Airports In Rhode Island: How Many Are There?

Rhode Island is a small state on the East Coast of the United States, known for several important US cities. When it comes to air traffic, however, only one airport has notable passenger numbers: Theodore Francis Green State Airport, also known as Providence Airport. In total, Rhode Island has six state-owned airports, including five general aviation airports.

T.F. Green Airport (PVD)

T.F. Green Airport is a regional airport serving the New England Region in the FAA System Plan. It is estimated that the airport has a potential serviceable market of around 7.5 million people living within roughly 90 minutes of the airport. The airport has direct access to I-95 via the T.F. Green Airport Connector Road, a 1.1-mile (1.8 km) freeway. It is also served by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), which offers public bus transportation to and from Providence and Newport.

The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of a new terminal in 1964 and the construction of the current terminal, which opened in 1996. The terminal was named for former Rhode Island governor Bruce Sundlun and features two concourses, North and South, with a total of 22 gates. The airport offers a range of amenities for passengers, including restaurants, stores, nursing rooms, a Military Lounge, and a quiet Hope Reflection Room.

In 2017, T.F. Green Airport handled about 3.937 million passengers, with Southwest Airlines being the largest airline by presence, carrying 45.07% of all passengers. The airport also handled over 43,500,000 pounds (19,700,000 kg) of cargo and mail in the same year. In October 2017, the airport's runway 5/23 was expanded to a length of 8,700 feet to accommodate longer-range nonstop flights and enhance safety for short-distance flights.

Westerly State Airport (WST)

Rhode Island is home to six state-owned airports, including Westerly State Airport (WST). Located in Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island, WST is about 2.3 miles southeast of the town's central business district. It is primarily a general aviation airport, but it also offers scheduled commercial airline services to Block Island through New England Airlines.

Westerly State Airport has a rich history, starting as a grass strip in the 1920s and becoming the second state-owned airport in the United States in the 1940s. During World War II, it served as a U.S. Navy base due to its strategic location between Boston and New York City. The airport covers 321 acres of land and sits at an elevation of 81 feet above mean sea level.

The airport features two asphalt runways: Runway 7/25, which is 4,010 feet by 100 feet, and Runway 14/32, which is 3,960 feet by 75 feet. In 2005, significant federal funding was allocated to repair and improve the main runway and taxiways, with improvements completed by November 2006.

According to Federal Aviation Administration records, Westerly State Airport handled 11,201 passenger boardings in 2008, 8,804 in 2009, and 11,402 in 2010. The airport is categorised as a non-hub primary commercial service facility in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2023-2027.

Block Island State Airport (BID)

Block Island State Airport (IATA: BID, ICAO: KBID, FAA LID: BID) is a public airport located on Block Island, in Washington County, Rhode Island. The airport is owned by the State of Rhode Island and is one of six active airports operated by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. The airport opened in 1950 and offers a 2,500-foot runway with aircraft tie-down services and parking apron support. Block Island State Airport is primarily a general aviation airport, but there is also a scheduled airline service to Westerly State Airport provided by New England Airlines, an eight-passenger commuter airline.

The airport covers an area of 136 acres at an elevation of 108 feet above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 10/28 with an asphalt surface measuring 2,502 by 100 feet. For the 12-month period ending February 29, 2020, the airport had 17,014 aircraft operations, an average of 47 per day. The breakdown of these operations was 72% air taxi, 28% general aviation, and less than 1% military. At that time, there were four aircraft based at the airport: three single-engine and one multi-engine.

Block Island State Airport is an essential access point to this offshore vacation spot, serving thousands of passengers each year. It also serves the critical needs of the community by providing access for time-sensitive cargo and urgent medical transport. The airport's terminal has a welcoming atmosphere and is located within walking distance of downtown New Shoreham and Block Island's free beaches. Bethany's, the on-airport restaurant, is a popular destination for the New England aviation community.

Newport State Airport (UUU)

There are six state-owned airports in Rhode Island, including the state's main commercial airport, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, and a network of five general aviation airports: Block Island, Newport, North Central, Quonset, and Westerly.

Newport State Airport, also known as Colonel Robert F. Wood Air Park, is a state-owned public-use airport in Newport County, Rhode Island. It is located 2 nautical miles northeast of Newport, in Middletown, and serves the city of Newport. The airport is categorised as a basic general aviation facility and does not offer scheduled airline services, although it was previously served by Air New England.

The airport covers 221 acres of land at an elevation of 172 feet above mean sea level. It has two runways with asphalt surfaces: Runway 4/22, which is 2,999 by 75 feet, and Runway 16/34, which is 2,623 by 75 feet.

Newport State Airport serves the corporate community and visitors to the year-round festivals in nearby Newport, as well as providing quick access for boat owners who harbour vessels in the nearby marinas. There are several privately-owned airport-based tenants located on the property, including FlightLevel Aviation (FBO), Newport Aviation Flight School, Skydive Newport Skydiving Center, and Bird’s Eye View Helicopter Aerial Tours.

The site of Newport State Airport was known as Southwick's Grove in the mid-to-late 1800s and became home to Aquidneck Park, a horse racing track, at the turn of the twentieth century. The property was later renamed Bethshan-in-the-Woods and was purchased by Mrs Theodore K. Gibbs to preserve it as a picnic ground for children. Army Air Force Captain Robert F. Wood established the Newport Air Park on the site in 1946, and it was acquired by the state in July 1960.

North Central State Airport

There are six state-owned airports in Rhode Island, including Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, the state's main commercial airport, and five general aviation airports: Block Island, Newport, North Central, Quonset, and Westerly.

The airport has two runways: one that is 5,000 feet and a smaller 3,211-foot runway. Both runways are asphalt-paved and are in good condition. The airport covers an area of 475 acres at an elevation of 441 feet above mean sea level.

For the 12-month period ending May 31, 2023, the airport recorded 14,687 aircraft operations, with an average of 40 per day. The majority (95%) of these operations were general aviation, with 4% being air taxi and less than 1% military. There are 37 privately-owned airport-based tenants, including flight schools, aircraft maintenance services, and skydive centres.

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