Airports Serving Ontario County, New York
Ontario County sits in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, a destination known for its wine trails, Seneca and Canandaigua Lakes, and historic towns like Canandaigua and Geneva. While the county itself does not host a commercial service airport within its borders, residents and visitors have reliable access to several regional and international airports within a reasonable drive, each offering distinct advantages depending on destination and travel preference.
The closest commercial airport to Ontario County is the Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), located approximately 25 miles northwest of Canandaigua in Monroe County. ROC is served by major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, offering nonstop service to hubs such as Charlotte Douglas (CLT), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL), and Boston Logan (BOS). The airport handles roughly 3 million passengers annually and features two terminals, a TSA PreCheck lane, rental car facilities, and ample long-term parking. For most Ontario County travelers, ROC is the default gateway for domestic travel.
For those requiring international connections or broader nonstop options, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) lies approximately 75 miles to the west of Canandaigua, typically a 75- to 90-minute drive via I-90. BUF serves carriers including Southwest, JetBlue, American, Delta, United, and Air Canada, with routes to Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Cancún (CUN), and major U.S. hubs. Its single passenger terminal is known for shorter security lines and lower average fares compared to larger northeastern airports, making it attractive for Ontario County travelers seeking competitive pricing or international routes.
Travelers willing to make the roughly 90-minute drive east on the New York State Thruway and I-81 can access Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), situated in Onondaga County. SYR operates nonstop routes through American, Delta, United, and JetBlue to destinations including New York JFK, Philadelphia, Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, Boston, and Washington Dulles. The airport serves approximately 2 million passengers per year and recently completed terminal upgrades that improved concessions and gate capacity.
For private aviation and charter flight access directly within the county, Canandaigua Airport (D38)—a general aviation facility managed by Ontario County—serves small piston and turboprop aircraft. Located off County Road 10 just south of Canandaigua city, D38 features a 3,500-foot paved runway, transient aircraft parking, and fuel services. It is commonly used by corporate travelers, flight training operations, and recreational pilots exploring the Finger Lakes. The airport does not offer scheduled commercial service but provides an important link for business aviation in the region.
Additionally, Penn Yan Airport (PEO), situated in neighboring Yates County just south of Ontario County's border, serves as another general aviation option for residents in the southern portions of Ontario County including the towns of Naples and Canadice. Penn Yan Airport has a 3,300-foot paved runway and is popular with agricultural aviation and recreational flyers traversing the Finger Lakes.
Ontario County's transportation infrastructure, anchored by Route 5 and 20 and convenient access to the New York State Thruway (I-90), makes reaching any of these airport options manageable for county residents. The county's Office of Economic Development actively supports regional air connectivity as part of its broader tourism and business attraction strategy, given the importance of the Finger Lakes wine and tourism industry to the local economy.
Whether you are a county resident planning a business trip, a wine trail visitor returning home, or a regional business coordinating freight and charter logistics, understanding the full landscape of airport access from Ontario County ensures you can select the most efficient and cost-effective travel option for your needs.
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 York 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 Ontario County, New York.
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 0 Regional Airport in Ontario County, New York.
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 Ontario County, New York.
Local Airports
There are 7 Local Airport in Ontario County, New York.