What To Know
- In the late 1990s, ACY lost its international designation due to a decline in demand for international flights.
- In 2019, the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), which operates ACY, announced plans to invest in upgrades to the airport’s infrastructure, including the construction of a new terminal and customs and immigration facilities.
- While there is potential for the airport to regain its international designation, it will require a significant investment and a sustained increase in passenger demand.
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is a regional airport located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, United States. Despite its name, ACY is not currently an international airport. It primarily serves domestic flights within the United States, with the majority of its traffic originating from or terminating in major cities on the East Coast.
History of ACY’s International Status
ACY was originally designated as an international airport in 1965, when it was known as Bader Field. However, the airport’s international operations were limited, with only a handful of flights to Canada and the Caribbean. In the late 1990s, ACY lost its international designation due to a decline in demand for international flights.
Factors Affecting International Status
Several factors contribute to an airport’s international status, including:
- Customs and Immigration Facilities: Airports with international flights must have facilities to process passengers and cargo from other countries.
- Runway Length and Capacity: International flights often require longer runways and more parking space for larger aircraft.
- Passenger Demand: There must be sufficient demand for international flights to justify the investment in infrastructure and staffing.
Current Status and Future Prospects
ACY does not currently meet the requirements for international airport status. It lacks dedicated customs and immigration facilities, its runways are too short for some international aircraft, and there is insufficient passenger demand for regular international flights.
However, there have been recent efforts to explore the possibility of restoring international flights to ACY. In 2019, the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), which operates ACY, announced plans to invest in upgrades to the airport’s infrastructure, including the construction of a new terminal and customs and immigration facilities.
Advantages of International Status
If ACY were to regain its international status, it could provide several benefits to the region:
- Increased Tourism: International flights would bring more tourists to Atlantic City and the surrounding area.
- Economic Growth: International trade and investment would generate new jobs and economic activity.
- Convenience: Local residents would have access to direct flights to international destinations.
Challenges to International Status
There are also challenges associated with obtaining international airport status:
- Cost: Upgrading ACY’s infrastructure to meet international standards would require a significant investment.
- Competition: ACY faces competition from other airports in the region, such as Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
- Demand: It is unclear whether there is sufficient demand for international flights from ACY to justify the costs and challenges of obtaining international status.
Final Thoughts: The Future of ACY’s International Ambitions
The future of ACY’s international status remains uncertain. While there is potential for the airport to regain its international designation, it will require a significant investment and a sustained increase in passenger demand. The SJTA is actively exploring options to enhance ACY‘s infrastructure and services, but whether these efforts will ultimately lead to the airport becoming an international hub remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is ACY not an international airport?
A: ACY lacks dedicated customs and immigration facilities, its runways are too short for some international aircraft, and there is insufficient passenger demand for regular international flights.
Q: What would be the benefits of ACY becoming an international airport?
A: Increased tourism, economic growth, and convenience for local residents.
Q: What are the challenges to ACY becoming an international airport?
A: Cost, competition, and demand.
Q: Is ACY planning to upgrade its infrastructure to meet international standards?
A: Yes, the SJTA has announced plans to invest in a new terminal and customs and immigration facilities.
Q: When will ACY become an international airport?
A: The timeline for ACY to regain its international status is uncertain and depends on several factors, including investment, demand, and competition.
