What Is The Biggest Airport in Maine?
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When planning a trip to Maine, in the United States, there are so many things to consider. Such as where to fly into, which airlines fly into the state, what’s the biggest airport in Maine and more. Flying can be rough with long security lines, lost luggage and navigating unfamiliar airports. Luckily Maine has two smaller commercial airports you can fly into, with all the amenities you’ll need.
We will provide you with all the info you need to know about airports in Maine, to make planning your next trip into or out of Maine easier.
What Is The Biggest Airport In Maine?
Portland International Jetport (PWM) is the biggest airport in Maine, serving most of the major US domestic airlines. Located just 5 miles (8 km), or 15 minutes west of downtown Portland. Maine’s largest city. It’s the perfect starting point to see all of Maine’s tourist attractions.
Over 1.9 million passengers passed through Maine’s largest international airport in 2022, according to the US Department of Transportation.
The Jetport’s small but modern terminal is easy to navigate, with great amenities for travellers. Including WIFI service throughout the terminal, food and drinks. As well as ATMs and shops selling souvenirs and travel essentials.
AIRPORTS IN MAINE USA
There are many airports in Maine, USA. From the busiest, Portland International Jetport, to smaller state and municipal regional airports such as Augusta State Airport, in Kennebuc County and Millinocket Municipal Airport in Penobscot County, Maine.
Air travel into Maine is handled by well known airlines and well known low-cost carriers into 36 main public and alternative airports across the state.
If travelling for vacation, Portland and Bangor are popular destinations to fly into. Close to beaches, camping on the Saco River & elsewhere, shopping, whale watching, fun seaside resorts and more.
According to the Maine Department of Transportation, passenger numbers in the State of Maine, are climbing back up to pre-pandemic levels.
Are There Any Major Airports in Maine?
There are four major airports in Maine. The two biggest are Bangor International Airport, and Portland International Jetport. Which handle the majority of aviation traffic and passengers in the state. Followed by Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland, ME and then Presque Isle International Airport. The “Gateway to Northern Maine.” Both are a general aviation airport.
They offer nonstop flights and regular passenger service into and out of major US cities like New York City, Orlando, and Washington, DC.
Portland International Jetport
Portland Airport started its life as a landing strip for a flying fan Dr. Clifford “Kip” Strange, in the 1920’s. In 1936 the City of Portland bought the airfield, with its current form taking shape after World War II between the 1950’s and 60’s.
Today Portland International Jetport serves as Maine’s busiest airport, and is the best choice, whether visiting for the first time of hundredth. It serves close to 2 million passengers each year, according the the US Department of Transportation.
They have seasonal and regular flights in and out daily with these airlines; American, Delta, Frontier, jetBlue, Southwest and American.
You can grab a non-stop flight to and from places like Atlanta, Washington DC, New York, Chicago, and Orlando,
Portland’s airport has everything you need. From visitor information, to food and drinks. Plus WIFI, currency exchange, a gift shop or three and Maine car rentals.
You can access the Portland International Jetport through Exit 46 of I-95 (Maine Turnpike) or I-295/Exit 3 to Western Avenue, South Portland. Local traffic can use Congress Street.
Portland’s Jetport is the main airport for the state. There are plenty of things to do in Maine in summer and year round.
Fun Fact: Portland’s airport code is PWM. Which stands for Portland Westbrook Municipality. Pilots in the early days would use a series of lights to navigate, with the last set located at Westbrook, before the Portland runway.
Bangor International Airport
Bangor International Airport (BLG) is the second largest airport in Maine. In 2021 Bangor International Airport saw 674,000 passengers pass through its terminals. It’s It’s one of the fastest growing airports in Maine.
What began as the “Godfrey Field” in 1927, was taken over as a U.S. Army Base just before the Second World War. In 1942 it was renamed the Dow Air Force Base until it closed in 1968. It is now owned and operated by the city.
Located on the west side of Bangor, it has only one runway which services up to 60 flights daily through Allegiant Air, Delta, American and United Airlines.
They provide service to and from Orlando, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Newark, New York, Charlotte, Chicago, and Tampa.
Their small terminal provides basic amenities such as on restaurant and coffee shop. As well as two gift shops to grab those last-minute souvenirs and travel essentials.
Car rentals are available onsite for your convenience as well.
The BLG is also well known as a port of entry for US Soldiers coming home and the Maine Troop Greeters. Citizens & veterans of all ages who head to the airport to cheer and thank the returning military men and women.
Bangor, Maine is also on our list of best spring activities in Maine.
