Forget the JFK and LaGuardia Airport chaos. USA Today just unveiled the best small airports in the U.S. that help travelers avoid stress and crowds, and Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) in Ronkonkoma, NY climbed from second place last year to claim the top spot.
Located about 50 miles from Midtown Manhattan–about a one hour drive or two hour LIRR and rideshare journey–the Long Island airport offers shorter walks, a more manageable terminal, and nonstop flights to destinations across the country.
It’s also the closest airport to 2.8 million Long Island residents, with convenient access to world-renowned attractions including the famous Hamptons, Wine Country, lighthouses, Fire Island, and Gatsby-era mansions.
And there’s even more on the horizon: a proposed north-side terminal could eventually bring additional flights and a more direct connection to the Long Island Rail Road.
For New Yorkers planning holiday travel, a fall or winter escape, or a weekend away, this under-the-radar airport is certainly worth a closer look.
A $150 million expansion could bring a new terminal to Long Island MacArthur Airport
Long Island MacArthur Airport could be in for its biggest transformation yet.
In June 2026, airport officials zeroed in on a developer proposing a new terminal on the airport’s north side, following a search for development partners that began in spring 2025.
The $150 million proposal aims to expand the airport’s capacity for additional flights while improving connections to the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station.
The proposal is the latest in a recent string of major upgrades to terminals and amenities, which have included a Ground Transportation Center, improvements to baggage claim, enhanced security measures, and technology updates designed to make the passenger experience smoother.
The proposed north-side terminal is still a project in development, rather than a finished addition, but it could be a significant next chapter for an airport that’s already earning national recognition.
Why travelers are choosing ISP over NYC’s bigger airports
MacArthur’s appeal is that it offers many of the essentials of air travel without the scale and congestion that can make navigating a major airport feel like a trip in itself.
Passengers benefit from relatively short walks to gates, short security lines, and a more straightforward airport layout. Travelers have reported getting from their car to the gate in around 15–20 minutes, although actual times vary depending on security lines, parking, and flight schedules.
Other conveniences include:
- Dining and shopping: Pick up coffee, snacks, or last-minute travel essentials at spots including Dunkin’, Point/Blue Pub & Provisions, and Paradies Gift Shops
- Free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating: Stay connected while waiting for boarding, with seating areas and filtered water available throughout the terminal
- A dedicated Ground Transportation Center: Access rental cars, taxis, buses, shuttles, and rideshares in one central location
- Convenient parking: Parking options near the terminal and a cell phone waiting area make drop-offs and pick-ups more manageable
- Accessibility and security: ADA-compliant facilities and airport security measures help make the travel experience more accessible and organized
Where you can fly nonstop from Long Island MacArthur Airport
MacArthur’s route network has continued to develop, giving travelers more options for trips without having to trek to JFK or LaGuardia first.
The airport’s listed nonstop destinations include:
- Florida: Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Tampa (TPA), Fort Myers (RSW), Palm Beach/West Palm Beach (PBI), Sarasota (SRQ), and Vero Beach (VRB)
- Other East Coast Destinations: Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Boston (BOS), Charleston (CHS), Charlotte/Concord (CLT/JQF), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Norfolk (ORF), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Richmond (RIC), and Wilmington (ILM)
That means options for everything from a Florida beach getaway to a quick trip to Boston or a visit to family farther down the East Coast.
Airlines serving ISP include:
- Southwest Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Avelo Airlines
- Breeze Airways
- Cape Air
A quick tip: Nonstop routes and operating airlines can change seasonally, so check the airport’s current flight schedule before making plans.
10 best small airports in America for 2026, according to USA Today
- Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) — Ronkonkoma, New York
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) — Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) – Bentonville, Arkansas
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) — Warwick, Rhode Island
- Huntsville International Airport (HSV) — Huntsville, Alabama
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) — Fresno, California
- El Paso International Airport (ELP) – El Paso, Texas
- Colorado Springs Airport (COS) – Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) — Rochester, New York
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) — Greensboro, North Carolina
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