Hamptons Airport Is Now For Private Flights Only

The saga over New York’s embattled East Hampton Airport (KHTO) reached a new phase recently when the town board voted unanimously to close down the field to public use beginning March 1. According to the plan favored by town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc, who was re-elected in November, the airport serving the wealthy communities on the east end of Long Island would reopen several days later as a private-use facility, subject to prior-permission requirements.

The airport’s fate had been in jeopardy for the past several years as activists railed against the noise of what they said was an increasing volume of aircraft. Yet, for individuals who own their own aircraft, KHTO remains a convenient and vital facility.

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While the move would preclude regular use by charter and air-taxi operations, the town board, in a nod to those owners, noted that the new system would allow it to impose restrictions on air traffic “without foreclosing the ability of certain operators to continue operating out of the new airport.”

The move is being opposed by groups such as the National Business Aviation Association that wish to see it remain open to the public.