Stewart Airport Location: Exploring County Benefits And Beyond

what county is stewart airport in

Stewart International Airport, colloquially known as Stewart Airport, is a public/military airport in Orange County, New York. The airport is in the southern Hudson Valley, west of Newburgh and over 60 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. It is also south of Kingston and southwest of Poughkeepsie. Stewart Airport has been included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2017–2021 and is categorized as a non-hub primary commercial service facility.

Characteristics Values
Name New York Stewart International Airport
Acronyms IATA: SWF, ICAO: KSWF, FAA LID: SWF
Type Public/Military Airport
Location Orange County, New York, United States
Region Southern Hudson Valley
Nearby Towns Newburgh, New Windsor, Poughkeepsie, Kingston
Distance from Manhattan, New York City Approximately 60 miles (97 km) north
Airport System Category Non-hub primary commercial service facility
History Developed in the 1930s as a military base for aviation training
Current Use Passenger airport for mid-Hudson region and military airfield
Military Presence 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron
Accessibility Accessible via NY I-84 and I-87 (NY Thruway)
Amenities Ample parking, car rentals, and public transportation options

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Stewart International Airport's location

Stewart International Airport, also known as New York Stewart International Airport, is a public/military airport located in Orange County, New York, United States. It is situated in the southern part of the Hudson Valley, specifically in the towns of Newburgh and New Windsor. The airport is approximately 60 miles north of Manhattan, New York City, west of Newburgh, south of Kingston, and southwest of Poughkeepsie.

The airport's location in the southern Hudson Valley places it in a scenic and convenient spot, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. This region is known for its natural beauty and proximity to several notable cities and towns. The Hudson Valley is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including lush green hills, rolling vineyards, and the majestic Hudson River.

Stewart International Airport's specific address is New Windsor, NY 12553. Travellers can easily access the airport via major roadways such as NY I-84 and I-87 (NY Thruway). The airport's location provides good connectivity to nearby cities and towns, making it a convenient gateway for passengers travelling to and from the mid-Hudson region.

The airport is strategically positioned to serve both civilian and military purposes. It was initially developed in the 1930s as a military base for aviation training for cadets at the nearby United States Military Academy at West Point. Over time, it has evolved into a significant passenger airport for the region, while still maintaining its military presence as the home of the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron.

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The airport's history

Stewart International Airport is a public/military airport in Orange County, New York, in the southern Hudson Valley. It is located west of Newburgh, south of Kingston, and southwest of Poughkeepsie, approximately 60 miles (97 km) north of Manhattan, New York City.

The airport was developed in the 1930s as a military base to allow cadets at the nearby United States Military Academy at West Point to learn aviation. Over the years, it has grown into a significant passenger airport for the mid-Hudson region and continues to serve as a military airfield, housing the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron.

In the 1970s, the airport faced economic challenges due to the oil crisis and an increase in jet fuel prices, which led to a decrease in airline operations. The project was put on hold by Malcolm Wilson, and his successor, Hugh Carey, ended it permanently in 1976. However, the airport played a significant role during the Iran hostage crisis in 1981, when the 52 American hostages returned to the United States via Stewart International Airport after 444 days of captivity.

The state has made efforts to improve and develop the airport, including creating better road access with a new interchange on Interstate 84 and widening Drury Lane. The airport has also faced some challenges, such as competition from other airports in the region and the retirement of the Concorde, which had been a "tourist draw". Despite these challenges, Stewart International Airport continues to operate and serve the mid-Hudson region, providing parking, car rentals, and public transportation options for travellers.

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Ownership of the land

Stewart International Airport, also known as New York Stewart International Airport, is a public-military airport located in Orange County, New York. The airport is situated in the southern Hudson Valley, west of Newburgh and over 60 miles north of Manhattan, New York City.

The airport is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and it has a history of changing hands between different government departments and agencies. The airport was initially developed in the 1930s as a military base for aviation training for cadets at the nearby United States Military Academy at West Point. In 1981, it was used as the landing site for the return of 52 American hostages held in Iran, marking the end of the Iran hostage crisis. The state then transferred control of the airport from the MTA to its Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in the early 1980s, with a mandate to improve and develop the airport.

