Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

September 24, 2021

Alder vote poises Tweed Airport revamp for takeoff

RENDERING | Courtesy Tweed
By Liese Klein

New Haven’s Board of Alders voted Thursday night to approve a new lease for Tweed New Haven Airport, a major milestone toward the renovation and expansion of the facility.

All of the alders present at the evening meeting voted to approve the lease, a key step in what is estimated to be a $100 million project to upgrade the airport, extending its runway to handle larger planes and building a new terminal to handle more passengers. 

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said, “I want to thank the alders and many within the community for supporting a plan that will make Tweed more attractive to prospective air carriers.” He touted provisions in the new 43-year lease that would phase out $1.8 million a year in state and city subsidies to the airport, along with the promise of new jobs and increased economic activity.

Tweed Executive Director Sean Scanlon said, “This landmark vote brings us one step closer to transforming Tweed New-Haven Airport into a true economic driver for our region through creating new local jobs and offering nonstop flights to a continuously growing list of destinations.”

Low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines announced earlier this year that it would start flights from Tweed to four Florida destinations starting November; service to an additional Sunshine State destination starts in mid-December. 

Airport operator Avports also lauded the vote. “Avports believes in the long-term future of HVN and its ability to serve more flyers from the surrounding region,” said CEO Jorge Roberts. “The future is very bright for Tweed New-Haven Airport.

In response to feedback from New Haven and East Haven neighbors, the new lease was amended in recent weeks to add an expanded plan to address noise and traffic impact and a new carbon offset program to mitigate the airport's environmental impact.

The airport is also prohibited from expanding cargo or freight service without first obtaining approval from the city. Another amendment requires the facility to work with FEMA and the city on a new flood map with the goal of reducing flood insurance premiums for nearby homes and businesses. 

The expansion project must still undergo environmental review and further approvals from both New Haven and East Haven. 

The airport’s board of directors last week voted to more than double the construction budget on initial upgrades to Tweed’s main terminal, Connecticut Public Radio reported on Wednesday. Higher costs prompted the board to approve an increase from $5 million to $11 million on the project due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF