Greater Binghamton Airport

Greater Binghamton Airport
Name	Greater Binghamton Airport
Image-width	250
IATA	BGM
ICAO	KBGM
FAA	BGM
Owner	Broome County
City-served	Binghamton
Location	Maine, New York
Elevation-f	1636
Elevation-m	499
Coordinates	42, 12, 31, N...
Website	https://www.binghamtonairport.com/
Pushpin label	BGM
R1-number	16/34
R1-length-f	7200
R1-length-m	2195
R1-surface	Asphalt
Stat-year	2023
Stat1-header	Aircraft operations
Stat1-data	20,000
Stat2-header	Based aircraft
Stat2-data	30
Footnotes	Source: FAA

Greater Binghamton Airport is a public airport located in Maine, New York, serving the Southern Tier region and the city of Binghamton. Owned by Broome County, it is a vital transportation hub for the area, offering commercial passenger service and supporting general aviation. The airport is situated approximately nine miles north of downtown Binghamton and features a single primary runway capable of handling a variety of aircraft.

History

The airport's origins trace back to the 1940s when it was developed as a military airfield during World War II, initially known as the Tri-Cities Airport. It was utilized by the United States Army Air Forces for training and logistics, with units like the Air Transport Command operating from the site. Following the war, control was transferred to Broome County, and the facility was renamed Greater Binghamton Airport to reflect its regional role. Significant modernization occurred in the 1960s with the construction of a new terminal building, designed to accommodate the era's commercial jet aircraft like those operated by Allegheny Airlines. Throughout the late 20th century, the airport saw service from various carriers including USAir and Continental Airlines, adapting to the changing landscape of the Airline Deregulation Act.

Facilities

The airport covers 622 acres at an elevation of 1,636 feet above mean sea level and features one asphalt runway, designated 16/34, which measures 7,200 by 150 feet. The single passenger terminal houses ticketing counters for active airlines, a Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint, and a consolidated gate area. The airport is equipped with an Instrument Landing System and is classified as a reliever airport for the region. Additional infrastructure includes a fixed-base operator for general aviation services, aircraft hangars, and facilities for U.S. Customs for pre-cleared international flights. The main terminal also offers amenities such as rental car counters from agencies like Hertz and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Airlines and destinations

As of 2024, Greater Binghamton Airport is served by one commercial airline. American Eagle, operating as a regional carrier for American Airlines, provides multiple daily flights to its major hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This connection facilitates onward travel to a vast network of domestic and international destinations within the American Airlines system. Historically, the airport has hosted other carriers such as United Express and Delta Connection, with past service to hubs including Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The current route structure is typical for a small hub airport in the Northeastern United States, focusing on essential connectivity to a primary airline hub.

Statistics

For the calendar year 2023, the airport enplaned approximately 50,000 passengers, reflecting a steady recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aircraft operations averaged around 20,000 annually, split between commercial, general aviation, and military activity. The airport is home to about 30 based aircraft, consisting primarily of single-engine and multi-engine private planes. Cargo operations are limited, with services handled by freight carriers like FedEx Feeder. The airport's catchment area includes populations from neighboring Tioga County and Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record throughout its operational history. One notable incident occurred in January 1987, when a Beechcraft King Air operated by Pennsylvania Airlines crashed during a missed approach in poor weather, resulting in fatalities. The subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board cited pilot error and spatial disorientation as contributing factors. In a separate 1994 incident, a Cessna 210 experienced a landing gear failure upon arrival, resulting in minor damage and no injuries. These events have been rare, and the airport consistently meets the safety standards enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Ground transportation

The airport is accessible via New York State Route 26 and is approximately a 15-minute drive from downtown Binghamton. Rental car services are available on-site from major providers including Avis Car Rental and Budget Rent a Car. Taxi and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate at the terminal. Public bus service is provided by Broome County Transit, with a route connecting the airport to the Greater Binghamton Transportation Center. Several area hotels, including the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton, offer complimentary shuttle service for guests. Parking facilities consist of short-term and long-term lots adjacent to the terminal building.

Category:Airports in New York (state) Category:Transportation in Broome County, New York Category:Airports established in 1945