Rhode Island Airports: Complete Guide to PVD & Regional Airports 2024

Location: 56 Airport Road, Westerly, RI
Airport Codes: WST (IATA), KWST (ICAO)
Classification: General aviation, regional commercial service

Facilities:

• Two runways: 4,010 feet and 3,960 feet
• Approximately 4 miles from Westerly city center (southwest)
• 33 privately-owned aircraft-based tenants
• Operating since December 1, 1939

Services & Operators:

• FlightLevel Aviation - Fixed Base Operator (FBO)
• New England Airlines - 8-passenger commuter service to Block Island
• Simmons Aviation - Banner towing, aerial tours, vintage aircraft rides, flight training
• Private charter flights available (starting from $847/hour)
• Free parking for passengers

Block Island Connection: Scheduled daily airline service to Block Island State Airport via New England Airlines and Fly The Whale (FTW), with 9 daily round trips Monday-Friday. Fares start at $75 each way based on round-trip purchase.

Location: Block Island, Washington County, RI
Airport Codes: BID (IATA), KBID (ICAO)
Classification: Public use, general aviation with scheduled service

Facilities:

• One runway: 2,502 feet
• Approximately 1 mile from Block Island center (south-southeast)
• Aircraft tie-down services and parking apron support
• Provides essential access to this offshore vacation retreat

Flight Services:

• New England Airlines: Daily year-round service from Westerly, RI
• Fly The Whale (FTW): 9 daily round trips Monday-Friday
• Charter flights available to airports throughout New England
• Fares starting at $75 each way (round-trip purchase)

Activity: For the 12-month period ending February 29, 2020, the airport had 17,014 aircraft operations (average of 47 per day): 72% air taxi, 28% general aviation, and less than 1% military. Activity peaks during summer weekends and holidays.

Passenger Count: 16,809 annual passengers, primarily seasonal summer traffic and year-round island resident travel.

Location: 210 Airport Street, North Kingstown, RI 02852
Airport Codes: OQU (FAA), KOQU (ICAO), NCO (IATA)
Classification: Joint civil-military, general aviation, regional reliever

Facilities:

• Two runways: 7,500 feet (longest) and 4,000 feet
• Located on Quonset Point peninsula
• Combines port, rail, road, and air transportation facilities
• Adjacent to extensive industrial park
• Terminal open 24 hours a day

Military Presence:

• Home to 143d Airlift Wing of Rhode Island Air National Guard
• Operates C-130J Hercules aircraft
• Army National Guard also uses facility for training and operations
• Site of former Naval Air Station Quonset Point (1941-early 1970s)

Services:

• FlightLevel Aviation - Fixed Base Operator (FBO)
• General aviation services
• Corporate aviation
• FAA classified as regional reliever facility

History: Historic site that served as Naval Air Station Quonset Point during World War II and Cold War era. Following Navy departure in early 1970s, facility transitioned to state operation while maintaining National Guard presence.

Location: 211 Airport Access Road, Middletown, RI 02842
Airport Codes: UUU (FAA), KUUU (ICAO), NPT (IATA)
Official Name: Colonel Robert F. Wood Air Park
Classification: State-owned, public-use, basic general aviation

Facilities:

• Two runways: 3,000 feet and 2,673 feet
• 221 acres at elevation of 172 feet
• Located 2 nautical miles (2.3 miles) northeast of Newport city center
• Serves Newport and Newport County

Services:

• FlightLevel Aviation - Fixed Base Operator
• Serves corporate community and visitors to Newport
• Supports local aviation enthusiasts
• Army National Guard operations
• Convenient access to Newport's year-round festivals and events
• No scheduled airline service (formerly served by Air New England)

History: Army Air Force Captain Robert F. Wood established Newport Air Park on this site in 1946. The state acquired the airport in July 1960, completing new runway and taxiway construction by September 1967. In 2011, part of the film "Moonrise Kingdom" was filmed at the airport.

Location: 30 Jenckes Hill Road, Smithfield, RI 02917
Airport Codes: SFZ (IATA), KSFZ (ICAO)
Alternative Name: Peters-Fournier Airport (dedicated 1953)
Classification: Public use, general aviation, reliever airport

Facilities:

• Two runways: 5,000 feet and 3,211 feet
• 475 acres at elevation of 441 feet
• Located in Smithfield and Lincoln (north-central Rhode Island)
• Opened for service in 1951
• 34 aircraft based at airport: 32 single-engine, 1 multi-engine, 1 helicopter

Operations: For the 12-month period ending May 31, 2023, the airport had 14,687 aircraft operations (average of 40 per day): 95% general aviation, 4% air taxi, and less than 1% military.

