If you’re a New Yorker with a busy calendar and a preference for privacy, flying private is more of a necessity than the luxury it’s often sold as. The perks are virtually endless, with world-class fixed-base operators (FBOs), faster transfers, and unrivaled services all making your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Fortunately for us New Yorkers, the city offers a rich network of private aviation hubs that match your pace, regardless of where you’re going and how urgently you need to get there.
But not all airports are created equal. Some are about proximity, others about peace of mind, and a few stand head and shoulders above the rest on reputation alone. If you know the city, you know there’s always more than one way to get somewhere, and the same goes for your departure gate. Let’s dive into the best airports for private flyers in New York, with directions and access details that make sense to those who actually live here.
The Star of the Suburbs: Westchester County Airport (HPN)
For those living north of 96th Street or up in Westchester or Fairfield County, Westchester County Airport is a no-brainer. Located in White Plains and roughly 45 minutes from Midtown (depending on traffic on the Henry Hudson or the Hutch), this airport is pretty much made for travelers looking to skip the chaos of NYC proper.
The vibe here is calm. No massive terminals, no long TSA lines, just smooth check-ins at luxury FBOs. You’ll find the same upscale perks as at the other airports on the list: private lounges, valet services, and catering options, but with a noticeably quieter atmosphere. It’s especially popular among execs with offices in Stamford or Rye, or anyone planning a weekend out of town without taking a chance on the city traffic.
JFK: The Swiss Army Knife of Airports
If you’re heading across the Atlantic, the Pacific, or halfway around the world, John F. Kennedy International Airport is where you want to be. Best known for its busy commercial operations, JFK actually has an elite private aviation offering that includes Modern Aviation’s luxury FBO. Expect discrete customs clearance and lavish pre-flight lounges.
It’s about a 30-minute drive from Manhattan if you’re lucky with traffic on the Van Wyck or the Belt, making it surprisingly accessible for international travelers who don’t want to compromise on comfort. And for Harlem locals, a quick hop on the A train to Howard Beach or a car service via the Triborough and Cross Island makes it easier than you’d think.
LaGuardia: The Quiet Contender
LaGuardia doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but when it comes to short-haul private travel, it’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Tucked into its own corner of Queens and about 20 minutes from Midtown if the BQE plays nice, LGA’s private aviation offering is sleek, fast, and efficient. Also, the airport has undergone extensive renovation over the past ten years, so if you’ve been stung by negative experiences in the past, expect vast changes and upgrades.
This is the go-to airport for private flyers hopping to Boston, D.C., or Chicago. You can pull up, check in, and be wheels up in less time than it takes to cross the Triborough during rush hour. Arrange a private transfer here if possible, as parking can fill up pretty quickly.
Republic Airport: Long Island’s Launchpad
Out in Farmingdale, Republic Airport is the favorite of Long Island’s elite, and we’re not surprised. There’s no commercial traffic, so everything moves with a little more ease and zip. Located conveniently off Route 110, it’s a go-to for folks in Nassau and Suffolk counties, not to mention anyone headed to the Hamptons, Montauk, or even Fire Island.
Whether you’re catching a private jet up to Nantucket or down to Palm Beach, the airport’s top FBOs deliver on all fronts: private terminals, white-glove service, and ground support that keeps your travel as relaxed as it should always be. It’s also just a 45-minute drive to the East End, making it ideal for those summer weekends when Route 27 starts to crawl.
Teterboro: The World’s Most Iconic Private Airport
If there’s ever been a household name in private aviation, it’s Teterboro. Just 20 minutes by car via the Lincoln Tunnel (or less if you’re leaving from the west side), Teterboro is as close to a VIP fast-track as you’ll find in the NYC metro area.
You won’t be sharing the runways with commercial planes here, just sleek jets, quiet terminals, and first-class FBOs as far as the eye can see. This is where celebrities, executives, and seasoned private travelers take off discreetly. It’s so legendary that even Hollywood has made it the backdrop for high-flying dramas like Succession and The Sopranos.
Almost Too Good To Be True
As soon as you begin to consider private aviation as a realistic option, it’s like finding a hidden portal to a world of travel opportunities. Access all areas, twenty-four hours a day. Wherever you happen to be in New York, from a Manhattan skyscraper to a Long Island retreat, you can be at an airport and boarding a private plane in less than thirty minutes.
Need to get to London? JFK is your launch pad. Escaping to the Cape for the weekend? Teterboro or Republic gets you there fastest. Avoiding Midtown gridlock for a business trip upstate or out west? Westchester is your best bet. For short-haul speed with minimal drama, LaGuardia is a sleeper hit.
No matter your direction, New York’s private aviation scene delivers. You just need to pick your runway.
