Airports in Suffolk County, New York: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

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.

Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 17 Airports locations in Suffolk County, New York.

County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.

Residents of Suffolk County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.

You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including Suffolk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in Suffolk County, New York

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.