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MACARTHUR AIRPORT ARTICLE
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Most industries, with few exceptions, were affected by the international COVID-19 crisis. Aviation was not immune. Six of the largest US air carriers lost $35B and 700 US domestic routes were cut. As one of the largest industries in the United States, aviation has seen more than its share of adversity throughout the last several decades and it’s Shelley LaRose-Arken resilient --so is Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP). While the Town of Islip owns and operates MacArthur Airport, it is truly an asset for Long Island and the entire region. The airport brings thousands of skilled jobs to our area and is consistently an economic engine.
Regional airports like Stewart and Westchester County Airports had no commercial traffic during the summer and fall of 2020. MacArthur, even at its lowest point, had one average daily departure in May 2020 and began to rebuild. ISP routinely encouraged its air carriers American, Frontier and Southwest Airlines to add capacity when consumer behavior and confidence supported it. This enthusiasm prompted Southwest Airlines to begin new nonstop service daily to Nashville in June 2021, and Frontier Airlines to begin nonstop service to Las Vegas in November all from Long Island MacArthur.
When comparing same destinations at our competitor airports, MacArthur Airport travelers were more responsive, and MacArthur Airport is also recovering faster. Industry leaders suggest that it will be 2024 before air travel and the industry recovers. However, today Long Island MacArthur Airport is already operating at 2016 service levels and is expected to be at pre- COVID levels before the end of 2021. This is in large part due to leisure travel demand, and Long Island’s commitment to its regional airport. Business and international travel have been slow to rebound in today’s climate. In a recent survey of Long Island air travelers, customers enjoy the experience of traveling from MacArthur Airport because it’s clean and convenient. In April 2020, MacArthur was the first airport in the country to install a continuous air surface purification system that eliminates airborne and surface pathogens, as well as the installation of anti-microbial films at high touch surfaces. Efficient security lines and space to social distance also entice leisure travelers to choose MacArthur Airport. On the aircraft, passengers can feel confident traveling, as cabin air exchanges 20 times per hour. There have been zero recorded COVID outbreaks among passengers at airports as of December 2020 according to a study by, Harvard T. H. Chang School of Public Health.
The airport is rebuilding and reimagining with more than $60M in capital programs completed or in progress over the last five years. Some of these projects include two runway rehabilitations, four taxiway rehabilitation projects, construction of a new fire rescue building, rehabilitation of the west terminal apron, mechanical electrical and plumbing upgrades, main terminal roof replacement, and the construction of a new ground vehicle transportation center that will offer travelers a better customer experience.
A public workshop is scheduled to explore possible terminal alternatives to support airport demand in the future and to connect the airport more seamlessly with the Long Island Railroad. The alternatives also include a better customer experience, long term flexibility, operational efficiencies, ability to accommodate new modern aircraft, and a customs facility to meet new facility requirements to accommodate international flights. Concessionaires and vendors are getting innovative and offer touchless pay methods for parking and grab and go food and beverage options. This summer, Blue Point Brewery will be the newest concession for travelers to enjoy a taste of local Long Island fare.
Long Island MacArthur Airport was selected by USA today as the #4 best small airport in the country with nonstop destinations to 12 domestic cities – Atlanta, Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Meyers, Las Vegas, Miami, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa, West Palm Beach and connections to many more domestic and international destinations. For more choices, great prices and fewer delays and cancellations check out www.flymacarthur.com.
