Passenger Traffic Increases at Regional Airports North of New York City

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in passenger traffic at two regional airports north of New York City. This growth has been largely driven by budget airlines, making air travel more accessible for travelers.

At Westchester County Airport, frequent flier Jill Forrester has noticed a significant increase in passenger volume. “The waiting room is always packed and there’s not a lot of places to sit down,” Forrester said, adding that she prefers to spend her time in the observation tower for a quieter experience.

Airport statistics show that Westchester County Airport handled 1. 5 million passengers in 2017, but by 2024, that number had risen to 2. 3 million. Similarly, at Tweed Airport in New Haven, a Hearst Connecticut Media study found that passenger traffic had increased tenfold since 2019. In response to this surge in passengers, Tweed Airport is looking to expand its terminal space to accommodate the growing numbers.

The increase in passenger traffic can be largely attributed to the introduction of budget airlines such as Avelo and Breeze, which have added routes to popular leisure destinations from both Westchester County and Tweed airports. “Avelo and Breeze have built routes out of these airports to places that people want to go, and they are offering more reasonably priced fares compared to other airlines,” said travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.

In response to questions about the rise in passenger volume, Westchester County provided a statement from spokeswoman Catherine Cioffi. According to Cioffi, while there has been an increase in passengers, there has not been a significant rise in the number of flights. This is due to the use of larger, more efficient, and quieter aircraft, resulting in more passengers per flight. She also emphasized that the county is looking to modernize the terminal at Westchester County Airport, with a focus on enhancing the overall airport experience for passengers.

However, according to Harteveldt, there is a drawback to using regional airports for budget travel. The destinations offered by budget airlines are often smaller markets with limited schedules, making it challenging for travelers if their flights are delayed or cancelled. “Your options will be limited to get to your destination compared to major airlines,” Harteveldt explained.

Despite this, Breeze is continuing to expand its services in the region, adding routes at MacArthur Airport on Long Island and Stewart Airport in Orange County. This expansion is expected to provide more options for budget travelers in the area.

In conclusion, the regional airports north of New York City have seen a significant increase in passenger traffic in recent years, thanks to budget airlines offering more affordable and accessible travel options. While there are some limitations to using these airports, the overall impact has been positive for both travelers and the airports themselves.