It’s no secret to locals that Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) is perhaps the region’s crown jewel when it comes to transit.
To outsiders, it became known in 2023 as the fifth-best small airport in the country in a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award Survey.
Last year, ISP notched a noble bronze – third place.
This year, however, it goes into uncharted territory as the second-best small airport in the United States.
This marks the fifth nomination for ISP overall.
“Long Island MacArthur Airport continues to rise in the list of the best small airports,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) in a statement. “This year, we secured the number-two spot, our best showing to date. The outpouring of support for Long Island’s hometown airport and more air service is being recognized by travelers, and we are so grateful!”
ISP has been undergoing some serious upgrades over the last couple years, including upgrades to perimeter security, explosive- and substance-sniffing pooches, courtesy of the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), the growing relationship with the relatively new low-cost carrier Breeze, and a courting of six carriers: Breeze, Frontier, JetBlue, Avelo, Cape Air, and Southwest.
In the winter, the airport became the recipient of a $150 million grant from New York State for infrastructure upgrades, which kicked off with a visit from Governor Kathy Hochul (D) herself.
ISP was defeated for the top slot by Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), which serves Grand Rapids, Michigan, and took the silver in last year’s contest.
“We send our congratulations to Gerald Ford Airport. Long Island showed great determination and creativity on social media with customers near and far sharing stories and support,” said ISP Commissioner Rob Schneider in a statement. “We also appreciate the support of so many local residents who voted each day and also to community groups like the Long Island Ducks, MacArthur Business Alliance, Discover Long Island, and HIA-LI who helped us get the word out.”
Just behind ISP is Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), which serves Providence and was the fourth-place runner up to Islip last year.
Fourth to tenth place are as follows: Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Piedmont Triad Intl. Airport (GSO) – Greensboro, North Carolina; Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester Intl. Airport (ROC) – Rochester, New York; Huntsville Intl. Airport (HSV) – Huntsville, Alabama; Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) – Wichita, Kansas; Pensacola Intl. Airport (PNS) – Pensacola, Florida; and Fresno Yosemite Intl. Airport (FAT) – Fresno, California.
Myrtle Beach has fallen slightly from grace, having won first place last year and winning fourth this year.
Runners-up in last year’s list who were absent from this year’s were Patrick Leahy Burlington Intl. Airport (BTV) – Burlington, Vermont; and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) – Manchester, New Hampshire.
Newcomers to this year’s list consist of Pensacola and Fresno.
Greensboro shot up from tenth to fifth, Rochester bumped up from seventh to sixth, Providence moved from fourth to third, and Huntsville moved up from ninth to seventh, while Wichita dropped from sixth to eighth.
“This best-ever effort energizes our community as we continue to work hard with air carriers to bring more destinations and travel options from Long Island MacArthur Airport,” said Islip Town Councilman John Lorenzo (C-West Sayville) in a statement. “It also encourages us to continue reaching out to visitors in other areas to showcase Long Island and welcome tourism to our area.”
With two placement gains in the last two years, perhaps there’s only one more year to go until our very own MacArthur takes the gold…
