Stewart International Airport
| Company type | Public / Military |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Headquarters | Orange County, New York , United States |
Area served | Southern Hudson Valley, New York metropolitan area |
| Products | Airport services (commercial and military aviation) |
| Owner | Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |
New York Stewart International Airport, often referred to simply as Stewart International Airport, functions as a joint public and military aviation facility situated in Orange County, New York. It serves the southern portion of the Hudson Valley and is positioned approximately north of Manhattan in New York City.[1] The airport's grounds extend across the municipalities of Newburgh and New Windsor.[2] According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Stewart is designated as a non-hub primary commercial service airport within the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for the years 2017–2021.[3]
Initially established during the 1930s as a military airfield intended for training cadets from the nearby United States Military Academy at West Point, Stewart has since developed into a vital passenger airport for the mid-Hudson Valley while continuing to support military activities. It serves as the base for the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 (VMGR-452) of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Additionally, the facility was identified as an emergency landing location for the Space Shuttle program.[4]
After its decommissioning as a U.S. Air Force installation in the 1970s, Governor Nelson Rockefeller spearheaded efforts to expand Stewart Airport. These initiatives sparked extensive legal disputes concerning land acquisition but resulted in limited development. A notable historical event occurred in 1981 when Stewart served as the arrival site for American hostages released from Iran.
In 2000, Stewart became the first commercial airport in the United States to undergo privatization when UK-based company National Express obtained a 99-year lease. Plans to rebrand were delayed due to opposition from local communities, leading National Express to divest its lease rights seven years later. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey then took over the remaining lease period and engaged AFCO AvPorts to manage airport operations. In 2018, the Port Authority renamed it New York Stewart International Airport to emphasize its closeness to New York City.[5]
Stewart Dairy Farm
In 1930, Thomas "Archie" Stewart, an early proponent of aviation and descendant of notable dairy farmer Lachlan Stewart, convinced his uncle Samuel Stewart to donate a tract called "Stoney Lonesome," located between Newburgh and New Windsor, to the city of Newburgh for airport development. However, due to financial constraints imposed by the Great Depression, the city was unable to fund improvements on the property.
Stewart Airfield
By 1934, Douglas MacArthur, serving as superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, recommended utilizing this site for cadet flight instruction. The city transferred ownership of the land to the academy for a nominal fee of one dollar, and a basic dirt runway was established. Numerous barracks and structures from the World War II era were built on-site; some still stand today. In 2008, New Windsor secured a $2.5 million grant from the state aimed at demolishing between 30 and 40 buildings as part of redevelopment efforts while preserving and repurposing approximately 20 to 30 existing structures.
Stewart Air Force / Air National Guard Base
Following World War II and the establishment of the U.S. Air Force, the airfield was transformed into an Air Force base while continuing to support training for West Point cadets. In 1966, it was designated as the Headquarters for the 1st Region Army Air Defense Command until the Nike Hercules missile system was phased out in 1974. Although the base was closed in 1970, it was reactivated in 1983 when the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing and 213th Engineer Installation Squadron took residence.
The Stewart Air National Guard Base plays a role in supporting military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as various humanitarian efforts. It previously operated C-5 Galaxy aircraft before switching to C-17 Globemaster III planes in 2011. Additionally, it served as home to the Marine Corps Reserve squadron VMGR-452, which flew KC-130J aircraft until 2022.
MTA Expansion plan
In the early 1970s, Governor Nelson Rockefeller’s administration recognized Stewart Airport’s capability to serve the New York metropolitan region. Its extended runway made it an ideal candidate for intercontinental flights, including the then-emerging supersonic transport (SST). The Metropolitan Transportation Authority planned to develop Stewart into the fourth major airport for the area by expanding its footprint threefold through eminent domain acquisition of 7,500 acres. This expansion stretched from Newburgh into adjacent towns such as Montgomery and parts of Hamptonburgh, with Interstate 84 to the north and Route 207 to the south forming its boundaries.
Local opposition
Residents living nearby, who were already opposing a proposed power plant on Storm King Mountain, strongly resisted the airport enlargement plans. Their legal opposition contributed to the enactment of the New York State Eminent Domain Procedure Act, which reformed eminent domain regulations. To address resistance from landowners, state officials assured that no development would occur outside designated airport facilities—a promise that later generated complications. By the time land acquisitions were completed, the 1973 oil crisis had driven up jet fuel prices, causing airlines to scale back flights and undermining economic feasibility. The cancellation of U.S. SST development in 1971 further diminished enthusiasm for the project. Governor Malcolm Wilson, Rockefeller’s successor, temporarily halted the initiative; his successor, Hugh Carey, terminated it altogether in 1976.
