New York City is one of the hottest destinations and departure points in the Private Jet Industry. As the center of the US financial markets, the fashion industry, and a major entertainment hub as well, New York is home to many private jet clients, as well as private jet operators. With over 8 million residents who are very mobile and fly on both private and commercial flights around the clock, 365 days a year, the city has many airports.
From New York to New Jersey there are three major commercial airports including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark International Airport, and 4 main private jet airports within a reasonable driving distance from Manhattan.
Each private airport has its benefits and drawbacks; its location, however, remains the most important factor when choosing where to land. What matters to private jet flyers is how much time they will spend getting to their destinations after they leave the jet.
Choosing the best executive airports can save your time and money so take a moment to browse our list. These are our recommended airports for private jet travel while flying in and out of New York City.
KTEB – New Jersey – Teterboro Airport
Teterboro Airport in NJ is by far the most popular of all executive airports surrounding New York City. It's a busy private jet airport located just across the river from Manhattan. With no commercial airlines, this small airport serves as a hub for the financial industry and all the other private jet flyers that live in Manhattan. Sitting on Hwy 1, TEB is just across the George Washington Bridge, or a short distance from the Lincoln Tunnel. When traffic is favorable, the airport is the closest and shortest driving distance from downtown.
Besides being the most popular airport, Teterboro airport is also the oldest of the New York Area airports, dating back to 1919 and having been in continuous use ever since. The airport takes up almost the entire borough of Teterboro city and is surrounded by residential areas. Because of this close proximity to neighborhoods, there are noise abatement procedures in place at TEB, namely a curfew, and weight limit of 100,000 lbs. However, if absolutely necessary, an aircraft can land or take off during these late hours.
TEB is home to about 94 charter aircraft, and many more Part 91 (privately operated) jets of all sizes. There are two runways at Teterboro – a 7000’ north-south runway, and a 6000’ southwest to North East runway. Both of these runways are long enough to support all sizes of jet traffic, but due to Teterboro’s popularity and proximity to other New York commercial airports, it often experiences delays. There are 5 FBOs at Teterboro Airport, several of which also double as charter operators, and they are located around the entire field, offering many entry points, and catering to individual client preference.
Teterboro is often convenient for Manhattan residents and offers great amenities. However, the surrounding areas are not scenic, there are often delays, and at the wrong time of day, Teterboro can be a nightmare to reach. However, it continues to be the most popular option, and there does not seem to be any sign of that slowing down!
KHPN – White Plains – Westchester County Airport
White Plains is most likely the second most popular departure point for private jet flyers in the New York area. Situated in northern Westchester County, it provides good access into and out of the city via such arteries as the Hutchinson Parkway. Arteries such as the Hutch offer a convenient, car only route that usually flows freely. The location is also convenient for West Chester residents - they can enjoy the proximity of one of the top New York City airports.
Unlike Teterboro, KHPN (Westchester County Airport) is home to several airways and has a commercial terminal. However, that terminal is only slightly larger than the surrounding FBOs, and private part 91 hangars. The airport is a hub for more Part 91 aircraft than any other airport in the country, with numerous fortune 500 company’s flight departments calling it home. This allows private jet users to continue to have the upper hand at this airport, and overrule the airline operations on major issues.
With a scenic layout, and convenient local airport for those that live north of the city or in nearby Greenwich, and Stafford Connecticut, White Plains is an excellent option for arrival and departures. It is not subject to delays as often as Teterboro airport being well north of the major commercial traffic. Due to its lower popularity, the private jet operators are more often free, and clients may save money by booking aircraft that are based there.
FRG- Farmingdale – Republic Airport and ISP Islip – McArthur Airports
Farmingdale and Islip airports are very close to Long Island, east of New York City. Because of their close proximity we have linked them together here. Farmingdale airport lies on Highway 111, while Islip - McArthur Airport is conveniently located on the I 495 corridor, though it is a few miles further East. The airports are excellent for servicing clients that live on Long Island or even in the eastern boroughs of New York.
There are two other airports on Long Island – East and West Hampton, which makes Farmingdale and Islip a little less favorable for Hamptons residents or travelers. Using them, however, can save money of positioning aircraft out to the Hamptons. Islip is a commercial airport, so private flights are subject to delays during congested times, while FRG is an executive field, allowing for quicker take-off and landing.
Farmingdale has two jet length runways in a perpendicular pattern allowing for good access in all winds and inclement weather. Islip has 4 runways, 3 jet length, and one turboprop length runway. The airports both have great modern FBOs, 2 major national chains at Farmingdale, and 3 at Islip. Both Airports are home to a number of excellent charter operators. Farmingdale has 45 Part 135 aircraft and Islip is home to 28, ranging from turboprops to full-size Large Jets. Islip, in particular, has several newer Legacy 600 aircraft that are a slightly lower-cost alternative to Gulfstream GIV type products.
While these airports are not the first that passengers often think of when flying to New York, they should certainly be considered when chartering jets to or from New York City. Depending on the time of the day and one's final destination, either of these airports may be an excellent alternative for private jet users. They offer lighter traffic and great facilities.
