ISP Airport Guide: Airlines, Terminals, Passenger Growth & Upcoming Developments

When most people consider flying in or out of New York, the names that come to mind are usually JFK, LaGuardia, or even Newark. However, hidden in Ronkonkoma, on Long Island, is an airport that has been serving millions of people with a lot of efficiency, calmness, and with much less commotion—Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP). Although it is not as well-known as its metropolitan neighbors, ISP has served as an important component of New York aviation since World War II. This is a regional airport that can be a smart and stress-free alternative to those travelers who are willing to pay a bit more and enjoy comfort and convenience as well as faster check-ins.

Key Points on Long Island MacArthur Airport

• IATA/FAA LID Code: ISP

• Location: Ronkonkoma, Town of Islip, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, US

• Ownership: Town of Islip

• Services: Served by commercial airline flights, general aviation, and charter flights, private and corporate aviation. Ground transportation and parking are also available.

• Runways: Three runways—two asphalt surfaces and one concrete. The longest runway measures more than 2,100 meters in length.

• Altitude: 99 feet (30 meters) above mean sea level

• Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours a day for 365 days

• Phone: +1 631-467-3300

• Rating: 4.3 stars from 1,200+ Google Business Profile reviews

Distance Of ISP From Major Airports

Here is a table showing the approximate distance and estimated driving time from Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) to other major airports in the New York area:

(Source: Google Maps)

Location and Ownership: Serving Long Island and Beyond

Long Island MacArthur Airport is in Ronkonkoma in the Town of Islip, Suffolk County, New York. It is operated and owned by the Town of Islip, making it one of the few commercial service airports in the nation that is run at the town level, as opposed to a state or port authority.

With a size of more than 1,300 acres, the airport is easily accessible by major highways and local transportation networks, which makes it an ideal departure point for passengers in Long Island and even some areas of New York City. Its tactical location assists in relieving the airspace around the bigger New York airports, especially JFK and LaGuardia.

Historical Background: A Legacy that was Born in Wartime

The airport was founded in 1942 with the purpose of military usage in World War II. It was named in honor of General Douglas MacArthur and his service and leadership. It has evolved over the years into a mixed-use airport serving both commercial and general aviation.

By the 1960s, regular commercial service was being offered at MacArthur Airport by airlines such as Allegheny and American. It was a big part of the connection between Long Island and cities in the eastern part of the United States. In the 1980s and 1990s, passenger traffic and airline service at the airport increased dramatically, including major carriers with jet aircraft like the Boeing 727 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9.

The airport also experienced a record turnover in 2007 when more than 2 million people passed through its doors. Although the number of passengers rose and fell in the years since then as a result of airline reductions and the overall economy, ISP remained a significant gateway to travelers who did not want to get caught up in the traffic at the larger New York airports.

The Reason MacArthur Airport is Special

The advantage of ISP over other airports in the area is that it is able to provide a more relaxed and efficient travel experience without sacrificing connectivity or service quality. Passengers like the fact that there are fewer people and fewer parking hassles, and that security lines are shorter.

One of the best selling points of the airport is its on-time performance. In 2009, ISP had a very good 85% on-time departure rate, which is better than that of many bigger airports in the area.

The airport is also accessible in nature. It is easily accessible by road through the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Veterans Memorial Highway (NY 454). Also, the Ronkonkoma LIRR station is within a few minutes, which is also a good method of transportation. The airport is also well connected by Suffolk Transit bus routes.

Airlines and Destinations: Growing With Purpose

Long Island MacArthur Airport has experienced a new life in airline service over the past few years with both legacy and low-cost carriers investing in new routes.

Some airlines that operate at ISP as of 2025 are

• Southwest Airlines—Longtime anchor carrier with destinations such as Baltimore, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. You can find Southwest Airlines departing from gates A5, A6, A7, A8

• JetBlue Airways—This airline entered the market in October 2024 and operates flights to Florida destinations such as Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. You can find JetBlue Airlines departing from gate A1

• Frontier Airlines—Provides low-cost fares to destinations like Fort Myers, Tampa, and Myrtle Beach. You can find Frontier Airlines departing from gates A3 & A4

• Breeze Airways—A young company that operates flights to the southern states of Charleston and Raleigh-Durham. You can find Breeze Airways departing from gate A2

• Cape Air—The Cape Air flight flies to Boston and has several flights a day on smaller planes. You can find Cape Air departing from gate B15.

