New Bedford Regional Airport
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| New Bedford Regional Airport | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | New Bedford Regional Airport |
| Iata | EWB |
| Icao | KEWB |
| City | New Bedford |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Country | United States |
New Bedford Regional Airport is a public airport located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, serving the South Coast (Massachusetts) region. The airport is owned by the City of New Bedford and operated by the New Bedford Municipal Airport Commission. It is a key transportation hub for the area, providing access to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. The airport is also home to several Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified flight schools, including Bridgewater State University's aviation program.
● Overview
New Bedford Regional Airport is situated approximately 3 miles from downtown New Bedford and is accessible via Route 140 (Massachusetts) and Route 18 (Massachusetts). The airport serves as a reliever airport for Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, and is also a popular destination for general aviation and charter flights. The airport's proximity to New Bedford Harbor and the Martha's Vineyard Ferry makes it an ideal location for tourism and commerce. Nearby attractions include the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Fort Taber, and the New Bedford Historic District.
● History
The airport was established in 1942 as a United States Army Air Forces base, known as New Bedford Army Air Field. During World War II, the airport was used as a training base for B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bomber crews. After the war, the airport was transferred to the City of New Bedford and began to develop as a civilian airport. In the 1950s and 1960s, the airport was served by Eastern Air Lines, Northeast Airlines, and Mohawk Airlines, offering flights to Boston, New York City, and Providence, Rhode Island. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the construction of a new terminal building in 1964 and the extension of the runway to its current length of 5,400 feet.
● Facilities
The airport features a single asphalt runway, designated as Runway 5/23, which is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS) and a precision approach path indicator (PAPI). The airport's terminal building offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, gift shop, and car rental facilities. The airport is also home to several fixed-base operators (FBOs), including Rectrix Aviation and New Bedford Aviation, which offer a range of services including fueling, maintenance, and charter flights. Nearby hotels include the New Bedford Marriott and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott.
● Airlines_and_Destinations
New Bedford Regional Airport is currently served by Cape Air, which offers scheduled flights to Nantucket Memorial Airport and Martha's Vineyard Airport. The airport is also a popular destination for charter flights and private aviation, with several companies offering flights to destinations throughout the Northeastern United States and Canada. Nearby airports include Plymouth Municipal Airport, Provincetown Municipal Airport, and Barnstable Municipal Airport. The airport is also accessible by bus and train via the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority and the MBTA Commuter Rail.
● Statistics
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airport had 44,411 aircraft operations in 2020, including 34,419 general aviation flights, 6,512 air taxi flights, and 3,480 military flights. The airport is classified as a reliever airport by the FAA, and is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) as a non-hub primary airport. The airport's economic impact on the local community is significant, with an estimated annual output of over $10 million. Nearby institutions include University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Bristol Community College, and New Bedford High School.
● Accidents_and_Incidents
There have been several accidents and incidents at New Bedford Regional Airport over the years, including a plane crash in 1979 that killed two people. In 2011, a Cessna 172 aircraft crashed on approach to the airport, injuring the pilot and passenger. The airport has also experienced several incidents of bird strikes and wildlife hazards, which have resulted in damage to aircraft and delays to flights. The airport is served by the New Bedford Fire Department and the Bristol County Sheriff's Office, which provide emergency services and law enforcement support. Nearby hospitals include St. Luke's Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital.