TF Green Airport

TF Green Airport
Name	TF Green Airport
IATA	PVD
ICAO	KPVD
FAA	PVD
Owner	Rhode Island Airport Corporation
City-served	Providence, Rhode Island
Location	Warwick, Rhode Island
Elevation ft	55
Coordinates	41, 43, 26, N...
Website	https://www.pvdairport.com

TF Green Airport. Officially known as Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, it is a public airport located in Warwick, Rhode Island, approximately six miles south of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Owned and operated by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, it serves as a primary air gateway for the state and the broader New England region. The facility is named for former Rhode Island governor and U.S. Senator Theodore Francis Green.

History

The airport's origins trace back to 1931 when it opened as Hillsgrove State Airport, a single grass strip. Its development accelerated during World War II when it was leased to the United States Army Air Forces and known as Hillsgrove Army Airfield, supporting training and coastal defense missions. Renamed in honor of Theodore Francis Green in 1938, major post-war expansion included a new terminal building in 1961 and a significant runway extension in 1980 to accommodate larger jet aircraft. A major modernization project culminated in 1996 with the opening of a new passenger terminal designed by renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern. Recent developments include a runway extension completed in 2017 to handle transcontinental flights and ongoing upgrades to its facilities.

Facilities

The airport covers 1,111 acres and features two asphalt runways, with the primary runway, 5-23, measuring 8,700 feet. The main passenger terminal, designed by Robert A.M. Stern, contains two concourses and 22 gates. It houses a variety of amenities including concessions from local Rhode Island businesses, art exhibits, and a USO lounge. The airport is also a base for the Rhode Island Air National Guard, which operates the 143d Airlift Wing flying the C-130J Super Hercules. Cargo facilities support operators like FedEx Express and UPS Airlines, while fixed-base operators such as Jet Aviation provide general aviation services.

Airlines and destinations

The airport is a focus city for Breeze Airways and is served by several major domestic carriers. Primary airlines include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, offering direct flights to hubs like Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver. Breeze Airways provides point-to-point service to numerous leisure and mid-size markets across the United States, including Orlando, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. Seasonal international service has included flights to destinations in the Caribbean and Canada.

Statistics

In 2023, it was the second-busiest airport in New England by passenger count, serving over 5 million passengers. The top domestic destinations included Orlando, Chicago, and Charlotte. Southwest Airlines typically carries the largest share of passengers, followed by Delta Air Lines and Breeze Airways. Cargo operations handled over 50 million pounds of freight annually, with FedEx Express and UPS Airlines as the primary carriers. The facility consistently ranks highly in customer satisfaction surveys for mid-size airports in North America.

Ground transportation

The airport is directly connected to downtown Providence and Boston via the MBTA Commuter Rail at the intermodal T.F. Green Airport Station, served by the Providence/Stoughton Line. Interstate 95 runs adjacent to the airport property, providing direct highway access. Several rental car companies maintain facilities on-site, and regional bus service is provided by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). Taxi services, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, and private shuttle services to locations throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts are readily available.

Accidents and incidents

A significant accident occurred on February 21, 1979, when a Delta Air Lines flight overran the runway during a snowstorm, resulting in minor injuries but no fatalities. On December 31, 1991, a USAir flight experienced a landing gear malfunction, leading to a safe emergency landing with no injuries. A notable incident involving the Rhode Island Air National Guard occurred in 2003 when a C-130 Hercules made a precautionary landing following an engine fire indication. The airport's safety record is bolstered by its participation in FAA safety programs and advanced air traffic control technology managed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Category:Airports in Rhode Island Category:Transportation in Providence County, Rhode Island Category:1931 establishments in Rhode Island