• Avelo Airlines—The airlineflies to obscure destinations like Wilmington, Charlotte-Concord, and Lakeland, Florida. You can find Avelo Airlines departing from gate A2

These carriers have contributed to the growth of the airport in terms of market share, especially in Florida and the Southeast.

Passenger and Operational Statistics

In 2024, Long Island MacArthur Airport is expected to serve around 1.36 million passengers after a gradual recovery period after the pandemic-era decline. This figure consists of enplanements (departing passengers) and deplanements (arriving passengers), which indicates an increasing regional demand.

The airport has over 340 aircraft movements daily, which include commercial aircraft, general aviation, military aircraft, and freight. 

Long Island MacArthur Airport has three active runways: 

• Runway 06/24 is 7006 feet in length and 150 feet in width and is asphalt/grooved. 

• Runway 15R/33L has a length of 5,186 feet and a width of 150 feet and is asphalt/grooved. 

• Runway 15L/33R is 3,175 feet long and 75 feet wide with an asphalt surface finish. It also provides two helipads.

Terminal Upgrades and Facility Improvements

The Town of Islip and the airport administration have been keen on enhancing the passenger experience by undertaking various modernization initiatives. In 2023, ISP started a $26 million terminal renovation that involved the modernization of the main concourse, check-in, and security screening checkpoints.

This was followed up by further federal funding in 2024 for further improvements in order to increase capacity and efficiency. Other recent advancements are - 

• A new Ground Transportation Center and consolidated rental car facility that was opened in 2022, which simplified pickup and drop-off logistics.

• An improved cell phone waiting area that will make pickup more convenient for family and rideshare drivers.

• Extensive Wi-Fi connectivity in the terminal.

(Source: https://flymacarthur.com/terminal-map)

The Future: Midway Crossing and New Terminal Plans

The most thrilling news is the proposed building of a new terminal as part of the Midway Crossing project of 3.3 billion dollars. This new facility, approved by the FAA in early 2024, will change the meaning of convenience in traveling on Long Island.

The new terminal will have key features such as

• An 8-gate configuration, which is scalable, to start with.

• A direct pedestrian connection with the Ronkonkoma LIRR station provides a direct connection between the airport and the railroad.

• New and increased passenger parking and vehicle access.

In early 2025, the government of New York State pledged 150 million dollars in construction funding to the construction of the pedestrian connector, which is likely to significantly enhance accessibility and promote the use of multimodal transit.

Military and General Aviation Presence

Long Island MacArthur Airport is not a commercial facility. It also promotes:

• The 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment of the New York Army National Guard.

• The aviation unit of the Suffolk County Police Department.

• A number of flight schools and charter operators, and aircraft maintenance providers such as ExcelAire and Sheltair.

Also on the field is the Civil Air Patrol cadet squadron, which further supports the airport in its efforts to be prepared in the event of an emergency and to educate the youth about aviation.

Challenges and Resilience in the Long Run

ISP, like most regional airports, has had its fair share of problems. Flight volumes were influenced by the post-9/11 security environment, industry consolidations in the airline industry, and the economic effects of the 2008 financial crisis. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic that swept the world caused sharp drops in passenger traffic.

Nevertheless, ISP has recovered, and this has been made possible through planning and investing in the right areas. Airlines are back, new services are being inaugurated, and big infrastructure projects are being undertaken. The airport has also received accolades in terms of its effective operations, good safety track record, and passenger-oriented improvements.

Conclusion  

Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) has become one of New York's most convenient air travel facilities. ISP offers an environment with lower stress levels compared to other airports, efficient operations, and expanding airline services that are complemented with a clear vision for ISP’s future growth. This is a smart option for those located in Long Island looking to avoid delays. With increasing airline interest and the Midway Crossing Terminal Project on the horizon, MacArthur Airport is poised to play a larger role in the region’s transportation network in the coming years.