Martha's Vineyard Airport

Martha's Vineyard Airport is a public airport located in Dukes County, Massachusetts, serving the island of Martha's Vineyard. Owned by Dukes County, it is a vital transportation hub for the New England region, particularly during the summer months when the island's population swells. The airport facilitates commercial, general, and military aviation, connecting the island to major cities along the East Coast of the United States.

History

The airport's origins trace back to the early 1940s when it was constructed by the United States Navy as a naval air station during World War II. Following the war, the facility was transferred to Dukes County for civilian use. Significant development occurred in the 1950s and 1960s, including runway extensions and terminal construction, to accommodate growing traffic from carriers like Northeast Airlines and Piedmont Airlines. A major terminal renovation was completed in the 1990s, and the airport has since undergone continuous upgrades, including safety enhancements guided by the Federal Aviation Administration and Massachusetts Port Authority standards.

Facilities

The airport covers 1,003 acres at an elevation of 67 feet and features two asphalt runways: Runway 6/24, measuring 5,504 by 150 feet, and Runway 15/33, measuring 3,503 by 100 feet. The passenger terminal, designed with a classic New England aesthetic, houses ticketing counters for major carriers, a Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint, and rental car services from companies like Hertz and Avis. The field is a base for United States Coast Guard operations and supports general aviation through fixed-base operators like Signature Flight Support, offering fueling, maintenance, and hangar services. The airport property also hosts the Martha's Vineyard Museum and is adjacent to the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest.

Airlines and destinations

Martha's Vineyard Airport is served by several regional and national airlines providing seasonal and year-round service. Primary carriers include Cape Air, which offers extensive connections to Boston and Nantucket, and JetBlue Airways, operating flights to New York–JFK. American Airlines provides service to Philadelphia and Charlotte, while Delta Air Lines flies to New York–LaGuardia. Seasonal services are frequently added by airlines such as United Airlines and Tradewind Aviation, linking the island to destinations like Newark and White Plains, New York.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has experienced several notable aviation accidents. In 1960, a Piedmont Airlines Douglas DC-3 crashed during a training flight, resulting in fatalities. A more recent incident occurred in 1998 when a Colgan Air Beechcraft 1900 overran the runway after landing, though there were no serious injuries. In 2014, a Cessna 402 operated by Cape Air veered off the runway, causing minor damage. These events have prompted investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and led to ongoing reviews of airport safety procedures in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Statistics

For the 12-month period ending December 2023, the airport accommodated approximately 100,000 aircraft operations, with general aviation constituting the majority. It served over 300,000 passengers annually, with peak traffic occurring during the summer months of July and August. The busiest routes are typically to Boston, New York–JFK, and New York–LaGuardia. Cargo operations are limited but handled by carriers like FedEx Express. The airport is a significant economic driver for Dukes County and the wider Martha's Vineyard community.

Category:Airports in Massachusetts Category:Buildings and structures in Dukes County, Massachusetts Category:Transportation in Martha's Vineyard