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Long Island MacArthur Airport earned its highest ranking ever in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, finishing second out of 20 nominees for Best Small Airport.
The 2025 contest marks the airport’s fifth nomination in the annual awards. Only Gerald Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, finished higher in the annual poll of flyers.
In 2024, MacArthur placed third in the USA Today poll.
Town of Islip officials credited the airport’s growing popularity and strong community support for the achievement.
“The outpouring support for Long Island’s hometown airport and more air service is being recognized by travelers, and we are so grateful,” Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said.
Aviation Commissioner Rob Schneider noted the role of local engagement in the ranking.
“Long Island showed great determination and creativity on social media, with customers near and far sharing stories and support,” Schneider said, while thanking local voters and community groups, including the Long Island Ducks, MacArthur Business Alliance, Discover Long Island, and HIA-LI, for helping promote the airport.
Town Councilmember John Lorenzo added that the recognition energizes efforts to expand air service and attract visitors to Long Island.
“This best-ever effort encourages us to continue reaching out to visitors in other areas to showcase Long Island and welcome tourism to our area,” he said.
USA Today top ten
The top 10 small airports in the USA Today poll are:
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
- Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
- Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
- Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
In recent years, the airport has continually boosted its service. JetBlue expanded its nonstop routes to include Tampa and Fort Myers in Florida starting this December, adding to its existing flights to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Breeze Airways also added Wilmington, North Carolina, as a nonstop destination, and Cape Air launched four daily nonstop flights between MacArthur and Boston. These additions are part of a trend of expanding options and growing flight frequency to meet traveler demand.
Top photo: courtesy of Long Island MacArthur Airport
