Airports Serving Tompkins County, New York
Tompkins County, located in the Finger Lakes region of central New York, is home to one primary commercial airport and benefits from proximity to several larger regional hubs. Whether you're traveling for Cornell University business, visiting Ithaca's gorges and waterfalls, or connecting through the region, understanding your air travel options from Tompkins County is essential for efficient trip planning.
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH)
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (IATA: ITH, ICAO: KITH) is the primary commercial service airport serving Tompkins County and the greater Ithaca metropolitan area. Located at 72 Brown Road in Lansing, New York — just north of downtown Ithaca — the airport sits at an elevation of 1,099 feet above sea level and operates a single runway (14/32) measuring 7,001 feet in length.
ITH is owned and operated by Tompkins County and handled approximately 120,000 passengers annually in recent years, making it a vital gateway for the region's significant academic and tourism economy. The airport terminal was substantially renovated and expanded in 2015, offering modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, a café, and covered parking within easy walking distance of the gates.
Commercial Airlines at ITH
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport offers nonstop jet service to major hub airports, allowing passengers to connect onward to hundreds of destinations worldwide. Current nonstop routes include service to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) via American Airlines and to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City via American Airlines regional partner operations. Delta Air Lines has historically served ITH with connections to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and Philadelphia, though schedules vary seasonally.
The airport's connection to Philadelphia provides particularly useful access for American Airlines' vast transatlantic network at PHL, while JFK service opens up connections to international destinations across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Given Ithaca's strong ties to Cornell University and Ithaca College, flights operate year-round with increased frequency during academic calendar peaks — notably August through May — and reduced service in summer months when student populations decline.
Ground Transportation from ITH
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is approximately 6 miles north of downtown Ithaca, a drive of roughly 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) operates bus Route 41 with stops at the airport, providing an affordable connection to the Cornell University campus, the Ithaca Commons, and other destinations within the county. Taxi services, ride-share operators including Uber and Lyft, and several local car rental companies — including Enterprise, Hertz, and National — maintain counters at or near the terminal.
Parking at ITH is available in both a short-term surface lot directly in front of the terminal and a longer-term economy lot a short walk away. Rates are competitive with regional airports, and the modest scale of ITH means passengers can typically move from curbside drop-off through TSA security screening and to their gate within 20–30 minutes, making it one of the more stress-free airport experiences in upstate New York.
Larger Nearby Airports
Travelers seeking more airline options or nonstop routes to a wider range of destinations often supplement ITH with service from larger regional airports within driving distance of Tompkins County. Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), located approximately 55 miles northeast of Ithaca (roughly a 60-minute drive via Interstate 81), offers nonstop service to more than a dozen destinations including Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), and Charlotte (CLT) via American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines.
Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) lies approximately 90 miles northwest of Ithaca and provides additional nonstop options to major hubs. For the broadest possible selection of international flights, many Tompkins County residents drive to Albany International Airport (ALB) or make the roughly four-hour drive to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or JFK in the New York City metro area, both of which offer extensive global connectivity.
Aviation Infrastructure and General Aviation
Beyond commercial service, Ithaca Tompkins International Airport accommodates general aviation operations, with fixed-base operator (FBO) services available for private and charter aircraft. The airport's instrument approach procedures and modern navigational aids support reliable operations even during the challenging winter weather conditions common to the Finger Lakes region, where lake-effect snow from nearby Cayuga Lake can affect visibility and road conditions.
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.
There are 1 International Airport in Tompkins County, New York. Neno International Airport is one of the busiest international airports in the Tompkins County and in the state of New York.
Neno International Airport
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 1 Private Airport in Tompkins County, New York.
James Henion Private Airport
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 Tompkins County, New York.
Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport - Ith
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 Tompkins County, New York.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Tompkins County, New York.