Rhode Island’s Airports
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) is responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the six state-owned airports, which includes the state’s main commercial airport, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, and a network of five general aviation airports throughout the state: Block Island, Newport, North Central, Quonset and Westerly.
The direct economic impact of our state’s five general aviation airports is approximately $37 million. That number expands to $50 million when indirect economic benefits are factored in. Over the past 15 years, approximately $70 million has been spent in upgrades to the terminal and airfields at the state’s general aviation airports. Such upgrades range from apron and taxiway improvements to increased lighting, better landscaping and terminal enhancements.
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport is the largest and most active airport among the six operated by Rhode Island Airport Corporation. Located in Warwick, Rhode Island, the airport offers commercial service and welcomes thousands of general aviation users each year.
Block Island State Airport
Block Island State Airport offers a 2,500-foot runway with aircraft tie-down services and parking apron support. The airport provides essential access to this offshore vacation retreat.
Newport State Airport
Newport State Airport is located in Middletown, Rhode Island, and has two runways: one that is just under 3,000 feet and the second, which is 2,673 in length. UUU serves the corporate community and visitors to the year-round festivals in nearby Newport.
North Central State Airport
North Central State Airport is a full-service airport located at 30 Jenckes Hill Road in Smithfield, RI. It has two runways – one that is 5,000 feet and a smaller 3,211-foot runway.
Quonset State Airport
Quonset State Airport is located in North Kingstown, RI, situated on a peninsula that combines port, rail, road and air transportation facilities, and an extensive industrial park. Quonset Airport has two runways – the longest at 7,500 feet and the second at 4,000 feet.
Westerly State Airport
Westerly State Airport is located in Westerly, RI, and has two runways – one at 4,010 feet and the second at 3,960 feet. The fixed-base operator provides: Self-Service Fueling Station,
Aircraft Tie-Down and Parking Apron Support, Pilot Briefing Center, Passenger Lobby, and Maintenance.
General Aviation Business Plan
The general aviation airports, except for Quonset State Airport, are nestled inside of neighborhoods. Maintaining a balance between promoting aviation growth and development while being sensitive to neighboring community concerns is an ongoing operations and communications commitment for RIAC.
RIAC recently undertook a strategic business and master planning process for all five of Rhode Island’s general aviation airports. To accomplish this multi-year undertaking, RIAC formed an internal task force comprised of experts in the fields of infrastructure, planning, finance, legal and property management and relied on consultants to help evaluate business development opportunities and potential infrastructure needs.
