Allentown Airport: Size, Significance, And Scope Explored

Allentown Airport, officially known as Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), is a medium-sized airport in the United States, located roughly 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Covering 2,278 acres (922 hectares) at an elevation of 393 feet (119.8 meters), it is the fourth-largest airport in Pennsylvania. The airport features two asphalt runways, nine gates for passenger flights, and six cargo parking spots. With a range of domestic flights, easy parking, and a relaxing environment, Lehigh Valley International Airport offers a convenient and pleasant travel experience for passengers in the region.

Lehigh Valley International Airport's size

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), formerly known as Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton International Airport, is a medium-sized airport located in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It is about 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Allentown, 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Bethlehem, and 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Easton. Covering 2,278 acres (922 hectares) at an elevation of 393 feet (119.8 meters), Lehigh Valley International Airport is the fourth-largest airport in Pennsylvania.

The airport features two asphalt runways: runway 6/24, which is 7,599 feet (2,316.2 meters) long and 150 feet (45.7 meters) wide, and runway 13/31, which is 5,800 feet (1,767.8 meters) long and 150 feet (45.7 meters) wide. In addition, the airport has nine gates for passenger flights and six holding spots for cargo aircraft, including A300F cargo planes operated by FedEx and Boeing 767s used by Amazon Air.

Lehigh Valley International Airport has a significant presence in the region, serving as a vital transportation hub for Eastern Pennsylvania. It offers convenient parking options, a relaxing environment, clean facilities, and helpful staff, making it a preferred choice for many travellers in the area. The airport is owned and operated by the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA), which also manages two nearby general aviation airports: Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport and Braden Airpark.

In terms of flight operations, Lehigh Valley International Airport recorded 83,760 aircraft movements in 2022, ranking as the third-busiest airport in Pennsylvania. The airport accommodated 930,946 passengers in 2023, the highest number since 2004. It also handled a record-breaking 275,605,699 pounds (124,998,521 kg) of cargo traffic in the same year.

Its location

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is located in Hanover Township in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It is situated in the centre of the Lehigh Valley, approximately 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Allentown, 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Bethlehem, and 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Easton. The airport is easily accessible from Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, and it is about 0.5 miles from the Fairfield Inn & Suites Allentown Bethlehem/Lehigh Valley Airport.

ABE is the fourth-largest airport in Pennsylvania and the fourth busiest in terms of passenger traffic, handling over 930,000 passengers in 2023. The airport covers 2,278 acres (922 hectares) of land and has two asphalt runways, with the longer one being 7,599 feet (2,316.2 metres) in length. The airport has a total of nine gates for passenger flights and six holding spots for cargo aircraft, including A300F cargo planes operated by FedEx and Boeing 767s used by Amazon Air.

The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) manages the airport and also operates two nearby general aviation airports: Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport and Braden Airpark in Easton. The airport authority does not receive any federal, state, or local tax dollars for operation but relies on airline and user fees, as well as assistance from state and federal grants.

ABE offers convenient parking options, including short-term and long-term parking lots located directly across from the terminal. Passengers travelling through ABE appreciate the easy parking, clean facilities, and friendly staff, making it a preferred airport for many. The airport also provides a relaxing environment and various services, such as the C.O.P.E. Therapy Dog Program and the Junior Navigators Volunteer Program.

History and ownership

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), formerly Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton International Airport, is a domestic airport located in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It is the fourth-largest airport in Pennsylvania and is located roughly 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Allentown, 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Bethlehem, and 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Easton.

Lehigh Valley International Airport opened in 1929. Scheduled airline flights commenced on September 16, 1935, with flights operated by United Airlines' Boeing 247s. The airport hangar initially served as the passenger terminal until the first terminal building was constructed in 1938 as a Works Progress Administration project. During World War II, the airport played a significant role in the U.S. Navy's V-5 flight training program, in collaboration with ground training at Muhlenberg College. The headquarters of Group 312 of the Civil Air Patrol was based at the airport, providing courier services for cargo defence plants. Allentown-based pilots actively patrolled the Atlantic coastline and recruited young men for the U.S. Air Force's air cadet programme.

