Newport State Airport

Newport State Airport is a public airport located in Newport, Vermont, serving the Northeast Kingdom region. The airport is owned by the State of Vermont and operated by the Vermont Agency of Transportation. It provides access to various destinations, including Burlington, Vermont, Montreal, and Boston, through connections with airlines such as Cape Air and JetBlue Airways. The airport's facilities and services are also utilized by Civil Air Patrol and Federal Aviation Administration-certified flight schools.

● Overview

Newport State Airport is classified as a general aviation airport, catering to a range of aircraft, from Cessna 172 to Beechcraft Bonanza. The airport's primary users include private pilots, flight schools, and charter airlines like NetJets and Wheels Up. It also serves as a base for medical transport services, such as Life Flight Network and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center's Dartmouth Coach. Additionally, the airport hosts events like the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and participates in programs like the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program and the Transportation Security Administration's TSA Precheck.

● Location

The airport is situated near the Memphremagog Lake, approximately 3 miles northeast of Newport, Vermont's central business district. Its proximity to the US-5 and VT-105 highways makes it easily accessible by car, while its location near the Newport, Vermont Amtrak station provides connections to Montreal Central Station and Boston South Station. The airport is also close to several Vermont State Parks, including Jay Peak Resort and Seyon Lodge State Park, making it a convenient gateway for tourists visiting the Northeast Kingdom region. Nearby attractions include the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Shelburne Museum, and Smugglers' Notch State Park.

● Facilities

Newport State Airport features a single asphalt runway, designated as Runway 17/35, which is 4,000 feet long and 75 feet wide. The airport's facilities include a fixed-base operator providing fueling services, maintenance services, and aircraft rental options from companies like Avis and Hertz. The airport also has a terminal building with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, snack bar, and conference rooms. Additionally, the airport offers hangar storage and tie-down services for based and transient aircraft, as well as aircraft washing and de-icing services from providers like Ascent Aviation and StandardAero.

● History

The airport was established in the 1940s, with the first air traffic control tower being constructed in the 1950s. Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the extension of the runway and the construction of new taxiways and aprons. In the 1980s, the airport was designated as a reliever airport for the Burlington International Airport, and it has since become an important hub for general aviation and charter flights in the region. The airport has also been involved in various Federal Aviation Administration initiatives, such as the Airport Safety Enhancement Program and the Voluntary Airport Low Emissions Program.

● Operations

Newport State Airport operates 24/7, with air traffic control services provided by the Federal Aviation Administration's Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center. The airport is equipped with a range of navigational aids, including a VOR/DME and an instrument landing system (ILS). The airport's fixed-base operator provides a range of services, including fueling services, maintenance services, and aircraft rental options. The airport is also home to several flight schools, including the Vermont Flight Academy and the New England Flight Academy, which offer flight training programs and aircraft rentals from companies like Piper Aircraft and Cirrus Aircraft. Additionally, the airport hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including air shows, fly-ins, and aviation conferences, such as the National Business Aviation Association's NBAA-BACE and the Experimental Aircraft Association's EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.