Maine's Airport Ownership: A Comprehensive Overview

which airports are owned by maine

Maine has several airports, both public and private, with scheduled passenger service and general aviation services. Bangor International Airport, Portland International Jetport, and Presque Isle International Airport are the state's three international airports. Bangor International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the region, providing competitive airfares and convenient services. The state also has smaller airports, such as the Stephen A. Bean Municipal Airport in Rangely, that cater to charter and private aircraft.

Characteristics Values
Number of airports in Maine 50
Number of publicly-owned airports 36
Number of airports with regularly scheduled passenger service 6
Number of airports serving the general aviation community 30
Number of international airports 3
Airports with scheduled passenger service Portland International Jetport (PWM), Bangor International Airport (BGL/BGR), Presque Isle International Airport (PQI)
Airports serving the general aviation community Stephen A. Bean Municipal Airport (Rangely), Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), Northern Maine Regional Airport, and others

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Bangor International Airport

The airport has undergone multiple multi-day shutdowns in late April and May 2025 for runway rehabilitation. The project, with contributions from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Maine Air National Guard, the Maine Department of Transportation, and the airport itself, aims to ensure the runway's safety, innovation, and resilience. Bangor International Airport is committed to providing a convenient and accessible gateway to the world for its passengers and partners.

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Portland International Jetport

The airport has also been affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Mohamed Atta and Abdulaziz al-Omari travelled through Portland Jetport on their way to carrying out the attacks. In the aftermath, security measures were heightened, and plane-spotting activities were prohibited due to security concerns.

In terms of infrastructure, Portland International Jetport has undergone several expansions and improvements. In 2010 and 2011, the airport underwent a $75 million expansion project, which included improvements to check-in and security areas, reconfiguration of roads, and expansion of the parking garage. Additionally, in 2004, Runway 11/29 was lengthened to 7,200 feet.

Regarding airline services, Portland International Jetport has experienced some fluctuations. In 2002, American Eagle stopped flying to the Jetport, and in 2005, Delta Air Lines ended its mainline service. However, in 2009, international service resumed with Starlink Aviation offering flights to Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, Starlink ended its service in 2010, and Air Canada pulled out of Portland in 2013, leaving the Jetport without scheduled international service once again. Despite these changes, the airport continues to serve various airlines, including American, United, Delta, and Allegiant.

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Presque Isle International Airport

The airport has a history of incidents, including a Cessna 421 engine fire in 2017, a CommutAir Flight 4933 crash in 2019, and a 1998 Piper PA-31 crash that killed two pilots.

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Publicly owned airports

In 2006, Maine had 50 airports, 36 of which were publicly owned. Of these 36 publicly owned airports, only 6 were served by regularly scheduled passenger service. The remaining 30 airports served the general aviation community, which flies smaller, unscheduled aircraft. Bangor International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in Maine, with more than 60 flights departing daily. The airport is disabled-friendly and offers amenities such as TDD phones, shops, ATMs, restaurants, porter services, and locker facilities. It is served by major airlines such as American, United, Delta, and Allegiant, providing convenient connections to various domestic and international destinations.

Another notable publicly-owned airport in Maine is the Portland International Jetport (PWM), located in the southern part of the state. While it is one of the three international airports in Maine, it is unknown if it is publicly owned. The Jetport is easy to navigate and user-friendly, offering full handicapped accessibility. Visitors can take advantage of amenities like a gift shop, a Visitor Information Center, an ATM, and a snack bar.

The Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) in northern Maine is the state's smallest international airport, solely serving CommutAir. However, it provides easy access to northern Maine and is considered the Gateway to Northern Maine. This airport caters to a range of commercial, corporate, and private users.

Additionally, the Northern Maine Regional Airport, located adjacent to Route 1, boasts the second-longest commercial runway in the state. This airport supports a mix of commercial, corporate, and private aviation users. While it may not fall under the category of publicly owned airports, it is worth mentioning for its significant infrastructure and user accessibility.

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Private aviation

For those seeking private aviation services, there are numerous airports scattered throughout Maine that accommodate charter and private flights. These include small airports in Stonington, Millinocket, Frenchville, Rangeley, Jackman, Dover-Foxcroft, Kingfield, Houlton, Augusta, Islesboro, Biddeford, Auburn, and Presque Isle. Each of these airports can be contacted directly for information regarding private flights and services.

One standout location for private aviation is the Northern Maine Regional Airport, which serves as the gateway to Northern Maine. This airport is strategically located adjacent to Route 1 and boasts the second-longest commercial runway in the state. It supports a diverse range of users, including commercial, corporate, and private aviation. The airport is easily navigable and offers amenities like a gift shop, a Visitor Information Center, and handicapped-accessible facilities.

Additionally, the Stephen A. Bean Municipal Airport in Rangely is another option for private aviation. While it primarily serves as a municipal airfield, it also caters to private aircraft. Maine also allows seaplane landings in specific locations within the Allagash Wilderness Waterway during certain seasons, providing a unique private aviation experience.

Maine's small airports play a vital role in supporting private aviation. These airports often serve as gateways to the state's beautiful natural areas, such as the airport located on the doorstep of Acadia National Park. They offer a range of services, including ground transportation options like taxis and car rentals, to ensure a seamless travel experience for private aircraft users.

Frequently asked questions

In 2006, there were 50 airports in Maine, 36 of which were publicly owned.

Of the 36 publicly owned airports, only 6 are served by regularly scheduled passenger service. These include Bangor International Airport, Portland International Jetport, and Presque Isle International Airport.

Bangor International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in Maine, with more than 60 flights taking off each day.

Yes, there are several small airports in Maine that support charter and private aircraft only. These include the airports in Greenville, Fryeburg, and Princeton.

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