Airports Serving Suffolk County, New York
Suffolk County occupies the eastern two-thirds of Long Island, stretching from the Nassau County border all the way to Montauk Point. With a population of roughly 1.5 million residents spread across towns including Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southampton, and East Hampton, the county relies on a mix of commercial, regional, and general aviation facilities to meet its air travel demands. Whether you are commuting to business meetings, heading to a vacation destination, or shipping time-sensitive cargo, understanding the airport landscape in Suffolk County helps you choose the right facility for your needs.
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
Long Island MacArthur Airport, located in Ronkonkoma within the Town of Islip, is the primary commercial service airport serving Suffolk County. The airport sits approximately 50 miles east of Midtown Manhattan and offers a convenient alternative to the three major New York metropolitan airports — John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) — particularly for residents of central and western Suffolk County who would otherwise face lengthy drives through Nassau County and New York City traffic.
MacArthur Airport is served by Frontier Airlines and has historically attracted carriers including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and others drawn by the airport's lower operating costs and uncongested airspace. The single terminal features streamlined security checkpoints, covered parking structures, rental car facilities from major agencies including Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis, and ground transportation connections via Suffolk County Transit bus routes. The airport's runway, measuring 7,006 feet in length, accommodates narrow-body commercial jets including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.
MacArthur's geographic position makes it particularly valuable for residents of Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, and Huntington townships. The airport handled approximately 1.5 million passengers annually during peak years and continues to serve as a focal point for economic development in the central Long Island region. The Suffolk County Department of Public Works and the Town of Islip jointly oversee airport operations.
East Hampton Airport (HTO)
East Hampton Airport, located in Wainscott in the Town of East Hampton, has long served as the premier general aviation gateway to the Hamptons. The airport's 4,255-foot primary runway accommodates turboprop aircraft and light to midsize business jets, making it accessible to a wide range of private aircraft. During summer months, the airport sees dramatically increased traffic as affluent visitors and residents travel between the Hamptons and destinations including Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, Palm Beach International in Florida, and Nantucket Memorial Airport in Massachusetts.
East Hampton Airport has been the subject of significant community discussion regarding noise impacts on surrounding residential neighborhoods. Following years of debate, the Town of East Hampton closed the airport in May 2023 and subsequently reopened it as a private facility under new operating rules aimed at restricting the noisiest jet aircraft and helicopter operations. Travelers who previously relied on HTO for private aviation access to the East End should verify current access policies and operating hours before planning a flight.
Brookhaven Calabro Airport (HWV)
Brookhaven Calabro Airport, officially designated KHWV and located in Shirley within the Town of Brookhaven, serves general aviation users in the central and southern portions of Suffolk County. The airport features a 4,225-foot runway and supports flight training operations, recreational flying, charter services, and corporate aviation. Fixed-base operators at Brookhaven provide fuel, maintenance, and hangar storage for locally based aircraft. The facility plays an important role in the regional general aviation network, offering an alternative to busier facilities and supporting the instructional pipeline that trains future pilots across Long Island.
Francis S. Gabreski Airport (FOK)
Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach serves the western Hamptons and the South Fork's northern approach. Named after World War II and Korean War ace Colonel Francis Gabreski, the airport features a substantial 9,000-foot runway — a legacy of its origins as a former United States Air Force base. This runway length makes Gabreski one of the few general aviation airports on Long Island capable of routinely handling large business jets and even some smaller cargo aircraft. The airport supports corporate aviation, charter operations, and serves as a base for medevac and emergency response aircraft. Suffolk County owns and operates the facility.
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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk County, New York.
Local Airports
There are 17 Local Airport in Suffolk County, New York.