Airports In Providence, Ri: A Comprehensive Guide

Providence, Rhode Island is served by several airports, including the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), which is conveniently located in Warwick, just 10-15 minutes from downtown Providence. This airport is easily accessible to Boston, Cape Cod, and Southeastern New England, and offers nonstop flights to over two dozen destinations. Other airports in the area include the Westerly State Airport (WST) and the Block Island State Airport (BID), which are serviced by regional airlines.

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport

The Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, also known as PVD, is the largest and busiest airport among the six operated by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC). It is conveniently located in Warwick, right off Interstate 95, and is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Providence. The airport is easily accessible to Boston, Cape Cod, and Southeastern New England, making it a popular alternative to Boston's Logan Airport.

T.F. Green Airport offers an extensive range of transportation options through its eco-friendly InterLink hub. Passengers can easily access rental car facilities, public transportation, and rail services to Providence, Boston, and beyond. The airport is also well-connected to the MBTA commuter rail on the Providence/Stoughton Line, providing seamless travel connections.

The airport terminal, named after former Rhode Island governor Bruce Sundlun, features two concourses: the North Concourse and the South Concourse. The North Concourse has 14 gates, while the South Concourse has eight. Gates seven and eight are specifically designed for international arrivals and have direct access to customs on the lower level of the concourse. The terminal also includes various amenities, such as stores, restaurants, and a central food court. Additionally, the airport provides short and long-term parking options, including covered parking garages and shuttle-serviced long-term parking, ensuring convenience for travellers.

Westerly State Airport

The history of Westerly State Airport dates back to the 1920s when it started as a grass strip. It became the second state-owned airport in the United States in the 1940s, following in the footsteps of T.F. Green Airport. During World War II, the airport was paved and expanded when 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, sitting at an elevation of 81 feet above mean sea level. In terms of operations, for the 12-month period ending on February 13, 2020, Westerly State Airport recorded 18,617 aircraft operations, averaging 51 flights per day. The breakdown of these operations included 54% general aviation, 46% air taxi, and less than 1% military.

In 2005, federal funding amounting to $3,400,000 (equivalent to $5,473,948 in 2024 dollars) was allocated for repairs and improvements to the main runway and taxiways. The improvements were completed by November 2006, and the main runway was reopened. Westerly State Airport continues to play a vital role in regional aviation and serves as a convenient gateway to the South County area of Rhode Island.

Block Island State Airport

The airport has a few tenants, including New England Airlines, which offers an eight-passenger commuter airline service to Westerly State Airport. This airline service is crucial for connecting Block Island to the mainland. Another tenant is FlightLevel Aviation (FBO), which provides additional aviation services and support.

The airport's address is PO Box 357, Center Road, Block Island, RI 02807. It is situated at an elevation of 108 feet above mean sea level and has a single runway designated 10/28. The runway has an asphalt surface measuring 2,502 by 100 feet.

Boston Logan International Airport

The history of the airport goes back to 1923 when it first opened and was named after General Edward Lawrence Logan, a 20th-century soldier and politician from Boston. The airport has undergone modernisation and expansion projects over the years, including the construction of a new parking garage, a hotel, moving walkways, terminal expansions, and two-tiered roadways to separate arrival and departure traffic.

The airport has a strong presence of various airlines. JetBlue, for instance, has been operating at Logan Airport since 2004 and became its largest carrier by 2011, serving cities throughout North America and the Caribbean. Other major airlines that have served the airport include US Airways, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Air France.

Theodore Francis Green Memorial State Airport

The Theodore Francis Green Memorial State Airport, also known as the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, is a small airport located in Warwick, just 10-15 minutes from downtown Providence. The airport is conveniently located off Interstate 95, with easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, Newport, and Southeastern Connecticut.

The airport offers an average of nearly 100 nonstop daily flights to various destinations, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Newark. It also provides seamless transportation connections, with direct access to MBTA train service. T.F. Green Airport is a favourite among business and leisure travellers, offering a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to its dedication on September 27, 1931, as Hillsgrove State Airport. In 1938, the airport was renamed in honour of Theodore Francis Green, who had been elected to the Senate two years prior. The airport has undergone various renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of the Bruce Sundlun Terminal in 1996, to accommodate increasing traffic and enhance security measures.

T.F. Green Airport provides a range of parking options, including short-term and long-term parking, with covered parking garages and shuttle services available. The airport also houses several amenities, such as private nursing rooms, a Military Lounge for active-duty personnel and veterans, and a quiet Hope Reflection Room. Additionally, travellers can take advantage of the Airport Ambassador programme, where ambassadors in distinctive red coats are readily available to provide assistance and answer any queries.

When planning a trip from T.F. Green Airport, it is recommended to arrive early, allowing sufficient time for parking, baggage drop-off, and dining options. Most airlines suggest arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours in advance for international flights.

Frequently asked questions