New York State Department of Transportation ownership
In early 1981, Stewart International Airport was notably where the 52 U.S. hostages freed from the Tehran embassy arrived back on American soil—a historic event commemorated by naming the route from Stewart to West Point "Freedom Road."
In 1982, control of Stewart Airport shifted from the MTA to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), which assumed responsibility for its enhancement and development. By 1985, W.R. Grace became its first private tenant by building a corporate jet hangar, followed by establishing an industrial park nearby. Commercial airline service commenced in 1990 when American Airlines introduced three daily round-trip flights to Chicago and Raleigh/Durham.
Ongoing challenges in development
During the 1980s, management of Stewart Airport and extensive surrounding undeveloped land was overseen by NYSDOT and the Stewart Airport Commission. Much of this acreage was later transferred to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for stewardship, although its ultimate use remained unclear.
As IBM and other key employers reduced operations or shuttered facilities, local business leaders identified this developable land as a significant opportunity for economic growth, though not intended for airport enlargement. Concurrently, outdoor recreationists began frequenting the area—referred to as the Stewart Properties or buffer zone—for activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, dirt biking, and hiking. DEC supported these uses by opening trails and introducing beavers, which contributed to the formation of new wetlands.
In 1987, hunter Ben Kissam established the Stewart Park and Reserve Coalition (SPARC) to resist proposed development projects. Environmental advocates and certain community members pushed to conserve the area as a park, citing its increasing ecological diversity and concerns about noise from ongoing military flight operations.
The dispute over land utilization grew more intense within Orange County, with terms like "buffer" versus "properties" symbolizing differing viewpoints. Despite several attempts by Governor Mario Cuomo’s administration to broker compromise solutions, no agreement was achieved. One final initiative involved refurbishing the passenger terminal using federal funding.
Air-taxi services remained irregular until April 1990 when American Airlines launched three daily nonstop Boeing 727-200 flights connecting Stewart with Chicago and Raleigh/Durham. Additional nonstop routes followed, including Dallas/Fort Worth (American), Atlanta (Delta), Pittsburgh (USAir), Cincinnati (Delta), and Baltimore (USAir).
Privatization
In 1994, George Pataki ran on a platform emphasizing improved efficiency through privatizing state projects that were operating at a loss. Influenced by Ronald Lauder, who authored a book on successful European privatizations, Pataki pursued privatization for Stewart Airport. He established the New York State Council on Privatization and appointed Lauder as its chair.
At that time, federal regulations mandated public ownership of airports offering passenger service. However, supported by New York’s congressional delegation, legislation was enacted permitting up to five airports to be privatized under a pilot program, contingent upon approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airlines accounting for at least two-thirds of flight operations.
By 1997, through the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), New York solicited bids for a 99-year lease covering both the airport and adjoining undeveloped parcels. Attempts by SPARC—led by Sandra Kissam, widow of Ben Kissam—and other activists to obtain information about bidders were thwarted by state laws barring disclosure of competitive bids prior to contract award; this restriction was upheld by the courts.
Two years later, after receiving endorsements from the state’s attorney general, comptroller, FAA, and airline carriers, the lease was granted to UK-based National Express PLC. Notably, National Express was the sole bidder among five who declined to participate in a pre-award presentation forum. Lauder had previously commended National Express for its achievements managing UK bus services and acquiring East Midlands Airport, leading to speculation that the state may have favored this company from the outset. NEG proposed $35 million for the lease; Pataki ceremonially handed over control in late 2000.
This decision largely quelled disputes regarding property development. NEG showed no intention to develop lands west of Drury Lane; consequently, Pataki ordered that ownership and oversight of approximately 5,600 acres (22.4 km2) west of an area retained by DOT be transferred to DEC. DEC subsequently established Stewart State Forest on this land.
Following the September 11 attacks, Stewart Airport was among regional facilities utilized during the Emergency Ground Stop, accommodating numerous diverted aircraft.
The Drury Lane Interchange
Alongside the privatization process, the state pursued the construction of a new interchange on Interstate 84 at Drury Lane, which involved expanding the roadway. To enhance airport connectivity, a four-lane east–west access route named International Boulevard was established. The initial expenditure of $35 million aligned with National Express's proposal. This newly constructed exit, labeled 5A, became operational in late 2007, and the adjoining north–south corridor received the designation Route 747.
