Manchester-Connecticut Airport: Know Your Gateway To New England

what airport is in manchester ct

Manchester, Connecticut, is home to the Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT), historically known as Manchester Airport until April 18, 2006, when it added Boston Regional to advertise its proximity to Boston. The airport is about 50 miles (80 km) north of Boston and is New England's third-largest cargo airport. It is also a small hub primary commercial service facility, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021–2025.

Characteristics Values
Name Bradley International Airport
Former Name Bradley Field
Location Windsor Locks, Connecticut, US
Distance from Manchester, CT 21 miles
IATA BDL
ICAO KBDL
FAA LID BDL
Owner Connecticut Airport Authority
Operator Connecticut Airport Authority
Bus Transportation CT Transit
Airlines Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, American
Passenger Traffic 6.75 million (2019)
Aircraft Operations 77,685 (year ending July 31, 2023)
Airlines Market Share Southwest (29%), Delta (19%), JetBlue (15%), American (14%)

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Manchester–Boston Regional Airport

The airport has experienced fluctuations in passenger traffic over the years. After years of growth, it reached its peak in 2005, handling 4.33 million passengers. However, passenger numbers declined subsequently, and in 2018, the airport accommodated 1.85 million passengers. The COVID-19 pandemic further reduced traffic, and service reductions by airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest have contributed to a decrease in flights. Despite these challenges, the airport remains an important cargo hub, serving companies like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon, and is the third-largest cargo airport in New England.

The airport is home to the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, featuring an Art Deco control tower, and its first passenger terminal opened in 1933 with the formation of Northeast Airways. During World War II, the airport served as an Army Air Force base, hosting up to 6,000 troops. Today, Manchester–Boston Regional Airport continues to offer a range of travel options, including daily nonstop flights to New York City (JFK) by JetBlue, and destinations such as Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and Wilmington International Airport (ILM) served by Avelo Airlines.

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Nearby airports

The closest airport to Manchester, Connecticut, is the Hartford Airport (BDL), which is 13.6 miles away. The airport is also known as Bradley International Airport and is the second-largest airport in New England. It is the busiest commercial airport in Connecticut and the 55th-busiest commercial airport in the United States by passengers enplaned as of 2019. It is also a dual-use military facility with the U.S. Air Force and is home to the Connecticut Air National Guard's 103rd Airlift Wing.

Other nearby airports include New Haven Airport (HVN), 40.1 miles away; Providence Airport (PVD), 56.3 miles away; Islip Airport (ISP), 74.9 miles away; and White Plains Airport (HPN), 78.8 miles away.

The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire is also a viable option for travellers to and from Manchester, Connecticut. It is approximately 50 miles from Boston and offers flights to various destinations, including New York City (JFK), Myrtle Beach (MYR), and Wilmington (ILM).

These airports offer a range of transportation options, including bus, train, and car, making them accessible to and from Manchester, Connecticut.

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Closures and security

One of the critical security measures at MHT is the use of advanced technology, such as Computed Tomography (CT) scanners. In 2022, the TSA announced the installation of additional CT units at MHT security checkpoints. These scanners allow for a 3D review of passengers' bags, simplifying the search process. This enhancement contributes to the overall security and efficiency of the airport.

To ensure the safety and security of both customers and staff, Manchester Airport implements several security measures. Passengers may be required to undergo body scans to detect any prohibited or dangerous items. The airport uses advanced body scanning equipment that is safe, non-intrusive, and efficient, ensuring a quick and seamless process for travellers. Additionally, passengers are advised to follow specific guidelines for liquids, electrical items, and hand luggage to streamline the security screening process.

In terms of closures, Manchester Airport routinely schedules maintenance works for its runways and taxiways. Runway 1, the most frequently used runway, undergoes annual maintenance, with dates published in advance. During these maintenance periods, Runway 2 serves as the sole runway, ensuring the airport's continued operation. These closures are necessary to maintain the safety and functionality of the runways and associated infrastructure.

It is important to note that MHT also experiences high traffic surges and construction delays, similar to highways. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport well in advance, typically two hours prior, to allow sufficient time for check-in, baggage check, and security screening. By planning ahead and following the recommended guidelines, passengers can contribute to a smoother travel experience, even during peak travel seasons.

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Airlines and destinations

The closest airport to Manchester, CT, is the Hartford Airport BDL, which is 13.6 miles away. It takes approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes to get from Manchester to Hartford Airport via the line 30 or line 88 bus. This airport is historically known as Bradley Field and is a public international airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Bradley International Airport is the second-largest airport in New England and the busiest commercial airport in Connecticut. The four largest carriers at Bradley International Airport are Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, and American Airlines. The airport is also home to the New England Air Museum.

Another airport near Manchester, CT, is the Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which is located in Manchester, New Hampshire. In 2006, the airport changed its name from Manchester Airport to Manchester–Boston Regional Airport to advertise its proximity to Boston, about 50 miles (80 km) away. Avelo Airlines, which operates from this airport, has added two new destinations as of April 2025: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina and Wilmington International Airport (ILM) in North Carolina. JetBlue also operates from this airport, offering daily nonstop flights to New York City (JFK) starting in June 2025.

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Airport facilities

The closest airport to Manchester, CT, is the Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which is located in New Hampshire. The airport is about 50 miles (80 km) north of Boston and was founded in June 1927. The airport has a reputation for never closing due to bad weather and has only shut down once, following the September 11 terrorist attacks. The airport is categorized as a small hub primary commercial service facility by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021–2025.

The Manchester–Boston Regional Airport has a variety of facilities to serve its passengers. The airport is home to the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, featuring an Art Deco control tower, with its terminal opening in 1938. The airport police and security operations are handled by the Londonderry Police Department, while the Airport Fire Department is staffed 24 hours a day, ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.

For transportation to and from the airport, CT Transit provides bus services through two routes. Route 24 connects the airport with the nearby Windsor Locks and Windsor train stations, while Route 30x provides express service to Downtown Hartford. Additionally, Amtrak and Hartford Line trains serve the Windsor Locks and Windsor stations, providing further connectivity.

The airport has also experienced changes in airline services over the years. Avelo Airlines, for example, added new destinations to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and Wilmington International Airport (ILM) in April 2025. On the other hand, United Airlines canceled its Chicago O'Hare service in 2018, and Southwest Airlines reduced its service to four cities as of 2021.

In terms of airport infrastructure, the Manchester–Boston Regional Airport has expanded and improved its facilities. In 2002, the new East Concourse and the International Arrivals Building opened, providing improved processing capabilities for international passengers. The airport is also included in the proposed extension of the MBTA Commuter Rail system's Lowell Line, which would enhance transportation options for passengers traveling to and from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

The nearest airport to Manchester, CT, is the Hartford Airport (BDL), which is 13.6 miles away.

Manchester Airport was renamed to Manchester–Boston Regional Airport in 2006 to advertise its proximity to Boston, which is about 50 miles (80 km) away.

Some airlines that service the Manchester–Boston Regional Airport include Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue.

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