which has a population of about 200,000 people. The airport has been in service since 1929 and is located five miles east of Williamsport, in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

In 2016, county, state, and federal officials approved a plan for over $75 million in improvements to the airport, including airfield and building improvements. The following year, the airport began constructing a new terminal building, which was completed in 2017. The new terminal features seating for 150 people, limited food options, updated security features, and a passenger loading bridge.

On January 8, 2024, the airport announced that Southern Airways Express would begin providing service to Dulles International Airport outside Washington, DC, marking the return of commercial passenger service. The airline operates Cessna Caravans to Washington Dulles International Airport, with planned seamless connections with United, American, and Alaska Airlines.

Other improvements at the airport include the presence of Energy Aviation LLC, which provides general aviation services and operates the terminal as a fixed-base operator (FBO). The airport has two asphalt runways, 9/27 and 12/30, and it processed approximately 40,000 passengers annually as of 2010.

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