The presence of the Catskill Aqueduct, a critical component of New York City's water infrastructure, complicated plans to widen the road. Preventing damage from heavy truck vibrations to the aqueduct would have necessitated an expensive bridge structure. Following a value-engineering review, Drury Lane was rerouted to form a four-way junction further along Route 17K instead.
Development potential along Drury Lane remains constrained by wetlands and an FAA-mandated Runway Protection Zone that prohibits construction in certain areas. Environmental organizations such as SPARC and the national Sierra Club initiated legal actions citing insufficient environmental assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act, which delayed progress. In 2005, the discovery of purple milkweed—a Species of Special Concern—within wetlands targeted for mitigation added further complexity.
The conflict was resolved in November 2005 when SPARC agreed to permit construction of the exit and access road in return for designating an additional 1,700 acres (6.8 km2) as buffer zones within the forest and imposing development restrictions on 400 acres (1.6 km2) adjacent to the interchange.
In July 2006, ownership of the state forest transferred from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), finalizing the establishment of Stewart State Forest. Orange County challenged a $3.7 million state land charge near the exit, citing extra infrastructure expenses; however, DOT maintained that this valuation reflected fair market price.
NEG Management
NEG's marketing initiatives included several proposed renamings of the airport intended to emphasize its closeness to New York City. The final suggestion in 2006 aimed to remove "Stewart" from the name entirely but faced opposition locally and was ultimately withdrawn.
Stewart Airport continues to offer a limited range of flights and experiences relatively low passenger volume. Although some tenants occupy former military facilities nearby, most remain unused since base closure. The airport has attracted certain travelers from western Connecticut who might otherwise choose Hartford, yet most regional passengers still prefer Albany International Airport, Newark, or other major airports.
Following privatization, Delta pulled out to concentrate on expanding Latin American routes, leaving service primarily to its codeshare affiliates Comair and ASA. One notable attraction—the Concorde—ceased operations in 2003, removing a unique appeal for Stewart.
Despite initial expectations, NEG’s relationship with state authorities proved tense; internal documents revealed ongoing disagreements and that NEG contemplated terminating its contract—which it eventually did. Management changes took place locally, and NEG’s sale of East Midlands Airport—considered a model for Stewart—raised concerns among regional stakeholders.
While some officials expressed disappointment over NEG’s departure, others welcomed its renewed focus on core bus and rail operations. They anticipated interest from European airport operators experienced in privatization efforts. Governor Eliot Spitzer committed to prioritizing Stewart’s development, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees major airports in the region, indicated interest in assuming NEG’s responsibilities. Allegiant Air ceased service in early 2007 but later resumed flights and continues operating there as of 2024. Both AirTran Airways and JetBlue announced plans to initiate service at Stewart in 2007. AirTran briefly served Newburgh in 1995 before being acquired by Southwest Airlines, which currently does not operate at Stewart.
In 2005, Stewart played a vital role in facilitating transportation for emergency personnel and supplies during Gulf Coast relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.
Port Authority acquisition and conclusion of privatization
On January 25, 2007, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) approved the purchase of the lease for Stewart Airport, taking over operational management on November 1, 2007, following the enactment of authorizing legislation by New Jersey's acting governor. PANYNJ compensated NEG with $78.5 million for the remaining 93 years of the lease agreement. The transfer was commemorated with a ceremony featuring New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and the raising of the Port Authority flag. As part of its decade-long capital improvement strategy, PANYNJ allocated $500 million toward Stewart's expansion.
The Port Authority considers Stewart a key relief airport to alleviate congestion at busy regional hubs, notably Teterboro Airport, forecasting that passenger capacity could increase fivefold. Consistent with its usual procedures, PANYNJ plans to outsource airport operations through contracted services.
Although NEG’s exit was likely prompted by disappointing financial performance in 2006, Stewart experienced rapid growth in commercial flights under PANYNJ’s management; passenger numbers in 2007 tripled from the previous year, reaching 970,000. A comprehensive 20-year development blueprint includes substantial upgrades such as constructing a new terminal building, establishing a Metro-North rail link via a spur from the Port Jervis Line, extending runway 16–34 by 2,000 feet, enlarging taxiways and cargo areas, and building a new air traffic control tower. Additional infrastructure improvements encompass enhancements to Interstate 84’s Drury Lane exit and International Boulevard.
