Boston's Air Travel: Navigating The Airport Landscape

Boston, Massachusetts, is served by several airports, including Logan International Airport (BOS), which is the largest airport in the region in terms of passenger volume and cargo handling. As of 2009, there were 37 public-use airports, 184 private landing areas, and 2 seaplane bases in Massachusetts. This includes both public and private airports in Boston, with Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and Portsmouth International Airport also serving the Greater Boston area.

Boston has 10 airports, including public and private airports

In addition to Logan International Airport, there are several other notable airports in the Greater Boston area. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in New Hampshire is a convenient alternative, located less than 50 miles north of Boston. It offers connections to over 250 cities and is known for its ski resorts, scenic beaches, and lakefront resorts. Portsmouth International Airport, situated in New Hampshire's Seacoast region, is another option for travellers seeking low-cost flights. It provides easy access to the White Mountains, Lakes Region, and the New Hampshire Seacoast.

Massachusetts is home to a significant number of airports, with 37 public-use airports, 184 private landing areas, and 2 seaplane bases recorded as of 2009. The state's public-use airports include commercial service airports, reliever airports, and general aviation airports. Boston's 10 airports contribute to the state's comprehensive aviation infrastructure, ensuring efficient travel options for residents and visitors alike.

Among Boston's 10 airports are a mix of public and private facilities, catering to various travel needs. General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, also known as Boston Logan International Airport, is the primary commercial service airport in the region. With its history dating back to 1923, it has grown to become a significant hub for both passenger and cargo transportation.

Logan International Airport is Boston's largest airport

Boston, Massachusetts, is served by several airports, both public and private. Logan International Airport, also known as General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, is Boston's largest airport. It is located in East Boston and partially in Winthrop, Massachusetts, covering 2,384 acres (965 hectares) of land. With six runways and four passenger terminals, Logan International is a major hub for air travel in the region.

The airport was opened in 1923 and was named after General Edward Lawrence Logan, a 20th-century soldier and politician native to Boston. Over the years, the airport has expanded significantly, adding terminals and extending runways to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. Today, Logan International is the largest airport in Massachusetts and the New England region in terms of passenger volume and cargo handling.

Logan International Airport serves as a crucial gateway for both domestic and international travel. It offers non-stop service to destinations across the United States and worldwide. The airport is a hub for several major airlines, including Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, American Airlines, and United Airlines. These carriers provide extensive connectivity to various destinations, ensuring convenient travel options for passengers.

In addition to its role as a transportation hub, Logan International Airport also contributes significantly to the region's economy. The airport employs approximately 16,000 people and serves over 43 million passengers annually. The high volume of passenger traffic and cargo handling make Logan International a vital contributor to the economic growth and development of Boston and the surrounding areas.

Logan International Airport's size and significance have established it as a key component of Boston's transportation infrastructure. Its large hub status, extensive flight network, and high passenger volume solidify its position as Boston's largest and most important airport. The airport's continuous modernization and improvement projects further enhance its capacity and efficiency, ensuring its prominence in the region's aviation industry.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is a popular alternative airport

Boston, Massachusetts, has 10 airports, both public and private. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is a popular alternative airport located 50 miles (80 km) from Boston. It is situated between Manchester and Londonderry in New Hampshire and is the fourth-largest airport in New England.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is a convenient option for those travelling from Worcester or central Massachusetts, offering a less crowded and easier travel experience compared to Logan Airport in Boston. The airport is easily accessible from Interstate 293/NH Route 101 and has an average of 90 aircraft operations per day, including commercial, air taxi, general aviation, and military flights.

As the busiest airport in New Hampshire, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport handles a significant volume of passenger traffic, with over 1 million passengers annually since 1997. The airport has two asphalt runways and covers an area of 1,500 acres (610 hectares). It is served by major airlines such as Southwest, Delta, American, and United, connecting passengers to various destinations across the United States.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1927. It has undergone expansions and improvements over the years, including the addition of new terminals, parking facilities, and runway reconstructions. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is also home to the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, featuring an Art Deco control tower.

Portsmouth International Airport is another alternative, located 50 minutes north of Logan Airport

There are 37 public-use airports in Massachusetts, including the well-known Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston. However, if you're looking for an alternative to Logan Airport, Portsmouth International Airport, located just 50 minutes north of Boston, is a convenient option. Portsmouth International Airport, officially known as Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, is situated in the beautiful coastal city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is easily accessible from Boston and offers a strategic location for travellers heading to the Boston area.

Portsmouth International Airport boasts an impressive range of facilities and services. It has recently undergone a major renovation and expansion project, ensuring travellers have a comfortable and efficient experience. The airport provides convenient parking, ground transportation options, and unique amenities like the Doggie Depot and a Nursing Mother's Suite. It also offers quick access to nearby destinations, including Maine, Massachusetts, and Southern New Hampshire.

As a joint civil and military-use airport, Portsmouth International Airport caters to a diverse range of aircraft. It features a 11,321' X 150' reconstructed runway, unlimited weight-bearing capacity, and a newly expanded 55,000 sq. ft commercial/international terminal. The airport is well-equipped to handle various aircraft, including GA, commercial, cargo, and military flights, with its 24/7 operations and U.S. Customs Port of Entry.

Additionally, Portsmouth International Airport is known for its exceptional line service capabilities. It has a large fleet of modern refuellers, deicers, and ground support equipment. The airport also provides turbine and piston maintenance for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters through its FAR Part 145 Repair Station. With its experienced staff and extensive infrastructure, Portsmouth International Airport is an excellent alternative to Logan Airport for travellers heading to the Boston area.

Boston Metropolitan Airport is a notable former airport

Boston is served by several airports, both public and private. The most notable of these is the General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, which is the largest airport in the region in terms of passenger volume and cargo handling.

However, one notable former airport in the Boston area is the Boston Metropolitan Airport. This airfield was located in Canton, Massachusetts, and was in operation from 1931 until the 1950s. It was built to address the crowding issues at the Boston Airport, the precursor to Logan International Airport.

Boston Metropolitan Airport had four gravel runways and was initially intended to be part of a $2.5 million racetrack and airport complex. However, the Massachusetts Racing Commission granted the license to Suffolk Downs instead. The airport struggled to grow during the Great Depression and lost government contracts to nearby Hanscom Field during World War II.

In 1948, the Koppen-Bollinger Aircraft Corporation, later renamed the Helio Aircraft Company, used the airport as a research and development facility. Helio Aircraft moved to Bedford Airport in 1964, and today, the site of the former Boston Metropolitan Airport is occupied by Farnham-Connolly State Park.

Frequently asked questions