New Hampshire Airports: Manchester-Boston Regional and the Granite State's Aviation Network
New Hampshire's aviation infrastructure serves a compact but economically vibrant state of 1.4 million residents, with Manchester-Boston Regional Airport providing the primary commercial gateway and a network of 24 public-use airports supporting general aviation across the Granite State. Despite being one of the smallest states by area at just 9,349 square miles, New Hampshire's aviation system punches above its weight by offering an attractive alternative to Boston's Logan International Airport for travelers in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. The state's airports serve a diverse economy that includes technology, defense contracting, tourism, financial services, and manufacturing, while also supporting access to the White Mountains, Lakes Region, and seacoast communities that draw millions of visitors annually.
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) serves as New Hampshire's only commercial airport, strategically positioned to draw passengers from both southern New Hampshire and the northern Massachusetts suburbs. Located approximately 50 miles north of downtown Boston, MHT handles approximately 1.5 million passengers annually and has historically marketed itself as a less congested, more affordable alternative to Logan International Airport. Airlines serving MHT include Southwest Airlines, which operates the majority of flights and has been the airport's anchor carrier for decades, American Airlines with service to Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Chicago O'Hare, Spirit Airlines with ultra-low-cost service, and United Airlines with connections to its hubs. Southwest Airlines provides nonstop service from Manchester to destinations including Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Las Vegas, Nashville, and seasonal routes. The airport features a modern terminal building, free short-term parking, and significantly lower parking rates than Logan Airport, which has been a key competitive advantage in attracting Massachusetts-resident passengers.
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport has experienced fluctuating fortunes over the past two decades. During the early 2000s, MHT thrived as a low-cost alternative to congested and expensive Logan, with passenger volumes peaking at over 4 million annually when multiple airlines competed aggressively for northern New England travelers. However, increased competition from Logan — particularly after Southwest Airlines began service at Boston in 2009 — drew passengers back to the larger airport, and MHT's traffic declined significantly. The airport has worked to stabilize its passenger base by emphasizing convenience advantages including shorter security lines, easier parking, and lower ground transportation costs. MHT also generates significant revenue from non-airline operations including FedEx and UPS cargo hubs, corporate aviation, and a growing drone testing program.
Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB), also known as Lebanon Regional Airport, serves the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont, including Dartmouth College and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center — northern New England's largest academic medical center. Cape Air provides scheduled service from Lebanon to Boston Logan, offering small-aircraft flights on Cessna 402 equipment that connect the Upper Valley to the national airline network. This service is supported by the Essential Air Service program and is critically important for Dartmouth-Hitchcock patients and Dartmouth College faculty, students, and visitors. The airport features a 5,496-foot paved runway and instrument landing system. Laconia Municipal Airport (LCI) serves the Lakes Region tourist area around Lake Winnipesaukee, supporting general aviation and seasonal recreational flying that peaks during summer months.
New Hampshire's general aviation airports provide essential infrastructure for the state's business community and recreational pilots. Nashua Airport (ASH), also known as Boire Field, serves the second-largest city in New Hampshire and the technology companies along the Route 101A and Route 3 corridors. The airport accommodates corporate aircraft, flight training, and private pilots. Concord Municipal Airport (CON) serves the state capital with general aviation access, supporting state government operations and business travel. Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM), located on the former Pease Air Force Base, primarily serves as a general aviation and cargo facility while also hosting the New Hampshire Air National Guard's 157th Air Refueling Wing, which operates KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft — one of the first units in the Air Force to receive this next-generation tanker. Pease's 11,321-foot runway, a Cold War legacy from its days as a Strategic Air Command B-52 base, can accommodate the largest military and civilian aircraft.
The White Mountains region of northern New Hampshire is served by several small airports that support tourism and recreational access to one of the most popular outdoor recreation areas in the northeastern United States. Mount Washington Regional Airport (HIE) in Whitefield provides general aviation access to the Presidential Range and White Mountain National Forest area. Dean Memorial Airport in Haverhill and Franconia Airport serve additional northern communities. These airports, while handling relatively modest traffic volumes, are important for emergency medical services, search and rescue operations in the White Mountains (where the Presidential Range experiences some of the most extreme weather in the eastern United States), and for providing access to the region's tourism-dependent communities. New Hampshire's Aeronautics Division within the Department of Transportation oversees the state airport system, administering grants and planning initiatives that maintain the Granite State's aviation infrastructure.
Airports in New Hampshire are managed by a combination of local airport authorities, county commissions, and municipal agencies, with safety and airspace oversight provided by the FAA's regional offices. The state's geography, population centers, and economic activity shape the distribution and size of airport facilities.
Airports locations are available in 38 cities across New Hampshire. They are spread across 10 counties.
Cities with the highest concentration include Nashua, Kensington, Whitefield, which tend to have more airport facilities due to larger populations, major business activity, and higher demand for commercial air service.
Residents of New Hampshire can use this directory to locate the nearest commercial airport, confirm terminal and airline information, and find contact details for airport administration offices.
Airports by Counties
Airports by Cities
Residents of New Hampshire looking for airport information should visit the specific airport's official website for current terminal maps, parking rates, and real-time flight status. Many airports in New Hampshire also provide online tools for tracking flights and checking security wait times before departure.
Browse Airports by county across New Hampshire to find the nearest location.
Frequently Asked Questions — New Hampshire Airports
New Hampshire Aviation: Competition with Boston, Economic Impact, and Future Outlook
The competitive relationship between Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Boston Logan International Airport defines much of New Hampshire's commercial aviation dynamic. During the early 2000s, MHT capitalized on Logan's congestion, high parking costs, and security delays to attract passengers from a broad catchment area extending well into Massachusetts. Airlines responded with extensive route networks, and passenger volumes soared. However, Logan's improvements — better highway access via the Ted Williams Tunnel, expanded airline service, and the arrival of Southwest Airlines at Boston in 2009 — reversed many of MHT's competitive advantages. The airport has adapted by focusing on its core strengths of convenience, lower costs, and strong Southwest Airlines service while pursuing diversification through cargo, corporate aviation, and emerging aviation technologies.
New Hampshire's aviation economy extends well beyond passenger travel. The defense and aerospace industry generates significant aviation-related economic activity, with companies like BAE Systems in Nashua producing electronic warfare systems, radar technology, and other defense electronics used in military aircraft worldwide. The New Hampshire Air National Guard's KC-46A Pegasus program at Pease brings federal investment and high-skilled employment to the seacoast region. Flight training operations at airports across the state prepare the next generation of pilots, and aviation maintenance facilities support both civilian and military aircraft.
The future of New Hampshire aviation involves balancing commercial air service development with the preservation of the general aviation network that serves the state's smaller communities and outdoor recreation economy. Manchester-Boston Regional continues working to attract additional airline service and maintain fare competition, while regional airports seek state and federal investment in infrastructure maintenance and safety improvements. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation's Bureau of Aeronautics coordinates planning and grant administration across the state airport system, ensuring that the Granite State's aviation infrastructure meets the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. As New Hampshire's population continues to grow — driven by migration from higher-cost states — the demand for convenient, affordable air service from the state's airports will only increase, presenting both challenges and opportunities for aviation development in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How early should I arrive at the airport?
Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.
2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.
3. What is clear at the airport?
Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.
Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.
To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.
4. Are masks required in airports?
The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.
5. Can you bring food through airport security?
Yes, you can bring food through airport security.
Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.
Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.
6. How much is airport parking?
The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.
On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.
7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?
Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.
8. Can I sleep in an airport?
Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.
Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.