In addition to passenger transport, Stewart provides private helicopter shuttle services to Manhattan at rates competitive with JFK Airport and supports corporate jet operations with ample facilities. Cargo activity is robust, with FedEx Express and the U.S. Postal Service operating major nearby installations. USDA inspection services are available to assist importers of agricultural and animal products.
Stewart’s lengthy runway designates it as an effective diversion airport for New York City’s primary airports during inclement weather events. For instance, during the January 2018 blizzard, a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 was diverted to Stewart; although the runway accommodated the aircraft size, terminal gate limitations necessitated bus transfers for passengers.
American Airlines discontinued its American Eagle regional jet flights to Chicago O'Hare in September 2007 after many years of service. Early in 2008, PANYNJ sought to attract European airlines; however, AirTran Airways ended its service that same year.
In September 2010, Apple Vacations introduced charter flights to Cancún operated by Allegiant Air. Allegiant resumed scheduled flights in October 2013 to St. Petersburg/Clearwater after previously ceasing operations in 2007.
By May 2015, PANYNJ considered rebranding Stewart as "New York International Airport at Stewart Field" to boost international recognition and improve online searchability in line with low-cost carrier marketing strategies; this proposal encountered opposition locally due to attachment to the airport’s traditional name.
In December 2016, Norwegian Air Shuttle announced plans to establish a European flight base at Stewart through its Irish subsidiary. Routes included Belfast–International, Bergen, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Shannon; operations commenced in June 2017 but ceased in September 2019.
By 2020, American Eagle had reduced service to a single daily flight to Philadelphia before suspending it in October; service briefly resumed in January 2021 but was permanently withdrawn by September that year.
Icelandic carrier Play launched daily flights connecting Stewart to Keflavik with onward European destinations beginning June 2022.
Frontier Airlines declared in May 2023 that it would terminate all operations at Stewart by July after less than two years of service; since October 2021 it had flown routes to Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, and Tampa. This departure left Allegiant Air as the only domestic airline operating at Stewart.
In November 2023, Breeze Airways announced plans to initiate year-round twice-weekly flights to Orlando starting February 2024 and seasonal twice-weekly service to Charleston commencing May 2024.
Atlantic Airways ended its service to Stewart in September 2024.
Facilities and operations
New York Stewart International Airport occupies an area of 1,552 acres (628 hectares) and is situated at an elevation of 491 feet (150 meters). The airport is equipped with two asphalt runways and a single asphalt helipad.
The main runway, oriented east–west and designated 9–27, measures 11,817 feet in length and 150 feet in width. Displaced thresholds limit the landing distances to 8,817 feet on runway 9 and 9,817 feet on runway 27; however, the entire length is available for takeoff in both directions. Runway 9 is outfitted with category I and II instrument landing systems (ILS) and ALSF2 lighting, while runway 27 also has an ILS but features higher landing minimums due to the absence of approach lighting.
The secondary crosswind runway, numbered 16–34, extends 6,004 by 150 feet and supports GPS-based instrument approaches on both ends.
Additionally, the airport includes an asphalt helipad labeled H1, measuring 40 by 40 feet.
Statistics
During the year ending April 30, 2023, Stewart International Airport handled a total of 37,133 aircraft operations, averaging approximately 102 daily movements. These operations comprised 63% general aviation, 9% air taxi services, 17% military flights, and 11% scheduled commercial flights. In April 2023, the airport was home to 54 based aircraft: including 30 jets, 3 multi-engine planes, 9 military aircraft, 6 single-engine planes, and 6 helicopters.
According to Federal Aviation Administration data, passenger boardings were recorded at 392,464 in 2008, dropped to 197,655 in 2009, and slightly increased to 201,684 in 2010.
Top destinations
| Rank | City | Passengers | Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Template:Country data South CarolinaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Myrtle Beach | 21,000 | Allegiant |
| 2 | Template:Country data FloridaTemplate:Namespace detect showall St. Petersburg | 17,000 | Allegiant |
| 3 | Template:Country data FloridaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Punta Gorda | 12,000 | Allegiant |
| 4 | Template:Country data FloridaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Orlando–Sanford | 9,000 | Allegiant |
| 5 | Template:Country data FloridaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Orlando–International | 11,000 | Breeze |
| 6 | Template:Country data South CarolinaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Charleston | 7,000 | Breeze |
| 7 | Template:Country data FloridaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Fort Myers | 1,000 | Breeze |
| 8 | Template:Country data FloridaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Fort Lauderdale | 500 | Allegiant |
| 9 | Template:Country data FloridaTemplate:Namespace detect showall Vero Beach | 300 | Breeze |
| Rank | Airline | Passengers | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allegiant Air | 119,000 | 74.95% |
| 2 | Breeze Airways | 39,520 | 24.85% |
| 3 | 'Other' | '310' | '0.19%' |
Annual traffic
}Ground transportation
One of the primary challenges hindering the growth of airline services and passenger traffic at Stewart Airport has been limited access. Efforts to enhance connectivity include the development of the Drury Lane exit and the International Boulevard access road.
