Airports Serving Burlington County, New Jersey
Burlington County is the largest county by land area in New Jersey, spanning over 800 square miles of varied terrain from the Delaware River waterfront communities near Philadelphia to the Pine Barrens wilderness in the east. Home to approximately 461,000 residents in communities like Mount Laurel, Evesham, Burlington City, and Moorestown, the county sits in a favorable geographic position between two major airports, giving travelers flexibility based on destination and airline preference. The county is also home to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, one of the nation's most important military installations, which significantly shapes the local aviation landscape.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Philadelphia International Airport is the primary commercial airport for Burlington County residents, located approximately 20 miles southwest of central Burlington County across the Delaware River. The drive via Interstate 295 and the Betsy Ross Bridge or the New Jersey Turnpike and Walt Whitman Bridge typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. PHL serves as a major American Airlines hub with nonstop flights to over 140 domestic and international destinations, including London, Dublin, Reykjavik, Cancun, and numerous Caribbean islands. Southwest Airlines maintains a significant presence at PHL as well, along with Delta, United, JetBlue, Frontier, and Spirit Airlines. Terminal F serves regional flights while the newer Terminals A-West and B/C handle the bulk of domestic operations.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) occupies a vast tract of Burlington County land in the communities of Wrightstown, New Hanover, and North Hanover. McGuire Air Force Base, one of the three installations consolidated into the joint base in 2009, operates a major military airlift mission with C-17 Globemaster III aircraft flown by the 305th Air Mobility Wing and KC-10 Extender tankers. The base's two parallel runways handle thousands of military aircraft movements annually, supporting deployments, humanitarian missions, and aerial refueling operations. While not open to civilian traffic, JB MDL employs approximately 44,000 military and civilian personnel, making it a dominant economic force in Burlington County and generating significant demand for commercial air travel at nearby civilian airports.
Additional Airport Options
Burlington County residents heading to international destinations beyond PHL's route network can access Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), approximately 70 miles northeast via the New Jersey Turnpike. EWR's United Airlines hub offers expansive global connectivity, particularly to European and Asian destinations. Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) sits about 55 miles southeast for budget-conscious travelers using Spirit Airlines or Frontier Airlines. For general aviation, South Jersey Regional Airport (VAY) in Lumberton within Burlington County itself provides a 3,600-foot paved runway for private pilots and small charter operations, while Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) lies 25 miles north and offers limited commercial service through Frontier Airlines with nonstop flights to select domestic destinations.
Military Aviation and Community Impact
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst's aviation operations have a profound effect on Burlington County beyond direct employment. The 305th Air Mobility Wing's C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, among the largest military transports in the U.S. Air Force inventory, regularly fly training missions, cargo runs, and troop deployments from the base. The 621st Contingency Response Wing maintains rapid-deployment airlift capabilities that have supported humanitarian operations worldwide. Military flight paths over Burlington County are managed through restricted airspace zones that affect general aviation routing in the area. The base's annual open house and air show events draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Burlington County, showcasing military aircraft demonstrations and providing an economic boost to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses in communities like Mount Holly, Bordentown, and Wrightstown.
Burlington County Travel Patterns
Burlington County's geographic sprawl means travel patterns to airports vary significantly across the county. Western communities like Mount Laurel, Moorestown, and Burlington City orient naturally toward Philadelphia International Airport, with drives of 20 to 35 minutes. Eastern communities like Pemberton and Woodland Township in the Pine Barrens may find Atlantic City International Airport more practical for budget travel, with drives of 40 to 50 minutes. Northern Burlington County communities such as Bordentown and Chesterfield sit closer to Trenton-Mercer Airport, making TTN's free parking and Frontier Airlines fares particularly attractive for families watching travel costs. This three-way airport split reflects Burlington County's unique position at the intersection of the Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and central New Jersey airport markets.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major New Jersey Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Burlington County, New Jersey.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 1 Regional Airport in Burlington County, New Jersey.
South Jersey Regional Airport - Lly
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Burlington County, New Jersey.
Local Airports
There are 4 Local Airport in Burlington County, New Jersey.
Allen Airport
Mcguire Air Force Airport - Wri
Mc Guire Airport
Red Lion Airport
Airports in near by County
Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in Burlington County, New Jersey
Burlington County's central location in New Jersey provides residents with a practical range of air travel options. Philadelphia International Airport handles the majority of commercial travel needs with its extensive American Airlines hub operations and broad carrier mix. Trenton-Mercer Airport offers a budget-friendly alternative for select routes, while Newark Liberty covers international destinations beyond PHL's reach. The presence of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst adds a distinctive military aviation dimension to the county, and South Jersey Regional Airport ensures that general aviation pilots have local facilities for private flying. Together, these airports make Burlington County a well-served region for travelers of all types across New Jersey.
Burlington County's continued population growth, particularly in the Route 130 and Route 206 corridors, is increasing demand for convenient airport access. The county's master planning efforts recognize the importance of maintaining good highway connections to Philadelphia International Airport and improving access to Trenton-Mercer Airport as Frontier Airlines expands service. For the tens of thousands of military families stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst who need to travel home during leave periods, the proximity of multiple airports within an hour's drive provides flexibility that many military installations around the country cannot match, further reinforcing Burlington County's reputation as a desirable duty station in the Department of Defense network.