Manchester Nh Airport: Managing Busy Travel Times

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) has been nominated for Best Small Airport by Newsweek and was ranked the top domestic airport in 2023 by Travel + Leisure Magazine. The airport is praised for its convenience, with travellers reporting that it is much less busy and complicated than Boston Airport. In 2023, MHT saw 1.3 million passengers, a significant decrease from pre-pandemic levels, which saw over 4 million travellers. MHT offers various amenities, including parking reservations, exclusive fares and promotions, and eight different airlines, including JetBlue, Avelo Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport also processes a substantial amount of cargo, with 234,394,554 pounds processed in a year, more than all other regional New England airports.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is quick and easy to navigate

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is a small airport that is quick and easy to navigate. It has been nominated for Best Small Airport by Newsweek, and a reader's poll in Travel + Leisure Magazine ranked it the top domestic airport in 2023.

The airport is described as "not as busy as Boston and much less complicated" by a traveller. It has none of the usual annoyances of larger airports: no long delays at TSA, no shuttle buses, and no lines to check a bag. Security wait times are short, with travellers reporting that it takes them only 2-5 minutes to get through security, and 30 minutes to get from their car to the gate. The parking garage is conveniently located just a short walk from the main terminal, with plenty of spots available.

The airport is also praised for its increasingly affordable airfare, with new routes and low-cost carriers being added. For example, in 2025, JetBlue will begin daily nonstop flights to New York City (JFK), and Avelo Airlines will add two new destinations: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina and Wilmington International Airport (ILM) in North Carolina.

However, it is important to note that passenger volumes at MHT are currently well below pre-pandemic levels, with 1.3 million flyers in 2023 compared to over 4 million in the mid-2000s. The airport is working to attract more passengers and improve its convenience, such as by offering online parking reservations and discussing the need for better mass transit connectivity.

MHT has been nominated for 'Best Small Airport' by Newsweek

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) has been nominated for Best Small Airport by Newsweek. MHT is known for its helpful TSA personnel, inexpensive on-site parking, short lines, and minimal traffic. The airport is strategically located in the heart of New England, less than fifty miles north of Boston, making it a convenient option for travellers looking to avoid the crowds and complications of larger airports like Boston Logan International.

MHT has also been recognised by USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, ranking sixth in 2023 and being named one of the top 10 small airports in the US. This recognition highlights MHT's accessibility and convenience for travellers in the region. MHT has seen a steady increase in airline options, with new destinations and carriers being added regularly. For example, Avelo Airlines added two new destinations in April 2025—Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina and Wilmington International Airport (ILM) in North Carolina.

While MHT's increased airline offerings have brought some challenges, such as limited concessions and the need to go through TSA for arrivals, the airport continues to focus on improvement. MHT has introduced exclusive fares and promotions, parking discounts, and online reservation systems to enhance travellers' experiences. The airport has also seen impressive cargo processing, with 234,394,554 pounds of cargo processed in a year, surpassing all other regional New England airports.

Travellers appreciate MHT's easy navigation and the availability of food and beverage options. The airport's Sam Adams Café & Pub offers a taste of Beantown, and the nearby Wilmington International Airport (a partner airport for MHT) features a Flying Machine Bar serving craft beer. MHT's location makes it a convenient gateway to popular destinations, including New England's ski areas, scenic seacoast beaches, and peaceful lakefront resorts.

MHT has a positive impact on the local economy and employs 2,000 people

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is less than fifty miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, and provides convenient access to popular tourist destinations in New England. MHT has a positive impact on the local economy and employs 2,000 people.

MHT has been recognised for its contribution to the region's economic growth and development. The airport has been nominated for Best Small Airport by Newsweek, and it offers world-class aviation facilities and infrastructure. MHT is committed to fostering an environment that promotes fiscal, civic, and environmental stewardship. The airport also strives to provide a working environment that empowers its employees to contribute to its success.