Discussions have taken place regarding a possible light rail connection extending from Newburgh's Broadway to Stewart Airport. This link would integrate with the Newburgh–Beacon Ferry and the Metro-North Hudson Line, but such a project appears improbable in the foreseeable future. As of 2024, public transit options are limited to a shuttle bus service.
In 2006, Senator Charles Schumer pushed for federal financial support to create a rail connection between Stewart Airport and the Metro-North Port Jervis Line. This initiative would facilitate express train routes from the airport to New York City or Newark Airport through Secaucus Junction. The plan involves acquiring land and constructing new tracks near Salisbury Mills station. The New England Gateway (NEG) has drawn on comparable rail-to-airport links in the United Kingdom, such as the Gatwick Express and Midland Mainline services. Although this rail project has received federal approval, funding remains pending.
Bus transportation
| Year | Passengers | Year | Passengers | Year | Passengers | Year | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 694,646 | 2004 | 510,563 | 2014 | 309,357 | 2024 | 140,000 |
| 1995 | 713,942 | 2005 | 398,220 | 2015 | 281,754 | ||
| 1996 | 730,032 | 2006 | 309,921 | 2016 | 275,421 | ||
| 1997 | 719,194 | 2007 | 913,927 | 2017 | 448,323 | ||
| 1998 | 518,447 | 2008 | 789,307 | 2018 | 690,411 | ||
| 1999 | 362,479 | 2009 | 390,065 | 2019 | 525,715 | ||
| 2000 | 402,647 | 2010 | 394,902 | 2020 | 97,392 | ||
| 2001 | 284,085 | 2011 | 413,654 | 2021 | 133,000 | ||
| 2002 | 227,834 | 2012 | 364,848 | 2022 | 244,000 | ||
| 2003 | 400,839 | 2013 | 320,682 | 2023 | 152,000 |
| Template:Bus icon Operators | Routes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coach USA | Stewart Airport Express | Direct express service to Port Authority Bus Terminal |
| Leprechaun Lines | Newburgh, Beacon, Stewart Shuttle | Shuttle service connecting to Beacon station (Metro-North Railroad) |
Since June 2017, Coach USA has operated the "Stewart Airport Express," providing an express bus route from Stewart Airport to Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal. This service aligns with Norwegian Air's objective to establish Stewart as a key entry point for travelers visiting New York City.
Accidents and incidents
- On August 20, 1987, a Douglas DC-8 operated by Emery Worldwide collided with an Airborne Express McDonnell Douglas DC-9 on a runway shrouded in fog. Both planes were subsequently repaired and returned to operation.
- September 5, 1996, saw FedEx Express Flight 1406, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10, perform an emergency landing at Stewart following smoke detection in its cargo hold. The aircraft was ultimately destroyed by fire; investigation by the NTSB attributed the incident to hazardous materials and pilot error.
- A single-engine Cirrus aircraft crashed during a foggy approach on November 21, 2007. Pilot Brian Early lost his life while passengers survived.
- On August 28, 2015, an aerobatic homebuilt Giles G-202 aircraft crashed during practice for the New York Air Show, resulting in the death of pilot Andrew Wright. The NTSB determined that structural failure caused by resin bond separation between components was responsible, leading to updated inspection procedures.
- August 21, 2018, involved a Gulfstream IV carrying musician Post Malone, which made a precautionary landing at Stewart after experiencing tire failure during takeoff from Teterboro Airport. Thanks to Stewart’s longer runways, the aircraft was able to land safely without using reverse thrust or spoilers, underscoring the airport’s importance as an emergency diversion site.
See also
External links
- by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- 105th Air Cargo Wing, New York Air National Guard
- Opponents of 2006 name change
- History of Stewart International Airport
- Stewart Park and Reserve Coalition
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- Articles with short description
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- Economy of Orange County, New York
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
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- Transportation buildings and structures in Orange County, New York
- Buildings and structures in New Windsor, New York
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