Windsor Locks: Bradley International Airport And South Windsor, Connecticut

Bradley International Airport, historically known as Bradley Field, is the airport that serves South Windsor, Connecticut. It is located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, and is owned and operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority. The airport is about halfway between Hartford, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts.

Bradley International Airport's location and ownership

Bradley International Airport, historically known as Bradley Field, is a public international airport located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, United States. Owned and operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA), it is the second-largest airport in New England. The airport is situated approximately halfway between Hartford, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts.

The airport has its origins in the acquisition of 1,700 acres of land in Windsor Locks by the state of Connecticut in 1940. This land was subsequently turned over to the U.S. Army in 1941 as the country prepared for World War II. The airfield was named after Lt. Bradley, a 24-year-old officer. In 1947, the airfield began civil use as Bradley International Airport, with Eastern Air Lines Flight 624 being its first commercial flight. In 1948, the federal government deeded the airport to the State of Connecticut for public and commercial use.

Bradley International Airport has undergone significant development over the years. In 1952, the Murphy Terminal (later known as Terminal B) opened, becoming the oldest passenger terminal of any major airport in the U.S. until its closure in 2010. The airport's connectivity was enhanced with the construction of Interstate 91, providing fast access to the downtown areas of Hartford and Springfield. In 1974, construction began on an experimental People Mover to transport people between the terminal and a distant parking lot, although this system was never utilised due to high operating costs.

The airport faced a setback in 1979 when the Windsor Locks tornado caused substantial damage to the New England Air Museum, which reopened in 1981. The airport underwent expansion with the completion of Terminal A and the Bradley Sheraton Hotel in 1986. The Terminal Improvement Project, initiated in 2001, further enhanced the airport's infrastructure with the expansion of Terminal A, the construction of a new International Arrivals Building, and the centralisation of passenger screening.

Today, Bradley International Airport is Connecticut's busiest commercial airport, serving over 6.75 million passengers in 2019. It is a dual-use military facility with the U.S. Air Force, housing the 103rd Airlift Wing of the Connecticut Air National Guard. The airport is also home to the New England Air Museum and has been branded as the "Gateway to New England."

The airport's history and passenger numbers

Bradley International Airport (IATA: BDL), historically known as Bradley Field, is the airport that serves South Windsor, Connecticut. The airport is located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately halfway between Hartford, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts.

The Airport's History

Bradley International Airport has a long history that dates back to the 1940s. In 1940, the state of Connecticut acquired 1,700 acres of land in Windsor Locks, which would eventually become the site of the airport. In 1948, the federal government deeded the airport to the State of Connecticut for public and commercial use. The airport was originally branded as the "Gateway to New England" and is home to the New England Air Museum.

In the early years of its operation, Bradley International Airport saw a steady increase in passenger numbers. By 1950, the airport exceeded the 100,000-passenger mark, handling 108,348 passengers. The Murphy Terminal, later dubbed Terminal B, opened in 1952 and was the oldest passenger terminal of any major airport in the U.S. when it closed in 2010.

In 1974, construction began on an experimental People Mover system to transport people between the terminal and a parking lot 0.7 miles away. However, due to high operating costs and the low usage of the connected parking lot, the system was never utilised and was eventually dismantled in 1984 to make way for a new terminal building.

In 2016, Bradley International Airport launched a new brand, "Love the Journey", replacing its former brand. As of 2019, the airport was the 55th-busiest commercial airport in the United States by passenger enplanements, with over 6.75 million passengers that year.

Passenger Numbers

Bradley International Airport is the busiest commercial airport in Connecticut and the second-busiest airport in New England after Boston's Logan International Airport. The four largest carriers at the airport are Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, and American, with market shares of 29%, 19%, 15%, and 14%, respectively.

Airlines and destinations served

Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, is the closest airport to South Windsor, Connecticut. It is about halfway between Hartford, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts, and is owned and operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA). In 2019, it was the 55th-busiest commercial airport in the United States by passenger traffic, and the busiest airport in Connecticut, with over 6.75 million passengers. The airport also serves as a dual-use military facility with the U.S. Air Force, housing the 103rd Airlift Wing (103 AW) of the Connecticut Air National Guard.

