Teterboro Airport: A Historic and Popular Hub for Private Aircraft Near NYC
Teterboro Airport, located just outside of New York City in Bergen County, New Jersey, is a historic and popular hub for private aircraft. As the oldest operating airport in the New York City area, Teterboro has a rich history and continues to play a vital role in the regional aviation community.
Owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Teterboro Airport is primarily used for general aviation purposes. It has weight restrictions on aircraft, capping at 100,000 pounds (45,000 kg), which makes it unsuitable for commercial airliners.
Despite these limitations, the airport’s prime location only 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan makes it a sought-after destination for private and corporate aircraft. Many private aviation charter companies utilize Teterboro Airport for both domestic and international flights. One such carrier, Tradewind Aviation, operates scheduled flights and considers Teterboro as a secondary hub.
Teterboro Airport boasts extensive facilities spread across its 827-acre premises. These include aircraft hangars, offices, and future development areas, in addition to its runways and aircraft movement spaces. With a workforce of over 1,137 employees, the airport supports a significant number of jobs.
The airport features two runways, 6-24 and 1-19, with lengths of 6,013 feet (1,833 m) and 7,000 feet (2,100 m) respectively. A control tower was added in 1975 to enhance safety and operations. Teterboro also has approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) of taxiways to facilitate smooth aircraft movement within the airport.
In terms of aircraft usage, Teterboro accommodated 178,369 aircraft operations in 2017. The majority of these operations were related to general aviation and air taxi flights. The airport is home to a diverse fleet, including jets, helicopters, and single- and multi-engine planes.
Teterboro Airport’s accessibility is supported through public transportation. New Jersey Transit bus routes and rail stations like Teterboro and Wood-Ridge provide convenient connections to Manhattan and the surrounding areas.
The origins of Teterboro Airport can be traced back to Walter C. Teter, who acquired the property in 1917. During World War I, North American Aviation established a manufacturing plant on the grounds. The airport witnessed its first flight in 1919 and, in 1926, played a role in one of the earliest private mail deliveries by air conducted by Colonial Air Transport.
Throughout World War II, Teterboro Airport operated under the administration of the United States Army, solidifying its historical significance. In 1949, ownership of the airport shifted from private owner Fred L. Wehran to the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Pan American World Airways leased the airport for a time before it became fully operated by the Port Authority on December 1, 2000.
Despite ranking as the second busiest general aviation airport in the region in 2019, with Republic Airport taking the lead in total aircraft operations, Teterboro witnessed a significant decline in flight traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The airport recorded only 86,465 aircraft operations, reflecting the unprecedented challenges faced by the aviation industry.
In conclusion, Teterboro Airport remains an integral part of the regional transportation landscape. Its rich history, expansive facilities, and convenient location attract private and corporate aircraft operators. The airport’s role in supporting the general aviation community and its dedication to safety and efficiency make it a historic and popular hub for private aircraft near New York City.
