Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: A Compact Hub's Size And Scope

Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is a public airport located 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. The airport was founded in 1927 and is owned by the City of Manchester. Manchester Airport is the busiest airport in New Hampshire and the fourth or fifth-largest airport in New England by passenger volume. The airport has been nominated for Best Small Airport by Newsweek.

Manchester Airport's history

Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT), informally referred to as Manchester Airport, is a public airport in New Hampshire, United States. It is located 3 miles (5 km) south of Manchester's central business district, on the border of Hillsborough and Rockingham counties.

The airport was founded in 1927 when the city's Board of Mayor and Aldermen contributed $15,000 to the project. An 84-acre site near Pine Island Pond was chosen, and within a month, two 1,800-foot runways were constructed. The first flying service in Manchester was started by George G. "Scotty" Wilson, a barnstormer from Boston. In 1933, Northeast Airways was founded at the site, and the first passenger terminal was built. This classic Art Deco terminal, constructed in 1937, served as Manchester's aviation "front door" until 1961 when it was replaced by the Ammon Terminal. The 1937 terminal was relocated and restored in 2004 and now serves as the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, which is run by the New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society.

In 1940, as the United States entered World War II, the airport was chosen as an Army Air Force base, with 6,000 troops stationed there at its peak. During this time, the 45th Bombardment Group practised bombing runs, and an anti-submarine squadron successfully destroyed at least two Nazi submarines off the US coast. After the war, scheduled airline service and airmail debuted in Manchester when Boston, Maine, and Vermont Airways added the city to its Boston-Montreal route. Manchester Airport played host to another famous aviator, Amelia Earhart, who touched down during a Boston-to-Montreal flight.

In the following decades, the airport underwent expansions and improvements, including the construction of a new passenger terminal named after businessman and airport supporter Roscoe A. Ammon. The airport, known as Grenier Field/Manchester Municipal Airport, officially became Manchester Airport when the Air Force relocated its flying units to other bases. United Airlines and USAir began jet service, and the airport continued to grow. In 2006, the airport was renamed Manchester-Boston Regional Airport to emphasise its proximity to Boston, and it has since become New England's third-largest cargo airport. Despite a decrease in passengers in recent years due to increased competition from Logan International Airport in Boston, MHT remains a vital aviation hub in the region.

Passenger numbers

Manchester–Boston Regional Airport, commonly referred to as Manchester Airport, is a public airport located 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. Founded in 1927, the airport first moved more than 1 million passengers per year in 1997. It handled 3.72 million passengers in 2008, down from its peak of 4.33 million in 2005.

The airport is by far the busiest in New Hampshire, with ten times the traffic of the next busiest, Portsmouth. It is also New England's fourth or fifth-largest airport by passenger volume, depending on the source. It is preceded by Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts; Bradley International Airport in Connecticut; and T.F. Green Airport in Rhode Island.

In the early years of the airport, two 1,800-foot (550 m) runways were constructed in just one month. In 1933, Northeast Airways was founded at the site, and the first passenger terminal was built. During World War II, the airport served as an Army Air Force base, with 6,000 troops stationed there at its peak.

In recent years, the airport has experienced a decrease in passengers. In 2017, it served the fewest passengers since 1998. This decline has been attributed to increased activity at Logan International Airport in Boston and mergers between airlines, resulting in decreased flights. Despite these challenges, Manchester–Boston Regional Airport remains a significant transportation hub for the region, with eight airlines operating from the airport as of 2025.

Cargo capacity

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is New England's third-largest cargo airport. In 2005, the airport processed 150 million pounds of freight. Most of the cargo was carried by FedEx, UPS, and DHL, using large, cargo-specific jets, including the Airbus A300, DC-10, and MD-11. UPS, in particular, uses Manchester as a hub to serve the rest of northern New England, contracting with Wiggins Airways to reach smaller communities with prop-driven planes.

In November 2022, Amazon launched its air cargo service to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, utilising a Boeing 767-300 aircraft operated by partner Atlas Air. Amazon's service initially included the construction of a 63,400-square-foot cargo terminal on leased land, with the potential to nearly double the airport's cargo capacity. This new facility more than doubled the airport's previous cargo warehouse space, and as volumes grow, more flights are expected to be added.

The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is strategically located 50 miles north of Boston, serving as a relief valve for Logan International Airport, which faces constraints in cargo operations. The airport's expansion and improvement in cargo capacity are part of a project spearheaded by the airport director, Ted Kitchens, who aims to strengthen the airport's cargo presence.

With the addition of Amazon's air cargo service, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport solidifies its position as a significant cargo hub in New England. The airport's cargo capacity and efficient operations make it an attractive option for companies like Amazon, seeking to enhance their logistics and supply chain networks. The airport's proximity to Boston and its connection to other northern New England regions further enhance its appeal for cargo operations.

Airlines that use the airport

Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is a small hub primary commercial service facility in Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. It is located 3 miles (5 km) south of the central business district of Manchester. The airport was founded in June 1927 and is the busiest airport in New Hampshire.

• American Airlines – offers flights to and from destinations such as Tampa International and Orlando International.
• Southwest – as of 2021, Southwest has been offering a diminished service with flights to four cities, including Baltimore-Washington.
• Delta Air Lines – as of 2020, Delta has been consolidating its service to Boston, offering flights to Atlanta once daily.
• United Airlines – in July 2018, United Airlines cancelled its Chicago O'Hare service, making Newark its only destination from Manchester. However, in March 2019, the airline replaced Newark with Washington Dulles. From March 30, 2025, United Airlines will be offering service to Washington Dulles International Airport and removing service to Newark Liberty International Airport.
• Avelo Airlines – as of April 2025, Avelo Airlines will be offering flights to two new destinations: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina and Wilmington International Airport (ILM) in North Carolina.
• JetBlue – from June 2025, JetBlue will be offering daily nonstop flights to New York City (JFK).

Airport facilities

Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is a small hub primary commercial service facility. It is located 3 miles (5 km) south of Manchester, New Hampshire, United States, and is the busiest airport in the state. The airport is served by eight airlines, including mainline and low-fare carriers, providing service to national and international destinations.

MHT has been nominated for Best Small Airport by Newsweek and is known for never surrendering to bad weather. The airport has closed only once, following the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Manchester–Boston Regional Airport is home to the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, built around an Art Deco control tower. The airport opened in 1927, and its terminal opened in 1938. The first passenger terminal was built in 1933 after the formation of Northeast Airways at the site. During World War II, the airport served as an Army Air Force base, with up to 6,000 troops stationed there at its peak.

The airport offers parking discounts and exclusive sales, such as staying 5-6 days and getting 1 day of parking free, or staying 7+ days for 2 free days of parking.

Frequently asked questions