Elmira/Corning Regional Airport

Elmira/Corning Regional Airport
Name	Elmira/Corning Regional Airport
Iata	ELM
Icao	KELM
Type	Public
Owner	Chemung County
City-served	Elmira, New York; Corning, New York
Elevation-ft	980
Runway1-number	4/22
Runway1-length-ft	6,201
Runway1-surface	Asphalt
Runway2-number	16/34
Runway2-length-ft	4,000
Runway2-surface	Asphalt

Elmira/Corning Regional Airport is a public use airport serving the Elmira and Corning metropolitan area in Chemung County, New York. Located near the cities of Elmira, New York and Corning, New York, the facility functions as a regional hub for scheduled commercial service, general aviation, and air cargo operations. The airport connects the Southern Tier to national networks through commuter airline linkages and supports local aviation businesses, flight training, and emergency services.

History

The site traces its origins to municipal and county efforts in the early 20th century to provide air service for upstate communities, influenced by transportation developments such as the Erie Railroad and the regional manufacturing centers of Corning Incorporated and General Electric. In the post-World War II era the airport expanded under initiatives similar to those that established municipal airports at Syracuse Hancock International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Throughout the Cold War period, the field accommodated civil air patrol and occasional military transits associated with nearby installations like Fort Drum and logistical routes servicing the New York Air National Guard. Service patterns shifted with airline deregulation after the Airline Deregulation Act; carriers that historically served the airport included regional affiliates of Eastern Air Lines and later commuter operators linked to networks such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Infrastructure upgrades in the late 20th and early 21st centuries paralleled projects at peer facilities like Albany International Airport and Rochester International Airport, with grants from federal programs administered by the Federal Aviation Administration and state transportation authorities.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The airport occupies acreage near the junction of regional routes used by travelers to Interstate 86 (New York) and New York State Route 17. Its primary runway, oriented 4/22, measures approximately 6,201 feet and supports regional jets and turboprops operated by carriers similar to SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airways in other markets. A secondary runway, 16/34, provides crosswind capability for piston and turbine aircraft. Terminal facilities include a passenger concourse with ticketing, baggage handling, and security screening consistent with the Transportation Security Administration standards for commercial airports. On-field services comprise fixed-base operators providing fuel, maintenance, and hangaring used by operators such as General Aviation Manufacturers Association-certified mechanics and flight schools akin to those at Lehigh Valley International Airport. Air traffic services are coordinated through nearby FAA facilities including the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center and regional flight service stations.

Airlines and Destinations

Scheduled commercial service has traditionally been provided by regional affiliates connecting passengers to major hubs like Philadelphia International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Operators have included commuter airlines and regional partners that feed network carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Seasonal and charter operations bring passengers to recreational destinations and special events associated with institutions such as Corning Museum of Glass and regional festivals. Cargo operators using the field support freight movements tied to manufacturers including Corning Incorporated and distribution networks associated with companies like UPS and FedEx Express.

Statistics and Traffic

Traffic levels reflect a mix of scheduled commercial enplanements, general aviation operations, and air taxi movements. Passenger counts have fluctuated with regional economic cycles, influenced by employment centers at Corning Incorporated, healthcare facilities like Arnot Health, and academic institutions including Elmira College. Annual aircraft operations historically compare to those recorded at similar regional airports in the Northeast, with peak periods during holiday travel and summer tourism. The airport participates in federal reporting programs administered by the Federal Aviation Administration and is included in state aviation planning conducted by the New York State Department of Transportation.

Ground Transportation and Access

Ground access is provided by state and county highways connecting to intercity bus services such as carriers that operate routes linking Binghamton, New York, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Buffalo, New York. Rental car counters often feature national companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and Avis Budget Group; local taxi and rideshare services connect to downtown Elmira, the Corning Museum of Glass, and nearby hotels. Parking facilities accommodate short-term and long-term travelers, and the airport's proximity to Chemung County roadways facilitates cargo vehicle access for freight handlers and logistics firms.

Accidents and Incidents

Like other regional airports, the facility has experienced incidents investigated by agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. Notable occurrences typically involve general aviation aircraft during training flights or adverse weather operations, with follow-on safety recommendations consistent with widely reported findings from investigations into accidents at airports comparable to Ithaca Tompkins International Airport and Elmira Corning Regional Airport peer facilities. Emergency response coordination involves local entities including the Chemung County Sheriff's Office, municipal fire departments, and regional hospitals.

Category:Airports in New York (state) Category:Transportation in Chemung County, New York