Airports Near New York: A Comprehensive Guide

New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK and LGA are both located in Queens, while Newark is in New Jersey. The airports are connected to regional rail systems by AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark, respectively. LaGuardia does not have a direct subway or train connection, so getting there via public transportation includes a bus leg.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK primarily handles international flights, with more than 70 airlines flying in and out of the airport, most of them international. Some of the international airlines that operate out of JFK include Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Finnair, and EgyptAir. Major U.S.-based carriers such as American, Delta, and JetBlue also use JFK as a hub, with JetBlue even operating the entire Terminal 5.

The airport is located 13 miles from NYC and is accessible by road, with a 20-35 minute cab ride from LGA with no traffic, and by public transport, although the latter takes over an hour and requires transferring. The AirTrain JFK people mover system connects JFK to the New York City Subway and the Long Island Rail Road.

JFK is one of the three major airports in the New York metropolitan area, the others being Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). All three airports have been operated since 1947 by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and are among the busiest airport systems in the world.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia Airport was opened in 1939 and was initially known as New York Municipal Airport or LaGuardia Field. It featured four runways at 45-degree angles to each other, with the longest being 6,000 ft (1,800 m). Over the years, the airport has undergone several changes, including the closure of runways and the expansion of its terminals. In 1965–66, the remaining runways were extended to their current length of 7,000 ft (2,100 m).

Due to increasing traffic and safety concerns, LGA introduced peak-hour fees for general-aviation aircraft in 1968, which led to the closure of the nearby Flushing Airport in 1984. To address overcrowding, the Port Authority implemented a "perimeter rule" in 1984, banning nonstop flights beyond 1,500 miles (2,400 km), with the exception of Denver.

In 2016, comprehensive plans for the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport were approved, with construction costs estimated between $4 billion and $5.3 billion. The project included the reconstruction of terminals and the implementation of an island gate system, allowing passengers to connect between the terminal building and gates via bridges. The final phase of the airport's reconstruction began in August 2017.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark Airport has been in operation since 1928 and is served by more than 100 airlines from over 50 countries. The airport is accessible from Midtown Manhattan via the Coach USA Newark Airport Express bus service, which runs to all EWR terminals. A round-trip fare costs $38.50, while a one-way ticket is $22.50. The journey takes about an hour with minimal traffic.

Taxi rides between EWR and NYC can vary in duration, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic conditions. A taxi ride to Manhattan starts at around $60, and the cost may increase for other boroughs. Ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft are also available but may be subject to surge pricing.

When travelling to or from EWR, it is important to consider factors such as flight availability, airline preference, connecting flights, and your accommodation location in NYC.

Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)

The history of Long Island MacArthur Airport dates back to 1942 when it was established, and it became operational in 1943. It began serving as a commercial airport in 1960, and since then, it has undergone several expansion projects and renovations. The airport has also been used as a filming location for movies, TV shows, and music videos.

A variety of airlines serve Long Island MacArthur Airport, including Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Southwest Airlines. These carriers offer nonstop flights to over ten destinations, along with connections across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The airport provides a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for its passengers.

In terms of ground transportation, Long Island MacArthur Airport offers easy parking options and a modern Ground Transportation Center. Additionally, shuttle buses connect the airport to the nearby Ronkonkoma station, providing convenient access to the Long Island Rail Road. The airport is also easily accessible from various locations on Long Island, making it a convenient choice for travellers in the region.

Long Island MacArthur Airport is committed to safety and has an Airport Firefighting/Rescue service that continuously monitors CTAF 119.3, ensuring a rapid response to any emergencies. The airport also provides important safety information and guidelines for pilots, including runway-specific instructions and advisories, to ensure safe operations.

Teterboro Airport (TEB)

TEB is subject to various operational updates and improvements. For example, in 2019, a six-month major airfield lighting circuit project required daily runway closures. In 2021, the airport was closed to fixed-wing traffic for pavement repairs, and pilots were encouraged to use the RNAV X Approach for night operations to minimise noise impacts on the surrounding area. Teterboro Airport also implemented a new RUDDY SIX RNAV departure procedure in 2017 to enhance navigational guidance, accuracy, and clarity.

The airport has been the subject of discussions regarding noise abatement, especially during the pandemic when the thinning of commercial traffic heightened noise awareness in the surrounding areas. Local community leaders have emphasised the need for business aircraft operators to utilise the 2021 RNAV approach, designed to minimise noise impacts. TEB has also experienced periodic runway closures and disruptions due to rehabilitation projects, such as the major rehabilitation of Runway 6/24.

TEB is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which controls the airspace around the New York metropolitan area. The FAA's transition to satellite-based navigation systems has led to the planned elimination of some "legacy" navaids and procedures. Teterboro Airport is an important aviation hub in the New York area, serving business and private aircraft operations while navigating operational and noise considerations.

Frequently asked questions