Latest news with #regionalairports
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Budget airlines contributing to passenger boom at NYC-area regional airports
Traffic is really taking off at two regional airports north of New York City. Budget airlines are powering the growth in passengers. On a random Tuesday afternoon, Westchester County Airport was a busy place. Frequent flier Jill Forrester said she has noticed a big increase in passenger volume. "I have. The waiting room is always packed. There's not a lot of places to sit down. That's why we're up here in the observation tower. It's just a little bit quieter," Forrester said. Read more: Newark Airport experiences another air traffic control outage Why the boom in passengers at regional airports Airport statistics show Westchester County handled 1.5 million passengers in 2017, but in 2024 that increased to 2.3 million. At Tweed Airport in New Haven, a Hearst Connecticut Media study found passenger traffic is up tenfold since 2019. With traffic way up, Tweed is looking at a big expansion, more than doubling the current terminal space. At both airports, traffic is rising since the debut of service by budget airlines such as Avelo and Breeze. "Avelo and Breeze have built routes out of Westchester and Tweed airports to places that people want to go, mostly leisure-focused destinations, and they are charging fares that are potentially more reasonably priced than some of the other airlines that have served those cities," travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt said. Asked for comment about passenger volume, Westchester County, which is always sensitive to complaints about airport noise, provided a statement from spokeswoman Catherine Cioffi. "While more passengers are moving through HPN, the number of enplanements hasn't increased dramatically. What we are seeing in 2025 is a shift toward larger, more efficient and quieter aircraft, meaning more people per flight, not more flights overall. This is not a surge in air traffic. This is simply smarter, more streamlined air travel. The number of planes in the sky remains stable," Cioffi said. "That said, anyone who has been to the HPN terminal knows it's time for an upgrade, which is why the county issued a Request for Proposals to modernize the terminal at Westchester County Airport. Our objective is to identify a consultant who will work closely with the county to develop distinct design concepts for consideration. Each will focus on enhancing the overall airport experience for passengers. This is not expansion. It's about being able to offer essentials: a seat, a cup of coffee and a bathroom. We are committed to a transparent and competitive process that puts the needs of our residents and travelers first. It's also worth noting that commercial flights make up only about 30% of total takeoffs at HPN," Cioffi added. There is a drawback to the regional airports, analyst says The budget airline destinations include smaller markets in Florida and hotspots such as Myrtle Beach and Charleston, South Carolina, but with limited schedules compared to major airlines Harteveldt says budget travelers need to be aware. "If your flights are delayed or cancelled, your options are going to be limited to get you to your destination, whether you are on your way to a vacation or on your way back home," Harteveldt said. Breeze is expanding aggressively in the region, also adding service at MacArthur Airport on Long Island and Stewart Airport in Orange County.
Irish Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Ireland's regional airports to get nearly €8 million for capital projects
Three of Ireland's regional airports are set to share nearly €8 million in government funding for capital development projects. The funding will support 33 capital investment projects intended to improve the safety and security at Kerry, Ireland West and Donegal airports, as well as sustainability efforts at a cost of €7.823m. Ireland West Airport in Knock , Co Mayo will be given €5.66 million in funding to support projects including a security systems upgrade, the development of a solar farm and an upgrade of the airport's electrical infrastructure. The funding will also support the transition of the airport's carbon accreditation rating. More than €1.8 million in funding will be allocated to Kerry Airport for snow clearing equipment, a new security perimeter access road and support for the repair to the airport's localiser – a runway antenna array that aids pilots during approach. READ MORE Donegal Airport will receive nearly €350,000 to fund capital projects including a remote-controlled gas cannon for wildlife management, explosive trace detection equipment and to support the relocation of the runway approach path indicators. Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said the 'level of targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to our regional airports, which facilitate connectivity'. Mr O'Brien highlighted the installation the solar farm at Ireland West airport and the expansion of Donegal's farm. Last year, overall passenger traffic across Irish regional airports was 7 per cent higher than in 2023, with a further 6 per cent growth in passenger traffic in those airports in the first quarter, which he said was supported by Exchequer funding from the department. The funding came under the existing regional airports programme, which is due to end in December. Mr O'Brien said a new programme, for the period 2026 to 2030 is being prepared 'as a matter of priority'.
