The airport was established in 1937, making it one of the most historic airfields on Long Island and to a greater extent, New York State. If we lose it, it will never be replaced…

What’s at Stake?

ECONOMIC IMPACT

EHCA commissioned an independent economist to conduct an Economic Impact Study on the economic impact of the East Hampton Airport on the community. The study found that the Airport Brings $77 Million and 800 Jobs to Local Community. You can read through the full study here.

LIFE SAFETY

The airport provides critical emergency services and life-saving MedEvac services to all members of our community, especially since the Medevac helicopters cannot land on remote sites during poor weather, poor visibility, high winds, or when there are trees, sand, or overhead power lines in the vicinity. The airport also acts as an indispensable central staging area for emergency services and distributing emergency medical and food supplies for our community during natural disasters and catastrophic events, such as those recently seen in the Bahamas, Houston, and North Carolina.

ENVIRONMENT

The airport acts as a very important refuge for multiple native plant species, insects, birds, and foxes because of the protection of the rare grassland ecosystem from over-browsing deer and human disturbances, such as developers who would destroy the habitat. It is the most productive bluebird fledging site in southern New York State, and is also a refuge for the grasshopper sparrow and the tree swallow. All of which could be destroyed if the airport were closed.

COMMUNITY

The airport provides important educational science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) training and career opportunities for local youth, and helps train new pilots during the current national pilot shortage. There are also East Hampton pilots who participate in Angel Flights, which provide free air transportation for passengers in need of medical treatment far from home. Closing the airport means taking these opportunities away from our children and our neighbors.

Our historic community asset

  • HTO serves as a starting ground for flying enthusiasts, veteran military pilots, commercial airlines, mechanics and hobbyists.

  • Local schools visit the airport and are allowed to board planes, view hangars, watch landings and takeoffs.

  • There are many Angel Flights a year where volunteers ferry those in need to hospitals for specialized treatment as well as those needing to attend the bedsides of loved ones in an emergency.

  • Our First Responders use the airport for emergency evacuations and training.

  • HTO is an important element in any environmental disaster recovery plan. Both as a facility to fly in supplies if needed and evacuate citizens to safe ground.

  • HTO is also used to provide community events such as the Just Plane Fun Day or other fundraisers for local causes.

  • Economic study shows airport brings $77 million and 800 jobs to local community.