In April 1946, the Lehigh Airport Authority was established to own and manage the airport. Construction of the current terminal began in 1973 and was completed in 1976. The airport's former name, Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton (ABE) Airport, reflects its historical ties to the region. Since its early days, the airport has seen the presence of airlines like United, TWA, and Colonial Airlines. Over the years, there have been changes in airlines, with TWA being replaced by Allegheny Airlines in 1967, and Eastern Air Lines, Colonial Airlines' successor, remaining until 1991.

In 1948, the Airport Authority acquired Queen City Airport (XLL) in Allentown, and in 2000, it purchased Braden Airpark (N43) in Forks Township, solidifying the formation of the current Lehigh Valley Airport System. The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) manages Lehigh Valley International Airport, Queen City Airport, and Braden Airpark, serving as a vital transportation resource for Eastern Pennsylvania. The authority relies on airline and user fees, as well as state and federal grants, for its operations.

Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport, originally known as Convair Field, was dedicated in October 1943 and played a role in aircraft production during World War II. Ownership of Convair Field was transferred from the U.S. federal government to the City of Allentown in 1947, with the agreement that it would remain an emergency landing field. The Pennsylvania Air National Guard utilised the facilities for flight training until budgetary cutbacks led to a reassignment in 1950. The City of Allentown regained full control of the facility in 1961, renaming it Queen City Airport.

Lehigh Valley International Airport has continued to develop and expand, setting records in passenger traffic and cargo operations. With its convenient location, it offers travellers an accessible and preferred option for flying, contributing to its status as the fourth-busiest passenger airport in Pennsylvania.

Airlines and destinations

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), formerly known as Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton International Airport, is located in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It is a mid-sized airport with 13 destinations and 4 airlines offering scheduled passenger traffic. The airport is owned and operated by the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA), which also manages two nearby general aviation airports: Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport and Braden Airpark.

The four airlines operating from ABE are Allegiant, American, Delta, and United Airlines. These airlines offer nonstop flights to various leisure and business destinations across the United States. Some of the popular nonstop routes from ABE include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Melbourne, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, Newark, Orlando, Punta Gorda, Sarasota/Bradenton, and St. Pete/Clearwater.

In addition to these nonstop routes, passengers can also connect to international destinations through hub airports such as Chicago and Atlanta. The airport also has bus services to nearby airports like Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and New York (JFK) Airport, offering further connectivity options for passengers.

ABE is focused on providing a convenient and relaxing travel experience for its passengers. With easy parking options, clean facilities, and friendly staff, the airport aims to be the preferred choice for travellers in the Lehigh Valley region.

Passenger experience

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is located near Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, Pennsylvania. It is the fourth-largest airport in the state and offers nonstop flights to various leisure and business destinations. The airport aims to provide an unmatched experience for passengers travelling through its terminals.

ABE offers a range of services to enhance the passenger experience. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, a food court, and a playground for children. Additionally, there is a pet relief area and a nursing room for mothers. ABE also has two convenient and affordable parking options: short-term and long-term parking, both located directly across from the terminal. No reservation is required for parking.

Passengers requiring special accommodations or assistance with the security screening process can request a passenger support specialist from a TSA officer or supervisor. The airport also has a sensory room equipped with mondo flooring, low-frequency lighting, and a mounted projector to cater to travellers with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The airport has partnered with local libraries to create the Airport Book Exchange, located near Gate 7. Passengers can take or leave a book, providing a unique reading experience. Additionally, ABE has introduced the Canteen Smart Market in the Main Terminal and Departure Building, offering a friendly vending option for passengers on the go. Luggage carts are also available throughout the airport free of charge.

ABE has been recognised for its easy parking, relaxing environment, clean facilities, and friendly staff, making it a preferred airport for many travellers in the region. The airport strives to provide a positive and memorable experience for its passengers.

Frequently asked questions