Corporate Aviation provides access to private jet charters worldwide. For those looking to fly privately to or from New York City there are actually a number of options. Surprisingly there is no simple list. So, choosing a New York City Private Jet Airport requires a number of considerations. This is your guide to the major airports that service the area that support private jets.
The New York metro area is one of the busiest airspaces in the world as it contains 8 major commercial and general aviation airports within a 30-mile radius. Commercial airports like LaGuardia (LGA), Kennedy (JFK) and Newark (EWR) can be used, but there can be delays. Most private jet travelers use Teterboro (TEB) and White Plains (HPN) for easy access to New York City and the surrounding area.
The most popular private jet airport is Teterboro as it is situated only 6 miles northwest of downtown Manhattan. However, drive times to and from the airport can be over one hour due to heavy vehicle traffic. Therefore, a savvy traveler may consider White Plains for access from the north or Farmingdale (FRG) for access from the east.
All these airport options are well-equipped with air traffic control towers, longer runways, general aviation service providers (FBOs) and for international flights, US Customs is on-site. These are the primary New York airports, but there are over a dozen other airports in the area that may better suit your itinerary. There are a few alternatives listed below:
- Morristown Airport (MMU) located in Morristown, NJ, 27 miles west of New York City. It is a general aviation airport with a control tower, suitable runways, two FBOs, and US Customs on the field. This airport provides easy access to major highways and is a good option for avoiding delays or for points west of New York City.
- Republic Airport (FRG) located one mile east of Farmingdale Village and is 44 miles east of New York City. It is a general aviation airport with a control tower and suitable runways, three FBO’s and U.S. Customs and Border Protection that is staffed by appointment only. Pilots must request immigration service four hours prior to arrival. This airport is most convenient to the south shore of Long Island and Nassau County.
- Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) located in Islip, Long Island, NY and serves both commercial and general aviation. It is very well equipped with an air traffic control tower, two long runways, FBOs and US Customs on-site. This airport is most convenient to central Long Island and is 58 miles to Manhattan.
- Stewart International Airport (SWF) located in New Windsor, NY services the Hudson Valley 60 miles north of the New York City area. It is a public and military airport with an air traffic control tower, a very long runway, two FBOs and US Customs on-site.
- Francis S. Gabreski Airport (FOK), Westhampton Beach, NY is a joint civil-military airport in Suffolk County servicing the Hamptons and the East End of Long Island. The airport has military length runways and air traffic services. FOK is home to the Air National Guard Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron.
- Monmouth Executive Airport (BLM), Belmar/Farmingdale, New Jersey. This airport is convenient to the north New Jersey shore. Runways are suitable for private jets including most large corporate jets.
It is very important to know that all airports may not be a fit just because it is located near your home base or destination. When flying your jet charter, the charter operator must abide by a set of FAA regulations known as “Part 135”. Under these regulations, your charter company must follow a more restrictive set of rules than someone who owns and operates their own aircraft (called “Part 91”).
These regulations differ in large part due to the FAA’s desire to increase safety across operations flying for compensation or hire. For instance, one of the major rules a ‘Part 135’ flight must follow is the minimum runway length legally required for takeoff and landing.
The minimum runway requirement comprises many factors. Most notably, the physical length of the airport runway. Additionally, the aircraft-specific performance capabilities, and the weather at the time of the intended flight. Based on these factors, this requirement may eliminate some of the airports we discuss. ‘Part 135’ regulations also give the crew ultimate decision making on whether they are comfortable operating in certain airports in the given aircraft.
Contact Corporate Aviation today to arrange your next private jet charter. Email Fly@corporateaviation.com or call us at 203-674-9466
Choosing A New York City Private Jet Airport
By: Manny Barreto,
SVP Charter Sales
Corporate Aviation