Vermont's Main Aviation Hub: Burlington Airport

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Vermont's largest airport is the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV). It is a civil-military airport serving Burlington, Vermont's most populous city, and is located in the neighbouring city of South Burlington. The airport is the busiest in Vermont, with 100 times the traffic of the second-busiest airport, Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport. It is also the only airport in the state with mainline commercial service.

Characteristics Values
Name Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport
IATA Code BTV
ICAO Code KBTV
FAA LID BTV
Location South Burlington
Distance from Burlington's central business district 3 nautical miles (6 km)
Year of first fly-in 1920
Passenger boardings in 2019 687,436
Passenger boardings in 2018 659,233 (4.33% less than in 2019)
Percentage of passengers from Quebec, Canada in 2015 40%
Cargo carriers UPS Airlines, FedEx Express
Parcel transfer between Burlington and larger cargo hubs Wiggins Airways
Aircraft used by FedEx Express Boeing 757-200
Aircraft used by UPS Airlines Cessna 208Bs
Bus service Green Mountain Transit
Airlines American Airlines, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, United Airlines
Amenities Restaurant and bar (The Skinny Pancake), shop (Hudson News)

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Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport

The airport was renamed in 2023 to honour former U.S. senator Patrick Leahy. The first aircraft landed at the airport on Saturday, August 14, 1920, piloted by Captain Hubert Stanford Broad, who served in the Air Forces of Great Britain during World War I. The Burlington Municipal Airport—Vermont's Aerodrome—was formally recognised later that year, on September 22, 1921, by Governor Hartness, himself a pilot. In 1928, the airport received recognition from the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America, and the local Board of Airport Commissioners was formed.

In 1964, Burlington International Airport celebrated Mohawk's new jet service, allowing passengers to fly from BTV to JFK in 42 minutes. In 1967, Mohawk introduced a direct service between BTV and Montreal. By the end of the 1960s, BTV was serving about 100,000 passengers annually. In 1969, the Burlington Board of Aldermen voted to change the airport's title from "municipal" to "international". In 1970, Mohawk Airlines introduced the first jet service to the airport, and in 1971, Burlington voters approved a $1.25 million bond for a new 40,000-square-foot terminal that opened in 1973.

The airport has attracted aviation record-setters and notable figures. In 1931, Post and Gatty starred in an air meet in Burlington, and in 1938, Grace Hall Pugh became the first licensed female pilot in Vermont. On May 22, 1934, Amelia Earhart was presented with the keys to the City of Burlington at the airport. In July 2008, the airport set a local record when 759,154 passengers flew from Burlington, the first time the figure crossed 700,000.

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Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport

The Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport is the second busiest airport in Vermont, with around 1/100th of the traffic of the busiest airport, the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport.

The airport is served by smaller aircraft and does not have the capacity for larger commercial aircraft. It is a convenient option for private pilots and travellers looking to access Southern Vermont.

The airport is well-connected to the surrounding region, with easy access to major roads and nearby towns. It is a popular choice for those looking to explore Southern Vermont's attractions, including its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural offerings.

The airport has a small terminal with essential amenities for travellers, including dining options and shops. It is a good idea to check the specific services and facilities available at the airport before travelling, as they may be limited compared to larger airports.

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Burlington's busiest airport

The airport is Vermont's largest and busiest, with 100 times the traffic of the second-busiest, Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport. It is the only airport in the state with mainline commercial service. In 2019, the airport recorded 687,436 passenger boardings, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, an increase of 4.33% from the previous year. As of 2015, around 40% of the airport's passengers came from Quebec, Canada. The airport is included in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021–2025 and is categorised as a primary commercial service airport.

The airport has a rich history, with the first aircraft landing there in 1920. The pilot, Captain Hubert Stanford Broad, circled the city of Burlington and performed stunts for awaiting spectators before landing his Avro plane. The airport came to be known as Burlington Municipal Airport, and Vermont's Aerodrome, and was formally recognised in 1921 by Governor Hartness, himself a pilot. In 1928, it received recognition from the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America, and the local Board of Airport Commissioners was formed. In 2023, the airport was renamed to honour former U.S. senator Patrick Leahy.

The airport has attracted aviation pioneers such as Post and Gatty, who performed at an air meet in Burlington in 1931, and Grace Hall Pugh, Vermont's "First Lady of Aviation", who became the state's first licensed female pilot in 1938. Amelia Earhart was presented with the keys to the City of Burlington at the airport in 1934.

The airport offers scheduled air service, hangar space, fuel, flight instruction, aircraft rental, de-icing, preheating, and start-up equipment. It is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, and United Airlines. The airport has a restaurant and bar, The Skinny Pancake, and a shop, Hudson News, offering dining and shopping options for travellers.

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Burlington's first fly-in

The Burlington Municipal Airport, now known as Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, is located in South Burlington, just three nautical miles (6 km) east of Burlington's central business district. It is owned by the City of Burlington and serves as the base for the Vermont Air National Guard and the Vermont State Guard. The airport is the busiest in Vermont, with around 40% of its passengers coming from Quebec, Canada, as of 2015.

The airport has a rich history of attracting aviation record-setters and notable figures. In 1931, Post and Gatty starred in an air meet in Burlington, and Grace Hall Pugh became Vermont's first licensed female pilot in 1938. On May 22, 1934, Amelia Earhart, renowned for her solo flights, was presented with the keys to the City of Burlington at the airport.

Today, Burlington International Airport offers a range of amenities and services for travellers, including restaurants, bars, and shops. The airport is easily accessible, with a parking garage just steps from the terminal entrance and public transportation options available. It provides scheduled air service, hangar space, flight instruction, aircraft rental, and U.S. Customs clearance. The airport is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, and more.

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Burlington International Airport amenities

Burlington International Airport, also known as Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, is Vermont's largest airport. It is located in South Burlington, Vermont, and is owned by the City of Burlington. The airport is just three nautical miles (6 km) east of Burlington's central business district and is the busiest airport in Vermont.

Amenities at Burlington International Airport

Burlington International Airport offers a range of amenities to cater to the needs of travellers. Here are some of the key amenities available:

Dining

The airport has a restaurant and bar called The Skinny Pancake, which offers dining options in the terminal or on the plane. Passengers can also order food ahead of time from their website if they are short on time.

Shopping

The airport has a Hudson News store where travellers can purchase reading materials, gifts, snacks, Vermont-made products, and other items.

Transportation

The airport offers convenient rental car services, and it is also served by the Green Mountain Transit daily route 11 bus service, which connects to Downtown Burlington and the University of Vermont.

Sustainability

Burlington International Airport is committed to sustainability and has implemented initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.

Accessibility

The airport is easily accessible, with walk-to parking available, and it is just ten minutes from Lake Champlain and an hour from five world-class mountain resorts.

Frequently asked questions

Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) is Vermont's largest airport.

The airport is located in South Burlington, just 6 km east of Burlington's central business district.

Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport is the busiest airport in Vermont, with 100 times the traffic of the second-busiest airport, Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport. In 2019, the airport recorded 687,436 passenger boardings.

Burlington International Airport has a restaurant and bar called The Skinny Pancake, as well as a shop called Hudson News, which offers reading materials, gifts, snacks, and Vermont-made products.

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