The New Jersey airport recorded nearly 75,000 private jet departures last year. Out of interest there is approximately 4.6 million private jet flights in the US each year (and increasing). And in the US alone, there are 5000 airports available to private jets (compared to 1400 in Europe) compared to 500 for commercial airlines – this ‘reach’ is probably the most notable advantage of flying private.
Although the airport is located across the Hackensack River in the New Jersey Meadowlands, spread across the boroughs of Teterboro, Moonachie, and Hasbrouck Heights, it’s a mere 12 miles west of Midtown Manhattan, making it the preferred choice for private planes and corporate jets heading to New York.
Consequently, Teterboro (KTEB) doesn’t receive any commercial air traffic, dedicating all of its resources to private & business aviation; and the airport operates with a 100,000 lbs. weight limit, making commercial airline operations nonviable.
Teterboro has a 7,000 foot asphalt runway, which can accommodate helicopters, pistons, turbo props, and private jets.
Last year, Teterboro Airport recorded the most private flight departures of any airport in the United States. Per Private Jet Card Comparisons, the airport recorded 74,577 private aviation flight departures in 2023. This slightly increased compared to 2022, when it recorded 73,564 private flight departures, about 1.4% less than in 2023.
“Teterboro (TEB) is the most important and widely used private aviation airport in the United States for private aviation, and the #1 business jet airport in NYC. Teterboro has a 7,000-foot asphalt runway, which can accommodate helicopters, pistons, turboprops, and private jets. Teterboro’s Airport is easily accessible and the most convenient airport for travelers visiting New York City for business or pleasure.”
Brief History
Teterboro Airport is actually the oldest airport in the New York City area. Walter C. Teter originally acquired the property in 1917. After World War I concluded, the site was turned from a manufacturing plant into a base of operations for one of the world’s most famous airplane designers, Anthony Fokker. The first flight out of the airport site was conducted in 1919.
During World War II, the United States Army took over the airport for basic operations. However, after the war concluded, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey purchased the airport site and leased it to Pan American World Airways. This lease ended on December 1, 2000, when the Port Authority resumed complete airport control.
The airport occupies about 827 total acres, which includes:
- Aircraft hangars and offices: 90 acres
- Runways/ taxiways: 408 acres
- Undeveloped land: 329 acres
Overall, Teterboro Airport has nineteen hangars that occupy over 400,000 square feet of space. The main office buildings are centrally located, with one of the buildings housing the Department of Homeland Security. These have a combined area of 133,418 square feet. Other office space and maintenance hangars take up an additional 165,000 square feet of space. The airport uses over 4.2 miles of taxiways to facilitate aircraft movement.
The Runways
Private jets operate using Teterboro’s dual asphalt runways: Runway 1-19 measures 7,000 feet long and is equipped with High Intensity Runway Lights (HIRL) and Runway End Identification Lights (REIL) systems. In the summer of 2000, Runway 1-19 was overlaid and grooved and a centerline and touchdown zone lighting was installed.
Runway 19 is the main runway for private planes due to noise abatement procedures. It’s approach has an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). Runway 1’s approach features a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI).
Runway 6/24 measures 6,013 feet long, and features HIRL as well. The approach to Runway 6 offers an ILS and a Medium Approach Lighting System-R (MALS-R); Runway 24 offers both PAPI and REIL systems.
Other Features
Teterboro Airport offers customs in two convenient locations. The first is in Hangar #1, and the second is Jet Aviation FBO. The airport is open 24/7, including during holidays, although customs is only open from 07:30 to 23:30 local time. Last March, Jet Aviation updated its FBO with a revamped interior, suitably opulent for its discerning guests.
One of the most unique features of Teterboro is its lack of passenger traffic. Teterboro Airport is officially classified as a general aviation relief airport. This means that it cannot offer any scheduled airline service. Beyond this, beginning in 1977, no aircraft greater than 100,000 pounds has been permitted to operate from Teterboro Airport. This was implemented to reduce excessive noise in the airport’s residential areas.
Perhaps the most appealing feature of flying out of Teterboro Airport is its optimal location. As previously mentioned, Teterboro Airport is just 12 miles from Manhattan. This drive can typically be completed in 30 to 45 minutes. This is significantly faster than it would take to get to Manhattan from the nearby JFK or Newark airports. In support of this, the airport is also accessible by bus and train route
