Bangor International Airport: Size, Scope, And Significance

Bangor International Airport (IATA: BGR, ICAO: KBGR, FAA LID: BGR) is a joint civil-military public airport on the west side of Bangor, Maine, United States. The airport is 2-3 miles from the city centre and covers 2,079 acres (841 ha) of land. Bangor's runway is more than two miles (3.2 km) long, and the airport is recognised for its ability to handle unscheduled landings, with 647 of them handled between 2004 and May 2012.

Bangor International Airport's runway is over two miles long

Bangor International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport on the west side of Bangor, in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. It is one of three international airports in the state, serving the residents of central, eastern, and northern Maine, as well as parts of Canada. The airport was previously known as Dow Air Force Base and remains home to the 101st Air Refuelling Wing of the Maine Air National Guard.

Bangor International Airport has a single runway measuring 11,440 feet by 200 feet (3,487 metres by 61 metres), which is over two miles long. The airport covers 2,079 acres (841 hectares) of land. It is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2023–2027 and is categorised as a non-hub primary commercial service facility.

The airport's runway is currently undergoing rehabilitation, with the first half of the project completed in 2024. The second and final phase is scheduled for the 2025 construction season and will involve milling and overlaying the entire 11,440-foot-long runway. The project is funded with $27.4 million from the FAA, $1.5 million from the Maine Department of Transportation, $1.5 million from the airport itself, and $15.9 million from the Maine Air National Guard.

Bangor International Airport is the closest US port-of-entry from Europe, providing a wide range of commercial and general aviation services. The airport is also designated by NASA as an emergency landing location for the Space Shuttle. It is known for its quick turns and cost-effective, professional services for transatlantic tech stops.

The airport is owned and operated by the City of Bangor

Bangor International Airport (IATA: BGR, ICAO: KBGR, FAA LID: BGR) is owned and operated by the City of Bangor. The airport is located on the west side of Bangor, in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. Bangor is one of three international airports in the state and serves the residents of central, eastern, and northern Maine, as well as parts of Canada. The airport is the first major airport encountered by airliners approaching the United States from the east and the last for planes heading towards Europe. This strategic location on major air corridors has contributed to its prosperity.

Bangor International Airport has a rich history, dating back to 1921 when it began as Godfrey Field, owned by local attorney Edward Rawson Godfrey. In 1923, the airport hosted a practice mission that included virtually the entire U.S. Army Air Corps under the command of Gen. Billy Mitchell. The airport was previously known as Dow Air Force Base and remains home to the 101st Air Refueling Wing of the Maine Air National Guard. While most of the Air Force's aircraft and personnel left in the late 1960s, the airport continues its military legacy.

As an "enterprise fund", the airport's operational expenses are covered by airport revenue. This revenue is generated through various sources, including air service operations, aviation-related industrial companies, real estate, cargo, international charter flights, and corporate/general aviation traffic. Bangor International Airport has a single runway measuring 11,440 by 200 feet (3,487 by 61 meters) and covers 2,079 acres (841 hectares) of land.

The airport has played a significant role in handling unscheduled landings, with 647 such landings between 2004 and May 2012. Bangor International Airport is well-equipped to handle these diversions, and its long runway and uncluttered airspace make it an ideal alternative landing site for various reasons, including bad weather, security issues, and mechanical troubles. The airport's capability to quickly assemble emergency services and provide assistance to passengers during these involuntary visits has established its importance in the aviation industry.

Bangor is the first major US airport for planes approaching from the east

Bangor International Airport (IATA: BGR, ICAO: KBGR, FAA LID: BGR) is the first major US airport for planes approaching from the east. Located on the west side of Bangor, Maine, the airport is about 2-3 miles from the city centre. Bangor is one of three international airports in the state, serving residents of central, eastern, and northern Maine, as well as parts of Canada.

Bangor International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport. Formerly a military installation known as Dow Air Force Base, it remains home to the 101st Air Refueling Wing of the Maine Air National Guard. The airport covers 2,079 acres (841 ha) of land and has a single runway measuring 11,440 by 200 ft (3,487 by 61 m). With a runway that is more than two miles (3.2 km) long and uncluttered airspace, Bangor International Airport is well-equipped to handle a high volume of air traffic.

The airport's location on major air corridors between Europe and the East Coast of the United States has contributed to its prosperity. It is a popular stop for transatlantic flights, offering quick turns and cost-effective services. Between 2004 and May 2012, the airport handled 647 unscheduled landings, with various reasons including fuel stops, weather, medical emergencies, maintenance, and security issues. Bangor International Airport is known for its efficient handling of diverted flights, with a well-coordinated response that includes assembling firefighters, ambulances, police officers, and federal agents when needed.