Services & Tenants (37 total):

• FlightLevel Aviation - Fixed Base Operator (FBO)
• Air Ventures Flight School
• North Central Flight Center
• New England Aviation - Aircraft maintenance services
• RI Aviation - Aircraft maintenance services
• Boston Skydive Center

Purpose: Designated as a reliever airport for general aviation activity from T.F. Green Airport, reducing congestion at the state's primary commercial airport.

Historical Note: In 1953, the airport was re-dedicated as Peters-Fournier Airport in honor of two WWII Medal of Honor recipients: Private First Class George J. Peters (U.S. Army, Cranston native) and Sergeant William G. Fournier (U.S. Marine Corps, Connecticut native).

The main airport in Rhode Island is Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), located in Warwick, approximately 10 kilometers south of Providence. PVD is the state's only commercial airport offering scheduled passenger service, serving over 4 million passengers annually as of 2024. The airport offers 38 nonstop destinations served by 12 airlines, including JetBlue, Southwest, and Breeze Airways. Originally founded as Hillsgrove State Airport in 1931, it was the first state-owned and operated airport in the United States.

Rhode Island has six state-operated airports managed by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC). These include one commercial airport (T.F. Green International) and five general aviation airports: Block Island State Airport, Newport State Airport, North Central State Airport, Quonset State Airport, and Westerly State Airport. Additionally, the state has approximately 12 heliports, 1 seaplane base, and several private airports. The general aviation airports serve corporate aviation, flight training, recreational flying, and provide essential access to island and coastal communities.

According to U.S. Department of Transportation data from 2024, Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) is the fastest-growing major airport in the United States due to several factors:

• Dramatic growth: Passenger traffic rose 14% over six months, with seat capacity expected to jump 22% in the next six months
• Airline expansion: 129% increase in nonstop flights since 2017, with Breeze Airways establishing PVD as a base of operations
• Competitive advantage: Lower costs and more convenient location compared to Boston Logan for southern New England travelers
• Route expansion: Growing from limited destinations to 38 nonstop routes including international service to Bermuda and Cancún
• Recovery momentum: Exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 passenger levels by surpassing 4 million annual passengers in 2024
• Customer satisfaction: Ranked #2 out of 500+ US airports in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards"

PVD also offers the most per capita destinations in New England at 34.7 routes per million population, making it the fastest-growing hub airport in the region.

PVD Airport offers several parking options with rates varying by location:

• Lot E (Economy): $17-18 per day or $85 per week - best value for long-term parking with 4,358 spaces and free shuttle service
• Garage B and Lot D: $27 per day (approximately $189 per week)
• Garage A (Covered): $34 per day (approximately $238 per week)
• Short-term/Hourly: $6 per hour, maximum $26 per day
• Cell Phone Lot: Free for short-duration pickup (located at 2200 Post Road)
• Off-airport parking: Starting from $4.50-$5.00 per day through services like SpotHero (average $6.70 per day)

With online coupons, parking can be as low as $12 per day. PVD offers the most affordable airport parking in New England - Boston Logan charges $51 per day, making PVD parking up to $34 per day cheaper for travelers.

Yes, Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited security screening at Checkpoint A. TSA PreCheck members enjoy several benefits:

• Fast screening: Nearly 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 5 minutes
• Average wait time: 5 minutes maximum at PVD (vs. 15-30+ minutes for standard security)
• Keep items on: Shoes, belts, and light jackets stay on
• Keep items in bag: Laptops, liquids, and food can remain in carry-on bags
• Membership duration: 5 years ($78-85 enrollment fee)
• Quick approval: Most applicants receive Known Traveler Number within 3-5 days

Additionally, PVD features CLEAR enrollment (Main Terminal, Security Level) and new Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) as of November 2024, which scans IDs and confirms flight information automatically. Military personnel and DoD civilians receive free TSA PreCheck using their DoD ID number, and children 12 and under can accompany enrolled parents through PreCheck lanes without restriction.

