If we made a list of reasons New Jersey stands out as a key aviation hub in the United States, it’d be as long as the summer crowds headed for the Jersey shore. NJ has been a critical travel hub for many reasons. The most notable one is its strategic location, at the heart of the East Coast’s Boston-Washington corridor, providing unparalleled access to the best destinations in the world through the busiest airports and vital East Coast ports. Beyond its geography, the story of New Jersey’s aviation edge can best be told by looking at the airports that welcome the most flight arrivals in the state.
Just 12 miles from midtown Manhattan, Teterboro is one of the leading airports in private aviation, recording the highest numbers of arrivals at 5172 over the last 12 months. It’s a little surprising that the airport has this high number of daily arrivals, because it is more popular amongst celebrities, executives, and many personalities who prefer options like private jet hire and chartered aircraft. When we look at it from this angle, its passenger footprint isn’t one of the highest. However, it’s also easy to see why it does such numbers because it is the go-to gateway into New Jersey and New York City for most private flyers.
Morristown Muni (MMU) is another solid airport on the list. Its average scheduled daily arrivals over the last 12 months stand at around 1024, which makes it the next in line after Teterboro. MMU isn’t a big commercial hub in the industry, but it is very popular for specific reasons tied to business and private aviation. First, it offers quick access to NYC without the congestion of major airports, and many business-focused customers use it as their go-to business aviation hub. The airport also provides other comprehensive amenities.
In Ewing Township, Mercer County, TTN is a county-owned, joint civil-military public airport strategically located between Philadelphia and New York City. The airport serves travelers from Central New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and even parts of Delaware who want to avoid the chaos of larger airports. Despite being small and relatively easy to get around, TTN recorded one of the highest scheduled arrivals in the past year. This could be mainly attributed to its relatively affordable prices and discounts in major cities across the United States. Other perks like its shorter security lines, smaller terminals, and easy parking make it far more user-friendly than major international airports.
Newark Liberty comes first on the list of airports in NJ for many reasons. Its primary East Coast gateway status makes it a significant hub for United Airlines, connecting an extensive international and domestic flight network. So it is no surprise that it also holds up well among airports sporting the highest flight arrivals over the past year. Newark Liberty connects travelers to over 150 destinations worldwide, and is the primary airport for the New York Metropolitan area.
Although the commercial arrival in ACY is fewer than Newark and some of the others we’ve listed above, it’s exceptionally crucial for South Jersey’s economy. As such, it also records good flight arrivals. More importantly, seasonal peaks like summer tourism months are its peak period, and also contribute to its high flight arrivals. ACY serves most travelers coming to the casinos and the beaches of Atlantic City. At the same time, it supports military operations at the adjoining FAA Technical Center and Air National Guard base.
Monmouth is privately owned and a go-to for private jets, corporate flights, and chartered services, making it the best alternative for travelers seeking quieter alternatives to crowded commercial flights. It also has a strategic shore location, just 10 minutes from the Jersey store and less than an hour from NYC, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City. BLM’s arrival numbers are pretty high because of its positive reputation as one of the best private entry points into strategic locations in NYC. Its summer peaks are often over the roof, especially with vacationers flying in for Jersey Shore getaways.
If Cape May is known for one thing, it has to be its position as a major summer vacation destination, with beaches, resorts, and historic attractions. While WWD doesn’t host major commercial airlines, it’s a hub for general aviation, private planes, charters, and small jets. During peak season, the airport usually gets thousands of tourists flying in on private aircraft and charter flights.
Now you know which airports are appropriate for your travels based on your needs. If your plans for the next summer are to visit the Atlantic City beaches, ACY might be the best entry point. At the same time, if your priority is to have a private and exclusive entry, then you know BLM or Teterboro will serve you well.