The airport's history dates back to 1921 when it began as Godfrey Field on land owned by local attorney Edward Rawson Godfrey. In 1923, virtually the entire U.S. Army Air Corps, consisting of 15 Martin Bombers and 11 DeHaviland Scout Planes, landed there on a practice mission under the command of Gen. Billy Mitchell. Regular air passenger service to Portland and Boston began in 1931, and the airport was equipped with floodlights for night flights as early as 1937. Bangor International Airport has played a significant role in aviation history and continues to be a vital gateway to the United States for eastbound flights.

The airport was designated by NASA as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle

Bangor International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport on the west side of Bangor, Maine, United States. It is one of three international airports in the state, serving the residents of central, eastern, and northern Maine, as well as parts of Canada. The airport covers 2,079 acres (841 ha) of land and has a single runway measuring 11,440 by 200 ft (3,487 by 61 m).

Bangor International Airport was designated by NASA as an emergency landing location for the Space Shuttle. The airport has a long runway, which is more than two miles (3.2 km) long, and is capable of handling a shuttle landing. This feature, along with its uncluttered airspace, makes it an ideal location for emergency landings due to bad weather, security threats, or unruly passengers. The airport's ability to quickly assemble emergency responders, such as firefighters, ambulances, police officers, and federal agents, further contributes to its suitability as an emergency landing site.

The designation of Bangor International Airport as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle reflects its importance and strategic position in the aviation industry. The airport is the first major American airport encountered by airliners approaching the United States from the east and the last for those heading towards Europe. This unique position has contributed to its prosperity and made it a preferred choice for trans-Atlantic stops and diversions.

Being designated as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle is a significant responsibility and honour for Bangor International Airport. It demonstrates the airport's capabilities and infrastructure, including its lengthy runway and efficient emergency response protocols. While the chances of a space shuttle needing to land there are slim, it is one of the few places with a runway long enough to accommodate such a landing. This recognition by NASA highlights Bangor International Airport's standing as a well-equipped and reliable aviation facility.

In addition to its role as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle, Bangor International Airport has a rich history. It began as Godfrey Field in 1921, on land owned by local attorney Edward Rawson Godfrey. The airport has a long association with the military, previously known as Dow Air Force Base, and continues to be home to the 101st Air Refueling Wing of the Maine Air National Guard.

Bangor International Airport is the leader in Trans-Atlantic tech stops

Bangor International Airport (IATA: BGR, ICAO: KBGR, FAA LID: BGR) is a civil-military public airport on the west side of Bangor, Maine, USA. It is one of three international airports in the state, serving central, eastern, and northern Maine, as well as parts of Canada. The airport is conveniently located 3 miles from the centre of Bangor and is the closest U.S. port-of-entry from Europe. With its long runway, uncluttered airspace, and ability to facilitate quick turns, Bangor International Airport is the leader in Trans-Atlantic tech stops.

The airport's runway measures 11,440 by 200 ft (3,487 by 61 m) and is more than two miles long, making it ideal for transatlantic flights. The airport covers 2,079 acres (841 ha) of land and is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2023–2027, categorised as a non-hub primary commercial service facility. Bangor International Airport's prosperity is largely due to its location on major air corridors between Europe and the East Coast of the United States.

As the first major American airport for planes approaching the United States from the east and the last for those heading to Europe, Bangor International Airport is well-equipped to handle unscheduled landings. Between 2004 and May 2012, the airport handled 647 unscheduled landings, including those for fuel, weather, medical reasons, maintenance, and security issues. The airport has a skilled and experienced team that can quickly assemble firefighters, ambulances, law enforcement, and federal agents to assist in such situations.

Bangor International Airport's ground staff, BGR Aviation, is recognised as one of the most experienced full-service ground handling organisations globally. They offer prompt and competitively priced services, including fuel, aircraft servicing, federal inspection, and other transit needs. The airport's airside staff is renowned for their efficiency in turning aircraft around swiftly and safely during technical stops. Bangor's highly experienced fuelers, mechanics, general attendants, and cleaners work together to service equipment, replenish food and beverages, empty lavatories, and clean the aircraft.

With its experienced staff, convenient location, and well-maintained infrastructure, Bangor International Airport is well-positioned to serve as the leading technical and government clearance stop for Trans-Atlantic flights.

Frequently asked questions