Maine's Airports: A Guide To The Pine Tree State's Aviation

what is the airport in maine

Maine has a variety of airports, including municipal airports, military airports, and private-use airports. Bangor International Airport is considered Maine's connection to the world, with flights to and from various cities across the United States. The Portland International Jetport is another notable airport in Maine, known for its user-friendly design and accessibility. It offers a range of amenities and serves both regularly scheduled flights and charter and private aircraft. The Northern Maine Regional Airport is also significant, featuring the second-longest commercial runway in the state and catering to commercial, corporate, and private users. These airports play a crucial role in facilitating travel and transportation in and out of Maine.

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Bangor International Airport

From the 1970s to the 1990s, the airport attracted 3,000 to 5,000 commercial flights per year, mainly charter jetliners flying between Europe and the West Coast of the United States, or the Caribbean and Mexico. Bangor was a popular refuelling stop for international flights, and as a U.S. port of entry, it allowed passengers to clear customs and immigration while their planes were being serviced. The airport has been designated by NASA as an emergency landing location for the Space Shuttle.

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Portland International Jetport

The airport has a rich history, with aerial dogfights and Northeast's "yellowbirds" taking off from its runways. On September 3, 1987, an incident occurred where an Eastern Metro Express pilot fell off a Beechcraft 99 while the plane was flying to Boston Logan International Airport. Fortunately, the co-pilot was able to land the plane safely, and both occupants survived.

The airport has undergone several expansions and improvements over the years. In 2010 and 2011, a major expansion of the airline terminal took place, with improvements to check-in and security, reconfiguration of roads, and expansion of the parking garage. The expanded terminal opened to the public on October 2, 2011, with a $75 million price tag. Additionally, an official plane-spotting area was built in 2009, allowing aircraft enthusiasts to safely observe flight activities.

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Small airports in Maine

Maine has six major airports, including Bangor International Airport and Portland International Jetport, which offer many daily scheduled commercial flights. In addition, there are 49 smaller airports and 24 seaplane bases serving other areas of the state.

The small airports in Maine support charter, private, and commuter aircraft. Some small airports offer regularly scheduled flights, while others only support charter and private aircraft. Here is a list of some of the small airports in Maine:

  • Small airport with regularly scheduled flights: Airport Road, Greenville, ME 04441.
  • Small airports supporting charter and private aircraft only: 1001 Westbrook St., Portland, ME 04102; Airport Road, Augusta, ME 04330; Airport Road, Stonington, ME 04681; 650 Airport Drive, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
  • Small airport with some commuter service, charter, and private aircraft: 287 Godfrey Blvd, Bangor, ME 04401.

The Northern Maine Regional Airport, located centrally adjacent to Route 1, is considered the Gateway to Northern Maine. It boasts the second-longest commercial runway in the state and serves a variety of commercial, corporate, and private users.

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Private aviation in Maine

Private aviation services are available at several airports in Maine. Bangor International Airport, located in Bangor, is Maine's primary connection to the rest of the world. It offers flights to major cities across the United States, including Orlando, Washington, and New York, and provides easy connections to all national and international destinations. The airport also has a full-service general aviation facility, Maine Aero Services, which provides comprehensive support for aircraft throughout their lifecycles, including maintenance and float services.

For those seeking a more intimate aviation experience, Northern Maine Regional Airport is considered the gateway to Northern Maine. This airport caters to a variety of commercial, corporate, and private users and boasts the second-longest commercial runway in the state. It is centrally located, making it a convenient option for travellers heading to Northern Maine.

Southern Maine Aviation, based in Sanford, offers a range of services, including flight training for beginners and advanced pilots, aircraft maintenance and storage, and corporate arrivals. They also provide scenic flights, which can be a memorable way to experience the beauty of Maine from above.

There are also several smaller airports across the state that support private and charter flights, including locations in Presque Isle, Stonington, Millinocket, Jackman, and Auburn. These smaller airports often cater specifically to private and charter flights from the U.S. and Canada, providing a more exclusive and tailored aviation experience for travellers.

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Military airports in Maine

Bangor International Airport is a joint civil-military airport located 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Bangor, in Penobscot County, Maine. It was formerly a military installation known as Dow Air Force Base and remains home to the 101st Air Refueling Wing of the Maine Air National Guard. The airport has a single runway measuring 11,439 by 200 ft (3,487 by 61 m) and is owned and operated by the City of Bangor. Bangor International Airport has emerged as Maine's friendly and convenient airport, offering flights to several destinations within the United States.

During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) established numerous airfields in Maine for training pilots and aircrews of USAAF fighters and bombers. Many of these former wartime airfields were converted into municipal airports, while some were retained as United States Air Force installations during the Cold War. One such airfield that became a military airport is the Bangor Air National Guard Base, which was previously known as Dow Air Force Base.

Northern Maine Regional Airport at Presque Isle is another airport in Maine with a military presence. While it primarily serves commercial, corporate, and private users, it is also located adjacent to Route 1, making it a convenient stop for military charters.

Maine is also home to several small airports that support charter and private aircraft. These airports may have served as training grounds during World War II, contributing to Maine's aviation history and military presence.

Frequently asked questions

Bangor International Airport, Portland International Jetport, Northern Maine Regional Airport, and many small airports supporting charter and private aircraft.

The Portland International Jetport is Maine's largest airport.

The Jetport in Portland, Maine, is easy to navigate, user-friendly, and fully handicapped-accessible.

Bangor International Airport has emerged as Maine's friendly and convenient airport, offering flights to and from Orlando, Washington, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, Tampa, and Newark airports.

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