However, the project faced challenges due to the oil crisis and increasing jet fuel prices, leading to a temporary hold and eventual cancellation in 1976. Despite these setbacks, the airport continued to be used for military purposes, housing the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard. In 2006, the state transferred ownership of the adjacent state forest from the DOT to the DEC, creating the Stewart State Forest. This transfer was met with some opposition from Orange County due to the additional costs incurred.

The airport has also undergone privatization efforts, with National Express playing a key role in improving access and infrastructure. However, these attempts faced complications, including the proximity of the New York City water supply system, and issues between the state and private companies involved. Despite these challenges, the airport remains a significant passenger hub for the mid-Hudson region and continues to operate as a military airfield.

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Stewart International Airport is located in Orange County, New York, in the southern Hudson Valley. It is situated west of Newburgh, south of Kingston, and southwest of Poughkeepsie. The airport is approximately 60 miles north of Manhattan, New York City.

Stewart International Airport is conveniently accessible via several major roadways. One option is the Interstate 84 (I-84), which has an exit specifically designated for the airport, known as Exit 5A. This exit was added in 2007 as part of an interchange project at Drury Lane, which improved the airport's accessibility. Another route to the airport is the Interstate 87 (I-87), also known as the New York Thruway.

In addition to these interstate highways, there is also an east-west access road called International Boulevard, which was constructed to address the airport's longstanding access issues. This four-lane road provides a direct route to the airport from the surrounding areas.

For those travelling by car, the airport offers ample parking options. Alternatively, car rental services are available for those who need a vehicle upon their arrival.

While the airport does cater to public transportation, it has historically faced challenges with attracting passengers due to its relatively remote location. As a result, many travellers within its catchment area opt for alternative airports such as Albany International Airport or Newark Airport.

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The airport's military use

New York Stewart International Airport, located in Orange County, New York, United States, is a public/military airport. It is colloquially referred to as Stewart International Airport and is situated in the southern Hudson Valley, approximately 60 miles (97 km) north of Manhattan, New York City. The airport is within the towns of Newburgh and New Windsor.

Stewart International Airport was initially developed in the 1930s as a military base for aviation training for cadets at the nearby United States Military Academy at West Point. During World War II, several barracks and buildings were constructed on the base, many of which still stand today. In the post-World War II era, the army airfield transitioned into an air force base while continuing to train cadets at West Point. Stewart Airport became the home of Headquarters 1st Region Army Air Defense Command from 1966 until the deactivation of the Nike Hercules system in 1974.

The air force base was deactivated in 1970, and the site remained unoccupied by the Air Force until 1983. During this period, there were efforts to transition the airport into a commercial facility, but these plans were hindered by the oil crisis and escalating fuel prices in the 1970s. In 1981, the airport served as the arrival point for the freed American hostages returning from Iran, marking the end of the Iran hostage crisis.

In the 1980s, the airport underwent privatisation, and the National Express Group was awarded a 99-year contract for its operation. The airport continued to serve military functions, housing the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard and the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron. The Stewart Air National Guard Base, located within the airport, has a day-to-day military population of approximately 660 full-time Air National Guard personnel, along with additional active-duty personnel from various branches of the military. The base has supported military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and has been utilised for humanitarian relief efforts, including the Hurricane Sandy relief campaign.

Today, Stewart International Airport continues to operate as a dual-use airport, serving both civilian and military aviation needs. In the 12-month period ending April 30, 2023, the airport recorded 37,133 aircraft operations, of which 17% were military-related. As of April 2023, out of the 54 aircraft based at the airport, 9 were military aircraft. The airport remains an important military airfield, contributing to both domestic and international operations.

Frequently asked questions

Stewart Airport, also known as New York Stewart International Airport, is in Orange County, New York.

Stewart Airport is located in the southern Hudson Valley, west of Newburgh and south of Kingston.

Stewart Airport is located within the towns of Newburgh and New Windsor.

Stewart Airport is approximately 60 miles (97 km) north of Manhattan, New York City.

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