Groton-New London Airport (GON) — Connecticut's Military-Adjacent Coastal Aviation Hub
Groton-New London Airport, IATA code GON, is Connecticut's southeastern general aviation and limited commercial airport, serving New London County from its position adjacent to Naval Submarine Base New London on the Thames River. GON is a Connecticut Airport Authority-operated public-use airport within the FAA New England Region, featuring two paved runways and comprehensive FBO services. The airport's coastal Connecticut location — between New London and the Connecticut shoreline — places it within the orbit of Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, which generate significant charter and air taxi traffic through GON. Historically, GON has also seen occasional scheduled commuter service attempts connecting southeastern Connecticut to New York and Boston markets.
The proximity to Naval Submarine Base New London gives GON a unique operational character: military coordination is routine, and pilots must be attentive to the Bravo airspace and restricted areas that protect submarine base operations. The Thames River valley between New London and Norwich creates specific wind and weather patterns that affect approaches to GON, and the Long Island Sound coastal environment brings maritime fog events that can significantly reduce visibility with little warning. Despite these challenges, GON is a vital aviation resource for New London County's 270,000+ residents, providing full general aviation support, maintenance services, and the largest public-use runways in southeastern Connecticut.
What is the IATA code for Groton-New London Airport?
Groton-New London Airport carries the IATA code GON and FAA identifier GON. It is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority and regulated by the FAA New England Region.
What military facilities are adjacent to GON?
Naval Submarine Base New London is adjacent to Groton-New London Airport. This base is home to the Atlantic Fleet submarine force and generates military flight operations that affect civilian airspace management in the GON area.
Does GON have scheduled commercial airline service?
GON's commercial service has varied over the years. The Connecticut Airport Authority has pursued scheduled service to connect southeastern Connecticut to major hubs, though service has been intermittent. Charter and air taxi operations regularly serve GON for Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casino resort traffic.
What weather hazards affect GON?
Long Island Sound coastal fog is the primary weather hazard at GON, with marine layer events capable of rapidly reducing visibility to IFR minimums. Pilots should review coastal METAR data from New London and KBDR before flying into the southeastern Connecticut shoreline area.
What runway lengths does GON offer?
Groton-New London Airport's primary runway is approximately 5,000 feet, accommodating turboprops and light-to-midsize jets. The secondary runway serves lighter general aviation traffic and provides an additional operational option during primary runway maintenance.
Groton New London Airport - GON Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Groton, Connecticut.
| Name | Groton New London Airport - GON |
| Address | 155 Tower Avenue, Groton CT 06340 Map |
| Phone | (860) 445-8549 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Groton New London Airport - GON
Traveling Through Groton-New London Airport in Southeastern Connecticut
Groton-New London Airport is located at 155 Tower Avenue in Groton, Connecticut, accessible from I-95 via Exit 87 and Route 117. The airport's FBO provides 24-hour fueling, hangar and tie-down facilities, car rental, and ground transportation coordination for both GA and charter operations. New London's ferry terminal — connecting to Orient Point, Long Island and Block Island — is just a few miles from GON, and pilots combining air and sea travel for Rhode Island and Long Island destinations find the airport's coastal location advantageous.
The Connecticut Airport Authority has invested in GON's infrastructure including runway resurfacing, lighting upgrades, and terminal improvements to support the airport's charter and GA operations. Pilots arriving from the south crossing Long Island Sound should obtain current SIGMET and coastal weather briefings before any Sound crossing, as maritime weather can deteriorate rapidly in the GON approach environment. The Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium, and the historic downtown New London waterfront are all within 15 minutes of GON, making it a popular destination airport for New England weekend touring by private aircraft.