Airports In Massachusetts: How Many Are There?

Massachusetts has a varied selection of airports catering to travellers' needs, with 38 airports open to the public, including 8 offering year-round commercial and charter flights. The state's airports range from large international hubs to smaller, regional airports. Boston Logan International Airport is the largest airport in the New England area and one of the top 20 busiest US airports, with four terminals and dozens of airlines. Massachusetts also has 184 private landing areas and 2 seaplane bases.

Massachusetts has 38 airports open to the public

Massachusetts is a US state with a wide range of public-use and private airports. As of 2009, there were 37 public-use airports in Massachusetts, and by 2024, this number had increased to 38.

The state's airports include a mix of international, regional, and domestic hubs. Boston Logan International Airport, for instance, is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the US, serving as a major hub for airlines like Delta, Cape Air, and JetBlue. It offers non-stop flights to destinations like Atlanta, Chicago, and London. On the other hand, smaller airports like Barnstable Municipal Airport and Provincetown Municipal Airport primarily serve regional and domestic routes, connecting travelers to destinations within Massachusetts and the surrounding area.

The variety of airports in Massachusetts ensures that travelers have a range of options for their specific needs. For those seeking international or long-distance travel, Boston Logan International Airport is a convenient choice. Meanwhile, regional airports like Worcester Regional Airport and Cape Cod Gateway Airport provide easy access to specific areas of the state, such as Central Massachusetts and Cape Cod, respectively.

In addition to the public-use airports, Massachusetts also has a significant number of private landing areas and seaplane bases. As of 2009, there were 184 private landing areas and 2 seaplane bases in the state. These private aviation facilities cater to general aviation, private, and charter flight needs, providing an alternative to the larger commercial airports.

Boston Logan International Airport is the largest airport in the state

Massachusetts is served by several airports, but the largest and busiest in the state is Boston Logan International Airport. Officially known as General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, it is located in East Boston, just three miles from downtown Boston. The airport covers 2,384 acres and has six runways and four passenger terminals, connected by shuttle buses and the SL1 branch of the MBTA Silver Line bus rapid transit service.

Boston Logan is a major hub for travel in the New England region, serving Massachusetts and beyond. It is the largest airport in the state and the New England region in terms of passenger volume and cargo handling. The airport saw a record-breaking 42 million passengers in 2019, and this figure rose to over 43 million in 2023. It is a hub for Cape Air and Delta Air Lines, and a focus city for JetBlue. The airport offers direct flights to over 100 domestic and international destinations, with scheduled services to cities across the United States and further afield, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Dubai.

The airport has a long history, opening on September 8, 1923, and was initially used by the Massachusetts Air National Guard and the United States Army Air Corps. It was renamed in 1954 to reflect its growing international status and has undergone numerous expansions and modernisations since. Today, it boasts a wide range of passenger services, including restaurants, cafes, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and premium WiFi.

With its proximity to downtown Boston, the airport is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. Boston's heavy car traffic is mitigated by the city's infrastructure, which makes it relatively easy to travel to and from the airport and other New England destinations.

There are 24 government-owned public-use airports

As of 2009, there were 24 government-owned public-use airports in Massachusetts. These airports are owned either by municipalities or the Massachusetts Port Authority.

The busiest airport in Massachusetts is Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), which is located in Eastern Boston, about 3 km from the city centre. It is one of the top 20 busiest US airports and serves as a hub for Delta, Cape Air, and low-cost jetBlue. The airport is named after General Edward Lawrence Logan, a Boston war hero. Boston Logan International offers hundreds of non-stop flights, with Atlanta, Chicago, and London being top destinations. It is easy to get to and from the airport by subway, public buses, taxis, shuttles, and even ferries.

Another notable airport in Massachusetts is the Worcester Regional Airport (ORH), which is located in the heart of Central Massachusetts and is operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority. Currently, there are no commercial airline flights scheduled to or from Worcester; however, extensive general aviation services are available.

Other airports in Massachusetts include Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK), Cape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA), and Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC). These airports offer easy access to Cape Cod and the Islands, and some provide services for general aviation, private, and charter flight needs.

Martha's Vineyard Airport has been the primary aviation gateway since the 1950s

Massachusetts has 37 to 38 public-use airports, including Martha's Vineyard Airport. Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) has been the primary aviation gateway to Martha's Vineyard since the 1950s. It is a public airport located in the middle of Martha's Vineyard Island, 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Vineyard Haven's central business district in Dukes County, Massachusetts. The airport is owned by Dukes County and lies on the border between West Tisbury and Edgartown.

MVY is the largest of three airports on the island and the only one served by airlines. It is served by six commercial airlines and a significant number of general aviation aircraft. The airport covers 688 acres (278 hectares) and features two asphalt runways. MVY can accommodate up to 50 aircraft, with around 15 spots reserved for commercial aviation. The airport is open 24/7 and has a terminal with two gates, a restaurant, a ticket area, bathrooms, and a baggage claim.

The history of MVY dates back to World War II when it was built in 1942 as a naval auxiliary air facility to support the training of naval aviators. The airfield was renamed "Naval Auxiliary Air Station Martha's Vineyard" in 1945 and transferred to Dukes County in 1959. Since then, it has undergone significant construction and renovations to accommodate larger jets and increase capacity.

MVY plays a crucial role in providing access to Martha's Vineyard, offering convenient travel options for both residents and visitors alike. The airport strives to meet the travel needs of its patrons, ensuring a smooth and efficient gateway to and from the island.

Private-use airports include Lake Gardner Seaplane Base

As of 2009, there were 37 public-use airports, 184 private landing areas, and 2 seaplane bases in Massachusetts. One of these seaplane bases is the Lake Gardner Seaplane Base, located 1 mile northwest of Amesbury, Massachusetts. The airport is for private use only and permission must be obtained prior to landing. The airport is owned by Richard J. Shulman, who can be contacted via phone at either of the two phone numbers provided: 207-439-6544 or 207-439-6544. The airport's estimated elevation is 87 feet MSL, and its coordinates are N42°51.69' / W70°56.60'.

Lake Gardner Seaplane Base is not the home base for any OurAirports members and has not been visited by any members. The base is not served by any commercial airlines. However, there are several nearby airports with instrument procedures, including Lawrence Municipal Airport, Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, and Beverly Regional Airport.

Massachusetts has a total of 38 airports open to the public, including Logan International Airport in Boston, which serves as an international hub for the region. Other large airports in the state include Worcester Regional Airport, Cape Cod Gateway Airport, Nantucket Memorial Airport, and Martha's Vineyard Airport. These airports offer easy access to various destinations within Massachusetts and the surrounding areas.

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