Groton-New London Airport

Groton-New London Airport
Name	Groton-New London Airport
IATA	GON
ICAO	KGON
FAA	GON
Owner	Connecticut Airport Authority
Location	Groton, Connecticut
Coordinates	41, 19, 49, N...
Website	https://grotonairport.com/

Groton-New London Airport is a public airport located in the town of Groton, Connecticut, serving the southeastern region of the state, including the city of New London. Owned by the Connecticut Airport Authority, it features a single runway and a modern passenger terminal. The airport functions as a vital regional hub for commercial air service, corporate aviation, and military operations, notably supporting the adjacent Naval Submarine Base New London.

History

The airport's origins trace to the early 20th century, with significant development occurring during World War II under the auspices of the United States Navy. Initially known as **Trumbull Airport**, it was acquired by the U.S. government in 1941 for national defense purposes. Following the war, control was transferred to the State of Connecticut, and it was renamed Groton-New London Airport to reflect its regional service role. Throughout the Cold War, its proximity to the Naval Submarine Base New London and General Dynamics Electric Boat made it a strategically important facility. Management was assumed by the Connecticut Airport Authority in 2013 as part of a statewide aviation system consolidation.

Facilities

The airport covers 494 acres at an elevation of 9 feet above mean sea level. It has one asphalt runway, designated 5/23, measuring 5,000 by 150 feet. The passenger terminal, constructed in the 1990s, houses facilities for American Airlines and Delta operations. Other infrastructure includes a Federal Aviation Administration control tower, several corporate hangars for tenants like Pfizer and General Dynamics, and a large fixed-base operator providing fueling and maintenance services. The airport is also a base for the United States Coast Guard's aviation units and supports search and rescue missions in Long Island Sound.

Airlines and destinations

As of 2023, the airport is served by one commercial airline offering scheduled passenger service. **American Airlines**, operating under its regional brand **American Eagle**, provides multiple daily flights to its major hub at Philadelphia International Airport using Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. This connection facilitates travel to a global network of destinations via American Airlines' extensive route system. Previous carriers have included US Airways Express, Delta Connection, and Continental Express, with service historically linking to hubs like Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.

Accidents and incidents

On July 19, 1967, a Piper PA-23 Apache crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in four fatalities. A notable incident occurred on December 3, 1971, when a Cessna 310 experienced engine failure and ditched in the Thames River; all occupants survived. The most significant accident took place on June 3, 1992, involving a Beechcraft King Air operated by Business Express as a Delta Connection flight, which crashed during a missed approach in fog, killing the two pilots. These events have influenced local instrument flight rules procedures and pilot training protocols.

Statistics

For the 12-month period ending December 2022, the airport had 33,500 aircraft operations, averaging 92 per day, split between 65% general aviation, 20% military, 13% air taxi, and 2% scheduled commercial. It served 19,832 annual passengers (enplanements) that year. The top destination by passenger volume was Philadelphia. The airport is also a significant cargo handler for the region, with freight primarily related to the defense industry and local biotechnology firms. Based on passenger numbers, it is the fourth-busiest commercial airport in Connecticut, behind Bradley International Airport, Tweed New Haven Airport, and Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airport.

Military use

A substantial portion of airport activity is dedicated to military operations due to its location adjacent to the Naval Submarine Base New London, the primary homeport for the United States Navy's attack submarine fleet. The airport hosts detachments from the United States Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod for HH-60 Jayhawk and HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft conducting patrols over Long Island Sound. It is also frequently used by Department of Defense aircraft, including those from Joint Base Andrews, for transporting personnel and equipment to support General Dynamics Electric Boat and other defense contractors in the Groton area.

Category:Airports in Connecticut Category:Transportation in New London County, Connecticut Category:Groton, Connecticut