PVD Airport is served by 12 airlines offering over 100 daily nonstop flights. The major carriers include:

• Breeze Airways: Largest operator with PVD as a base of operations
• Southwest Airlines: Extensive domestic network including longest route to Denver
• JetBlue Airways: Focus city operations with strong Florida and Caribbean presence
• Delta Air Lines (SkyTeam): Flights to Atlanta hub
• American Airlines (Oneworld): Service to Charlotte and Chicago
• United Airlines (Star Alliance): Chicago connections
• Allegiant Air: Florida destinations including Punta Gorda
• Frontier Airlines: Budget domestic flights

All three major airline alliances are represented at PVD: SkyTeam (Delta), Oneworld (American), and Star Alliance (United). Low-cost carriers dominate the market, providing affordable options with a focus on leisure destinations, especially Florida (10 destinations), and expanding international service to Bermuda, Cancún, and San Juan.

Block Island State Airport (BID) is accessible via scheduled commercial air service from Westerly State Airport (WST) in Rhode Island. Two airlines provide regular service:

• New England Airlines: Daily year-round service from Westerly with multiple flights per day. Call (800) 243-2460 or (401) 596-2460, or visit blockislands-airline.com for reservations
• Fly The Whale (FTW): Offers 9 daily round trips Monday through Friday. Visit flythewhale.com or call (800) 908-0469 for booking

Fare Information: Flights start at $75 each way based on round-trip purchase. Parking at Westerly airport is FREE for passengers.

Flight Details: The short flight takes approximately 12-15 minutes covering the distance from mainland Rhode Island to Block Island. This service provides essential access to the island vacation destination, especially during winter months when ferry service may be limited. Charter flights to Block Island are also available from airports throughout New England for those preferring private transportation.

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport currently offers limited but expanding international service:

Current International Destinations:

• Bermuda: Seasonal service (new route announced in 2024)
• Cancún, Mexico: Seasonal service operated by Breeze Airways (typically February-April)
• San Juan, Puerto Rico: Year-round service operated by JetBlue Airways (Puerto Rico is a US territory)

International Facilities: The South Concourse has two gates (Gates 7 and 8) specifically designed for international arrivals, directly connected to customs facilities on the lower level of the concourse.

Future Expansion: PVD has announced plans to expand international service further, pending FAA approval. The airport's recent designation as the fastest-growing major airport in the US suggests additional international routes may be added to capitalize on growing demand from southern New England travelers seeking alternatives to Boston Logan.

Rhode Island's aviation system generates substantial economic benefits for the state, according to Federal Aviation Administration data:

Overall Economic Impact:

• Total economic output: $2.7 billion annually from civil aviation
• Jobs supported: More than 19,000 aviation-related jobs statewide
• State airport system: $2.6 billion in annual economic output

General Aviation Contribution:

• Statewide general aviation: $402 million in annual economic output
• Five general aviation airports direct impact: $37 million annually
• With indirect benefits: $50 million total economic impact

Infrastructure Investment: Over the past 15 years, approximately $70 million has been invested in upgrades to terminals and airfields at Rhode Island's general aviation airports, including improvements to aprons, taxiways, lighting, landscaping, and terminal enhancements.

This economic impact demonstrates that Rhode Island's airports serve as vital economic engines, supporting thousands of jobs, facilitating business travel and tourism, and connecting the state to national and international markets.

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport offers a comprehensive range of amenities for travelers:

Dining Options:

• Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, Wendy's (quick service)
• Federal Tavern (full-service restaurant with classic American fare)
• Central food court with multiple vendors

Shopping:

• Rhode Island Marketplace (souvenirs and locally-made products)
• Hudson News (magazines, books, snacks, toiletries, electronics)
• Ginvea Jewellery

Technology & Connectivity:

• Free WiFi throughout terminal (Boingo Free WiFi or PVD Free WiFi)
• Charging stations available throughout terminal

Special Services:

• Nursing rooms (pre-security on both levels, post-security at Gates 6 and 12)
• Military lounge (2nd floor, next to Hope Reflection Room)
• PVD Pups pet therapy program for stress relief
• Little Free Library (lower level) for borrowing or leaving books
• Pet relief area (North Terminal, airside, across from Ginvea Jewellery)
• CLEAR enrollment center (Security Level)
• TSA PreCheck and Credential Authentication Technology

Transportation: Direct connection to MBTA rail service via elevated walkway, car rental facilities, taxi and ride-sharing pickup areas, and extensive parking options including free cell phone lot.