for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Small Airport.This is the fifth nomination for Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP).
“For the past four years, Long Island MacArthur Airport has risen up the list of the best small airports in the U.S. with last year’s #3 spot shining as our best showing to date,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “This year we want all of Long Island to show its pride of place and support for more air service by voting every day through October 6th. With your help we can hopefully capture the #1 position this year!” Carpenter said.
Since last year’s award, Long Island MacArthur Airport has enjoyed significant success with air service development, adding three new air carriers – Avelo Airlines, CapeAir and JetBlue.
“We hope the visibility and support for ISP will help us secure even more air service including new destinations,” said Long Island MacArthur Airport Commissioner Rob Schneider. “We’ve also gained larger, more modern aircraft on many routes. With the six airlines combined, we will now have 17 nonstop destinations. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase our airport and our island on a national stage,” Schneider added.
There is no scrolling or registering or filling out forms required. It just takes one easy click for Long Islanders to show their support for their hometown airport.
In addition to growing its air service and boosting its marketing initiatives, ISP has upgraded both the terminal and airfield to provide a better customer experience, more comfort and enhanced security including taxiway improvements, ticket counter updates, perimeter fencing, and TSA equipment upgrades.
Long Island MacArthur Airport has also been recognized by numerous publications and community groups including Discover Long Island's Tourism Trailblazer Award in December of 2024 and a nomination for HIA-LI's 2025 Business Achievement Awards.
"The ongoing success of this airport, including new routes and airlines, depends on the active support of our loyal customers, local businesses, and community organizations," said Town of Islip Councilman John Lorenzo. "This is a time for all of Long Island to come together to gain recognition for our airport and community. When we unite, amazing things happen," he added.
Additionally, the airport will be pulling in customers and community via social media, encouraging everyone to create a :10-:15 second video about what they love about our area with the theme "You're a real Long Islander if…"
"We expect to see a lot of local pride, creativity and perspectives with these short videos that will link to the 10Best voting," said Supervisor Carpenter. "From Billy Joel fans to oyster farmers to sports teams and community groups, this is a way to get local residents and businesses involved in the effort, showcase Long Island, and energize daily voting. You can check our social media accounts for details," she added.
Former Long Island residents and customers around the world who enjoy using Long Island MacArthur Airport and support us are also welcome to vote.
ABOUT LONG ISLAND MACARTHUR AIRPORT: MacArthur Airport is on Long Island approximately 50 miles from New York City. It is the closest airport to 2.8 million Long Island residents, and to world-renowned attractions including the famous Hamptons, Wine Country, lighthouses, Fire Island, excellent theatre, award-winning restaurants, and Gatsby-era mansions. The Town of Islip owns and operates the airport, served by Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Cape Air, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Southwest Airlines.
Access to the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) makes getting around Nassau and Suffolk counties convenient. Train service from the Ronkonkoma / MacArthur Airport LIRR to New York City provides frequent transport. Long Island MacArthur Airport employs 6000 people directly and indirectly, with a $19M annual operating budget in 2025 and an economic impact of $600M to the region and local economy. In 2024, ISP was voted the #3 Best Small Airport in the country in USAToday's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, was named a "Haven" Airport by the Wall Street Journal, and earned the 2024 Tourism Trailblazer Award from Discover Long Island. In 2025, the Washington Post ranked MacArthur Airport as one of the 50 best airports in America.