MHT's economic impact extends beyond the airport itself. The airport's operations and the businesses it attracts to the region have created an estimated 21,000 jobs, with a total economic output of $3.7 billion in 2024. This includes jobs in manufacturing and logistics sectors physically adjacent to the airport. The airport also generates significant economic activity through traveller spending, with airport visitors spending a collective $272 million.

MHT is served by eight airlines, including JetBlue, Avelo Airlines, United Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, which offer affordable airfares and convenient connections to various destinations. These airlines are increasing their presence at MHT, offering 10% more seats for sale in 2025 compared to the previous year. The airport also provides parking promotions and exclusive sales, making it an attractive option for travellers.

MHT is committed to improving its services and accessibility. The airport has recognised the need for better mass transit connectivity and is considering ways to improve traveller convenience. MHT previously offered a shuttle service, Flight Line, and is open to reinstating similar services to enhance its attractiveness to travellers. The airport also provides online resources, such as MHT Horizons, to keep travellers informed about announcements, promotions, and exclusive fares.

MHT has seen a decrease in passenger volume since the pandemic

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) has experienced a significant decrease in passenger volume since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the airport saw 1.3 million passengers, a far cry from its pre-pandemic high of over 4 million. While MHT has been lauded for its convenience and ease of use, with travellers praising its quick security checks and proximity to the city, it is facing challenges in attracting passengers back post-pandemic.

MHT's director, Ted Kitchens, is optimistic about a turnaround, with new routes introduced and a Travel + Leisure Magazine reader's poll ranking it the top domestic airport in 2023. However, the airport has also faced setbacks, such as the suspension of service by Spirit Airlines, which cited low seasonal demand out of Manchester as a factor. Kitchens acknowledges the airport's impact on the local economy and the jobs it supports, encouraging residents to "fly local".

The airport has also seen strong performance in cargo processing, dominating among regional New England airports with 234,394,554 pounds of cargo processed in one year. However, it faces competition from nearby Boston Logan Airport, with some travellers and airlines opting for the larger hub. MHT is addressing these challenges and hopes that new flights and carriers will bring a return to pre-pandemic passenger numbers.

The airport has also faced criticism for its lack of public transportation options, with travellers noting the convenience of travelling to Boston Logan from the University of Boston. MHT previously offered a shuttle service, and Kitchens recognises the need for improved mass transit connectivity to enhance the airport's attractiveness. Despite these efforts, it remains to be seen whether MHT can recover its pre-pandemic passenger volume and compete with larger airports in the region.

In conclusion, while MHT has many positive attributes and local support, it has indeed seen a decrease in passenger volume since the pandemic. The airport's efforts to introduce new routes and carriers may help boost its numbers, but it also needs to address transportation concerns and compete with larger, more convenient airports in the region.

MHT has good parking, with exclusive online sale offers

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) has been nominated for Best Small Airport by Newsweek, and it's easy to see why. With its increasing popularity, MHT has good parking options, with exclusive online sale offers, making it a convenient choice for travellers.

MHT offers a range of parking options, from long-term to multi-storey car parks, as well as convenient services like Meet & Greet and Valet Parking. The airport's website also provides useful information on recommended arrival times, allowing travellers to plan for parking, shuttle transportation, check-in, and security screening.

One of the standout features of MHT's parking is the exclusive online sale offers. By booking parking in advance, travellers can take advantage of significant discounts of up to 35% off, with some companies even offering up to 70% savings compared to on-location parking. These deals are especially attractive for long-stay travellers, with some parking lots offering additional discounts for stays of 7 days or longer.

In addition to the cost savings, MHT's parking partners provide guaranteed spots with reservations, ensuring travellers peace of mind. The frequent shuttle services offered by most lots make it convenient and efficient to get to and from the airport, enhancing the overall travel experience.

For those seeking additional amenities, MHT also has hotels located close to the airport that provide free shuttle services and parking for guests. This option can be particularly cost-effective, with cheaper daily parking rates when staying at the hotel. With its good parking options and exclusive online sale offers, MHT ensures that travellers can find convenient and budget-friendly solutions for their parking needs.

Frequently asked questions