Cover credit – Town of Islip
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) has long been heralded as an economic hub of Long Island. Moreover, the small, regional airport has prided itself on convenience for residents, reasonable rates, and a viable alternative from the New York City airports for departing and arriving travelers.
ISP’s standing hasn’t gone unnoticed. Every year since 2020, ISP has been voted as one of the ten best small airports in the country in the USA Today 10Best Survey.
In 2024, ISP earned the number three spot, just behind Myrtle Beach (MYR) and Grand Rapids (GRR).
ISP has also boasted several new carriers, particularly JetBlue, Breeze, and Avelo.
Now, a national newspaper has ranked ISP as one of the best airports in the country.
The Washington Post placed ISP at number forty-six out of fifty, which include national heavyweights, such as Portland, Oregon (PDX), Long Beach, California (LGB), and Washington, D.C. (DCA) – the top-three airports on the list.
ISP beat out Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (MDT), Colorado Springs, Colorado (COS), LaGuardia (LGA), and Boise, Idaho (BOI).
The Washington Post compiled its list from data collected through individual responses and analysis, considering parameters that travelers value the most.
The publication’s methodology consisted of airports that served at least 1,000 passengers last year, after which amenities like parking and gate capacity were evaluated. Out of the 450 airports considered, ISP made the top-fifty cut.
“We are thrilled that Long Island MacArthur Airport has earned national recognition from The Washington Post. Ranking alongside some of the country’s largest and busiest airports speaks volumes about the quality of our service, the ease of access, and overall experience we offer travelers,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip). “This acknowledgment reinforces our commitment to continued investment in our airport and our community.”
“To be ranked among the top-fifty airports in the U.S. is a tremendous honor,” said ISP Airport Commissioner Rob Schneider. “Our team is always working to enhance the passenger experience, from expanding destinations to improving terminal facilities. We’ve also recently welcomed developers to the airport to explore future expansion opportunities that align with our long-term growth plans. This recognition reaffirms the positive direction we’re headed and the value we place on making MacArthur Airport a top-tier travel option.”
ABOUT LONG ISLAND MACARTHUR AIRPORT
MacArthur Airport is on Long Island approximately 50 miles from New York City. It is the closest airport to 2.8 million Long Island residents, and to world-renowned attractions including the famous Hamptons, Wine Country, lighthouses, Fire Island, excellent theatre, award-winning restaurants, and Gatsby-era mansions. The Town of Islip owns and operates the airport, served by Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Southwest Airlines.
Access to the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) makes getting around Nassau and Suffolk counties convenient. Train service from the Ronkonkoma / MacArthur Airport LIRR to New York City provides frequent transport. Long Island MacArthur Airport employs 6000 people directly and indirectly, with a $16M annual operating budget and an economic impact of $600M to the region and local economy. In 2024, ISP was voted the #3 Best Small Airport in the country in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and earned the 2024 Tourism Trailblazer Award from Discover Long Island.