Knox County Regional Airport
Knox County (RKD) is a regional public-use airport located in Rockland, ME 2 miles northwest of the town. Originally built during WWII it was given the name Ash Point Naval Air Station.
This airport serves the residents of midcoast Maine with commercial and charter services. It’s one of the busiest Maine airports in summer, especially with private charters dropping off visitors for summer vacations in the Penobscot Bay region.
In 2022, 14,000 passengers passed through Knox County Regional Airport.
Cape Air flies regularly to Boston’s Logan Airport. Offering 6 direct flights a day in summer and 3 non-stop flights a day in winter. If you are looking to fly beyond Boston, Cape Air partners with jetBlue, or interlines with most carriers.
A Boston to Bar Harbor, Maine road trip is another fun way to see all the east coast has to offer.
Presque Isle International Airport
Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) has the second longest active commercial runway in Maine at 7439 feet. It’s also known as Northern Maine Regional Airport.
The “Gateway to Northern Maine, and northwestern New Brunswick, it’s a great place to land to explore Aroostook County. “Aroostook” is a Micmac word that means “beautiful river.”
Presque Isle offers twice daily service to Newark Liberty International Airport by United Airlines. Around 30,000 passengers used this airport in 2022.
During World War II it was called the Presque Isle Army Airfield and was a vital air transport center. Once the Air Force base closed in 1961, it was redeveloped, for commercial and general aviation services as it sits today.
What Airlines Fly Into Maine?
There are many airlines that fly directly into Maine including Delta, American Airlines, United, jetBlue, Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines.
What Major Airlines Fly Into Portland Maine?
The major airlines that fly into Portland, Maine include popular airlines such as United, Southwest, Delta, and American. As well as Frontier and jetBlue. These airlines fly into and out of major US cities including Washington, New York, Chicago, Orlando, Charlotte, Atlanta, Baltimore and Detroit.
What Major Airlines Fly Into Bangor, Maine?
Major airlines do fly into Bangor, Maine including American, Delta, Allegiant and United.
There are no direct international flights into or out of Bangor. So you’ll need to make at least one stop through a major US city first.
Direct flights to several cities from Bangor Maine are offered daily on American, Allegiant, Delta and United.
- American – Non-stop service to Philadelphia and Washington DC’s Reagan National, and seasonally to Charlotte, NC.
- Allegiant – Non-stop jet service year-round to Tampa/St. Petersburg Airport, ans Orlando/Sanford Airport, plus seasonal service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
- Delta – Non-stop daily service to New York’s LaGuardia Airport and seasonally to Boston and JFK International Airport in New York.
- United – Daily service to Newark Liberty and seasonal service to Chicago O’Hare.
FAQs
Does Maine have an international airport?
Maine has three international airports. Bangor International Airport, located in east-central Maine. Portland International Jetport to the south. And Presque Isle International Airport in northern Maine, on the USA / New Brunswick Canada border. International flights do not fly directly into Maine’s airports. You’ll need to land in another major US city first.
Which airport is bigger, Bangor or Portland Maine?
Bangor International Airport in Maine is bigger in terms of acres (2,079 acres), than Portland’s International Jetport, which is only 726 acres in comparison. This is due to its start as a former military installation, the Dow Air Force Base. While Portland has a smaller airport, it is much busier, servicing about 2 million passengers a year, compared to Bangor’s 700,000 passengers a year.
What airport in Maine is closest to Canada?
Houlton International Airport is the closest Maine airport to Canada. Their terminal building sits right on the US / New Brunswick border. This small ariport is only 1.3 miles (2km) or a 5 minute drive to the Canada / US Border.
Fun fact, before the US joined WWII, aircraft passing through on their way to Canada had to fly from Portland to Houlton, Maine and be towed across the border by horse or tractor. To maintain US neutrality, flights into Canada were forbidden at the time.
What is the closest airport to Camden, Maine?
Knox County Regional Airport (RKD) in Rockland, ME is the closest airport to Camden, Maine. Camden is only an 11 mile (18 km) drive from Rockland, along the scenic coastal Route 1. This regional airport is serviced 3-6 times daily by Cape Air out of Boston.
Final Thoughts on Airports in Maine, USA
We’ve discussed all the best airports in Maine, US, including the largest airport in Maine in Portland, in terms of passengers. As well as other good options, such as Bangor and Rockland, depending on where your ultimate destination takes you.
Maine is fantastic place to visit from late fall, into winter, spring or summer. So hop a plane and get vacationing!
Do you have a favorite airport in Maine to fly into? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
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