The four largest carriers at Bradley International Airport are Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, and American Airlines, with market shares of 29%, 19%, 15%, and 14%, respectively. The airport has a rich history, dating back to the acquisition of 1,700 acres of land in Windsor Locks by the state of Connecticut in 1940. TWA began servicing the airport in 1957, and Allegheny Airlines followed in 1961. In 1952, the Murphy Terminal (later Terminal B) opened and remained the oldest passenger terminal of any major airport in the U.S. until its closure in 2010.

Bradley International Airport offers a range of domestic and international destinations. For international travel, Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines operate seasonal flights to Cancun, Mexico, Montego Bay, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, Northwest Airlines launched a route to Amsterdam in 2007, providing the airport's first direct flight to Europe.

The airport has also been a hub for several historical milestones in aviation. In 1967, Eastern and Northeast Airlines introduced non-stop flights to Miami, and non-stop services to Los Angeles and Atlanta commenced in 1968. The first jets to arrive at the airport were United 720s, which began operating in 1961.

Military use of the airport

Bradley International Airport, historically known as Bradley Field, is the airport that serves South Windsor, Connecticut. It is a public international airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, United States, and is the second-largest airport in New England. The airport is about halfway between Hartford, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts.

Bradley International Airport is a dual-use military facility with the U.S. Air Force. The airport is home to the 103rd Airlift Wing (103 AW) of the Connecticut Air National Guard. Bradley was originally branded as the "Gateway to New England" and is home to the New England Air Museum. The museum showcases the history of aviation in the region and features exhibits on the military use of the airport.

The airport has a long history of military use, dating back to its acquisition by the state of Connecticut in 1940. The airport was deeded to the state for public and commercial use in 1948, but it also served as a training ground for military pilots during World War II. The Connecticut Air National Guard has been based at the airport since its establishment in the 1950s.

The 103rd Airlift Wing is responsible for providing tactical airlift and air support to the U.S. military and its allies. The unit has a long history of service, including deployments to the Middle East and humanitarian missions around the globe. The Connecticut Air National Guard also plays a vital role in supporting the state's emergency response efforts, providing aerial support during natural disasters and civil emergencies.

The military presence at Bradley International Airport has had a significant impact on the region's economy and development. The airport is a major employer in the area, and the presence of the Air National Guard has brought additional economic activity and infrastructure development to the surrounding communities. The airport's dual-use as a military and commercial facility has also enhanced the region's connectivity and accessibility, making it a key transportation hub for New England.

Airport facilities and amenities

The closest major airport to South Windsor, Connecticut, is Bradley International Airport (BDL/KBDL), located in Hartford, Connecticut, approximately 16 miles from South Windsor's centre. The airport is one of the two largest in the state, along with Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport (HVN).

Bradley International Airport offers a range of facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of travellers. The airport is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA), which was established to develop, improve, and manage the airport and the state's five general aviation airports.

The airport caters to both domestic and international flights, with various airlines serving BDL. While the airport does not provide specific information about its facilities and amenities, it is likely to have the standard offerings of a major international airport, including:

• A variety of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets, are available throughout the airport, ensuring travellers have a range of choices for meals and snacks.
• Retail shops are located before and after security checkpoints, offering a selection of products, such as books, magazines, gifts, souvenirs, travel essentials, and local specialities, allowing travellers to engage in some retail therapy or purchase last-minute items.
• Comfortable seating areas are provided in the departure lounges, enabling travellers to relax and wait for their flights. These areas may include charging stations for electronic devices and, in some cases, complimentary Wi-Fi access.
• Modern washrooms and baby changing facilities are available throughout the airport, ensuring hygiene and convenience for passengers.
• The airport likely has ATMs and currency exchange services, allowing travellers to manage their finances and exchange currency if needed.
• Information desks or help centres are typically available to provide assistance with flight information, wayfinding, and addressing any queries or concerns travellers may have.
• Bradley International Airport may also offer additional services, such as a lost and found department, luggage storage, and facilities for passengers with special needs or disabilities.

While the airport's website does not provide extensive details about its facilities and amenities, travellers can expect to find the essential services and conveniences commonly available at international airports. It is always a good idea to check the airport's website or contact them directly for specific information regarding their offerings.

Frequently asked questions