Nantucket Memorial Airport: Infrastructure and Operations
Nantucket Memorial Airport serves as a critical gateway to the island, balancing the needs of commercial airlines, private flyers, and air taxi services. Spanning 1,200 acres and situated at an elevation of 48 feet above sea level, the facility is designed to handle a diverse range of aircraft while managing the unique logistical demands of an island destination.
The airport's layout is optimized for efficiency, featuring a mix of specialized parking and modern terminal facilities that ensure a smooth transition for passengers arriving from the mainland.
Key Facts
- Total Area: 1,200 acres (490 ha).
- Runways: Two asphalt runways (6/24 and 15/33).
- Daily Traffic: Average of 140 aircraft operations per day.
- Terminal Size: Approximately 30,000 square feet following a 2009 expansion.
- Primary Users: Air taxi (56%) and general aviation (41%).
Runway Specifications and Navigation
The airport operates two asphalt runways to accommodate different weather conditions and aircraft sizes. The primary runway, Runway 6/24, measures 6,303 feet by 150 feet. It is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS)—a precision radio navigation system that helps aircraft land in low visibility—and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), alongside approved GPS approaches.
The secondary runway, Runway 15/33, measures 4,500 feet by 100 feet and also supports approved GPS approaches to ensure safe arrivals and departures.
Terminal Facilities and Modernization
To replace an aging 1950s facility, the airport underwent a significant modernization project in 2009. This $29 million investment involved upgrading the existing 12,000 square feet of space and adding an 18,000 square foot expansion.
A primary objective of this redesign was to increase passenger capacity and improve the flow of traffic. Specifically, the terminal was engineered to segregate air-taxi passengers, who do not require security screening, from commercial airline passengers who must undergo standard security protocols.
Aircraft Operations and Parking
Traffic at Nantucket Memorial Airport is heavily weighted toward non-scheduled flights. For the 12-month period ending April 30, 2021, the airport recorded 50,963 aircraft operations. The breakdown of these operations is as follows:
- Air Taxi: 56%
- General Aviation: 41%
- Commercial: 2%
- Military: 1%
As of April 2022, 18 aircraft were based at the airport, consisting of 15 single-engine and 3 multi-engine planes.
The apron, or the paved area where aircraft park and load, is divided by aircraft size. There are eight parking stands dedicated to smaller aircraft, such as the Cessna 402s operated by Cape Air and Nantucket Airlines. For larger regional jets, four dedicated stands accommodate aircraft from JetBlue (A220), American Eagle (CRJ-200/700/900 and Embraer 175), Delta Connection (CRJ-200/700), and United Express (ERJ-145).
While commercial services are concentrated on the north side of the terminal, the majority of the airport's parking remains reserved for general aviation aircraft.
Airport Infrastructure Summary
| Feature | Runway 6/24 | Runway 15/33 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6,303 ft × 150 ft | 4,500 ft × 100 ft |
| Surface | Asphalt | Asphalt |
| Navigation Aids | ILS, DME, GPS | GPS |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runways does Nantucket Memorial Airport have?
The airport has two asphalt runways: Runway 6/24 and Runway 15/33.
What was the purpose of the 2009 terminal expansion?
The $29 million expansion aimed to increase passenger capacity and separate air-taxi passengers from commercial airline passengers to streamline security processes.
Which airlines operate larger regional jets at the airport?
Larger regional jets are operated by JetBlue, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express.
What is the most common type of aircraft operation at the airport?
Air taxi operations are the most common, accounting for 56% of all aircraft operations during the period ending April 30, 2021.
How many aircraft are based at the airport?
As of April 2022, there were 18 based aircraft, including 15 single-engine and 3 multi-engine aircraft.