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Private aviation opens a world of possibilities, granting access to destinations that commercial flights can't reach and providing an unparalleled time-efficient experience, whether flying for business, leisure or a special event. While the industry operates at terminals throughout the United States, certain airports consistently stand out as the go-to choices for travelers.
These hubs facilitate journeys to top destinations, and Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey takes the lead as the busiest private jet terminal in the country. However, airports in the states of Florida, California, and Texas also shine brightly as favored spots for private aviation passengers thanks to top-notch infrastructure and overall access.
Located only 12 miles from Manhattan, Teterboro serves as a reliever terminal, meaning it doesn't handle scheduled airline services. Moreover, it restricts the operation of aircraft weighing over 100,000 pounds while the local Port Authority established this airport to alleviate congestion at nearby commercial terminals, providing a haven for non-scheduled movements such as private jet flights.
The airport's vicinity to New York makes it a prime choice for travelers exploring the metropolitan area, conveniently positioned near the Hudson River. In fact, recent ARGUS TRAQPak data recorded more than 73,000 departures from this airport, a staggering figure that solidifies its status as the nation's busiest private aviation terminal. Travelers heading to the Big Apple often opt for Westchester County Airport (HPN) in White Plains, New York, just 30 miles outside of the city, which saw more than 36,000 departures last year, securing the fourth spot on the list.
Most charter jet passengers that depart from Teterboro and Westchester have their sights set on sunny Florida, which boasts a network of conveniently located executive airports. During the winter, it's common for private jet travelers - called snowbirds - to swap New York's chilly weather for the warmth of destinations in Florida like Palm Beach (PBI), Miami-Opa Locka (OPF), Naples (APF), and Fort Lauderdale, which has two competitive terminals as options for charter flights (FLL and FXE).
Florida leads the runway
Palm Beach International Airport soared to second place on the list of the nation's busiest private jet terminals in 2022, with more than 46,000 departures. Its strategic location, just a few miles away from the city's downtown area, beaches, and resorts explains the impressive feat.
Additionally, a 2019 FDOT Florida Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study revealed that the airport contributed more than $5.6 billion to the local economy. Florida's presence on the list, with five of the top 25 business aviation terminals last year, solidified its position as the top state for the private jet industry in the U.S.
In 2022, Texas established itself as the second most active state for business aviation, with significant activity concentrated in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Dallas Love Field (DAL) clinched the third position among the nation's most demanded private jet airports, registering just over 40,000 departures. Located just half a dozen miles from downtown Dallas, Dallas Love Field presents private jet travelers with a convenient alternative to the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Following closely, Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) secured its status as the second busiest in Texas for 2022, while Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and San Antonio International Airport (KSAT) rounded off the impressive Texas lineup.
California also offers three of the top private jet airports in the nation: Van Nuys Airport (VNY), John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, and San Jose International Airport (SJC). Despite ranking fifth in terms of private jet traffic in 2022, Van Nuys enjoys a renowned status as one of the world's top general aviation terminals.
The airport maintains its commitment to exclusively catering to noncommercial flights and recently completed an impressive $13.1 million runway improvement project, significantly enhancing airfield safety and facilities. Van Nuys Airport plays a pivotal role in alleviating movements at regional airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
These busy terminals consistently entice private jet travelers. Top private jet providers stand ready to offer expert guidance for flights to these destinations and many more, whether for accessing executive terminals dedicated exclusively to private aviation activity or utilizing private terminal options at larger commercial terminals, providing passengers with convenient, safe and efficient travel solutions for any schedule.