Best Private Jet Airports in New York: KTEB, KHPN, KFRG Compared

Overview

New York is the busiest private aviation market in the United States. More than 100,000 business jet movements pass through the metropolitan area each year, driven by the density of Fortune 500 headquarters, financial institutions, and media companies. The city itself lacks a dedicated private jet airport within its five boroughs, so charter passengers rely on a ring of general aviation fields in New Jersey, Westchester County, and Long Island.

Choosing the right airport can save you 30 minutes or more on ground transportation and thousands of dollars in positioning fees. The three airports that handle the vast majority of private jet traffic in the New York area are Teterboro (KTEB), Westchester County (KHPN), and Republic (KFRG). Each serves a different geography and clientele, and each comes with distinct trade-offs in convenience, cost, and aircraft size limitations.

Teterboro Airport (KTEB)

Teterboro is the default private jet airport for Manhattan. Located 12 miles from Midtown in Bergen County, New Jersey, it is the closest general aviation field to the city center. The airport has two runways — Runway 1/19 at 7,000 feet and Runway 6/24 at 6,013 feet — which can accommodate everything from light jets to large-cabin aircraft like the Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier Global 7500.

KTEB hosts several premium FBOs including Jet Aviation, Atlantic Aviation, and Meridian. These facilities offer private lounges, customs clearance for international arrivals, crew rest areas, hangar space, and ground transportation coordination. The FBO experience at Teterboro is among the best in the country.

Pros: Closest to Manhattan (20–40 minutes depending on traffic). Multiple FBO options with competitive pricing. Handles large-cabin and ultra-long-range aircraft. U.S. Customs and Border Protection on field for international flights.

Cons: Slot-controlled during peak hours, requiring advance reservations. Traffic on the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel can extend ground transit to over an hour during rush periods. Noise restrictions limit overnight operations. The airport experiences congestion during popular travel windows like holiday weekends and major events.

Westchester County Airport (KHPN)

Westchester County Airport sits in White Plains, roughly 33 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. It serves both commercial and private aviation, with a 6,549-foot main runway (16/34) that handles most midsize and super-midsize jets comfortably. Ultra-long-range aircraft can operate here but with payload or fuel restrictions on hot days.

The airport features FBOs from Signature Flight Support, Ross Aviation, and Million Air. Westchester is the preferred field for passengers traveling to or from Connecticut, the Hudson Valley, and the northern suburbs. Ground transportation to Manhattan takes 45–60 minutes via the Hutchinson River Parkway or I-95.

Pros: Not slot-controlled, offering more scheduling flexibility than Teterboro. Less overall congestion. Excellent for passengers based in Fairfield County, CT or the northern suburbs. Quieter, more relaxed FBO environment.

Cons: Longer drive to Manhattan. Runway length limits the largest ultra-long-range aircraft under certain conditions. Fewer FBO choices than Teterboro. Commercial airline traffic shares the runway, occasionally causing delays.

Republic Airport (KFRG)

Republic Airport is located in Farmingdale on Long Island, approximately 40 miles east of Manhattan. It is a reliever airport for JFK and LaGuardia, with two runways — 1/19 at 5,516 feet and 14/32 at 6,827 feet. Republic handles a significant volume of light jet and turboprop traffic, and its longer runway supports midsize jets and some super-midsize aircraft.

SheltAir (now Signature) operates the primary FBO, offering hangar space, fuel, and passenger services. Republic is the go-to airport for the Hamptons, the North Shore of Long Island, and travelers connecting to eastern Long Island destinations.

Pros: Best option for Long Island and Hamptons travel. Lower fees than Teterboro. No slot restrictions. Less air traffic congestion. Good availability for last-minute bookings.

Cons: Long drive to Manhattan — 60 to 90 minutes or more depending on traffic. Runway length limits heavy and ultra-long-range jets. Fewer international clearance facilities. Limited FBO competition keeps service options narrower.

Which Airport Should You Choose?

The decision depends primarily on your final destination on the ground and the size of aircraft you are flying. For Manhattan-bound travelers, Teterboro is the clear winner on proximity — the extra slot coordination is worth the 20-minute drive. If you are heading to Connecticut, northern Westchester, or prefer a less congested experience, Westchester County offers a smoother operation. And if your destination is anywhere on Long Island, from the Gold Coast to Montauk, Republic saves you from fighting cross-city traffic entirely.

For ultra-long-range flights on large aircraft like the Global 7500, Teterboro is your safest bet given its 7,000-foot runway. For light jet hops — New York to Nantucket, for example — any of the three will work, and cost or scheduling convenience should drive the choice.

Booking Through VOLO

VOLO's charter specialists factor airport selection into every quote. When you request a flight through our platform, we evaluate your ground destination, aircraft type, scheduling constraints, and FBO preferences to recommend the optimal airport. If you have a preference, we accommodate it. If you are unsure, we will explain the trade-offs so you can decide with confidence. Use our instant quote tool to get started — airport recommendations are included at no extra cost.