Atlantic City International Airport

Atlantic City International Airport
source
Name	Atlantic City International Airport
Iata	ACY
Icao	KACY
Type	Public/Military
Owner	Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Operator	Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
City-served	Atlantic City, New Jersey
Location	Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
Elevation-f	75
Website	Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Atlantic City International Airport Atlantic City International Airport is a joint civil–military airport serving Atlantic City, New Jersey, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey and the South Jersey region. The airport is located near the Atlantic City Expressway and functions as a component of regional transportation networks linking to Philadelphia, Newark Liberty International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and other hubs. It supports commercial airline service, air cargo, general aviation, and hosts units of the New Jersey Air National Guard and the United States Air Force.

History

The airport originated as Fort Dix-area aviation facilities and expanded during World War II with involvement from the United States Army Air Forces and construction influenced by wartime airfield programs. Postwar operations transitioned to civil aviation under the oversight of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, with notable milestones including the arrival of scheduled service by carriers such as Allegheny Airlines and Eastern Air Lines. During the Cold War, the installation hosted units associated with the Air National Guard and participated in readiness activities connected to NATO exercises and continental air defense programs involving the Air Defense Command and later Tactical Air Command. The base component evolved into the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base supporting units like the 177th Fighter Wing and hosting aircraft such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II historically and more modern platforms in later years. The airport's commercial trajectory included service by low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines and regional operators including CommutAir partners; infrastructure improvements were periodically undertaken in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Facilities and operations

The airfield possesses multiple runways, taxiways, and apron areas designed to accommodate narrowbody airliners including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, as well as military aircraft. Terminal facilities provide passenger screening aligned with Transportation Security Administration standards and house fixed-base operators serving general aviation clients from organizations like Signature Flight Support. On-base military operations involve the New Jersey Air National Guard's support squadrons, maintenance facilities, and coordination with Air Mobility Command for transient military airlift. Airport air traffic control operations interface with the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center and regional approach controls; the airport uses instrument procedures published under Federal Aviation Administration terminal procedures. Cargo operations have included carriers from the United Parcel Service and FedEx Express, linking to logistics networks alongside surface freight corridors such as the New Jersey Turnpike and the Delaware River Port Authority-served ports. Environmental and noise abatement programs have involved coordination with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and local municipalities including Galloway Township.

Airlines and destinations

Scheduled passenger airlines serving the airport have varied over time, with service to leisure and connecting markets provided by carriers including Spirit Airlines, American Airlines (regional affiliates), Delta Air Lines (through regional partners), and seasonal operations by leisure carriers. Destinations have commonly included regional gateways such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and vacation markets accessible through connecting services to Orlando International Airport and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport. The airport has also hosted charter operations for organizations like Casino Reinvestment Development Authority-sponsored events and special flights related to conventions at the Atlantic City Convention Hall and resorts on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Ground transportation and access

Ground access is provided via the Atlantic City Expressway, Garden State Parkway, and local routes including U.S. Route 30 and New Jersey Route 87. Regional bus service connects to Atlantic City Rail Terminal, with rail links onward to Philadelphia 30th Street Station via the Atlantic City Line operated by NJ Transit. Shuttle services and limousine operators provide transfers to casinos and hotels such as Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Harrah's Atlantic City, and Caesars Atlantic City. Rental car facilities host companies like Hertz Corporation, Avis Budget Group, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, while taxi and rideshare services operate under municipal regulations from Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic County. Parking infrastructure includes short-term and long-term lots managed by the airport authority.

Accidents and incidents

The airport and its associated military base have experienced incidents typical of mixed-use airfields. Historical events have involved military aircraft mishaps linked to training sorties by units associated with the New Jersey Air National Guard and transient United States Navy or United States Marine Corps aircraft. Civil aviation incidents have included regional airliner technical diversions and general aviation accidents investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. Notable air safety responses have involved coordination with Atlantic County Department of Emergency Services, Federal Aviation Administration inspectors, and Transportation Security Administration authorities to manage investigations and safety recommendations.

Future developments and expansion plans

Proposed developments have focused on enhancing terminal capacity, apron expansion to attract additional scheduled carriers, and modernization of navigation aids with funding avenues involving the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program and state aviation grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Regional planning discussions have considered multimodal integration with NJ Transit projects, potential incentives involving the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to boost inbound tourism, and strengthened air cargo facilities to serve the Port of Philadelphia catchment. Military infrastructure planning continues in coordination with the Air National Guard Bureau and Department of Defense facility sustainment programs to support readiness and community partnership initiatives.

Category:Airports in New Jersey Category:Atlantic County, New Jersey