Teterboro Takes the Crown as the Busiest Private Airport
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Teterboro NJ, Teterboro Airport, owned and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has solidified its reputation as the busiest private airport in the United States. In the past year alone, nearly 182,000 private aircraft have taken off and landed at this small but vital airport, according to the latest data from the Port Authority. Designed originally to divert air traffic from major commercial airports, Teterboro has become a hub for private jets, frequently used by celebrities and business elites.
Between May 2023 and May 2024, private travel at Teterboro soared, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The airport has undergone significant upgrades, including rehabilitating its north runway and constructing a new air traffic control tower to improve operations. Plans are also in place to introduce a luxurious VIP facility for NetJets, the world’s largest operator of private jets, which will include a private ramp, hangar space, owner lounge, conference rooms, and more.
The Noise Problem: A Growing Concern for Residents
While Teterboro’s growth signifies its importance in the aviation world, it also brings a significant downside for the residents living near its two intersecting runways. The constant roar of aircraft overhead has become a persistent issue, causing frustration and fatigue among the local population.
For those living in towns like Hackensack and South Hackensack, the noise is relentless. The northern runway, Runway 19, alone saw 44,467 aircraft landings last year, averaging about 114 planes daily. When combined with the planes departing from the southern runway and flying north, residents can expect to hear over 150 planes roaring overhead each day.
Rutherford Girl Scouts: Taking Action Against Noise Pollution
A group of determined Girl Scouts from Rutherford has decided to tackle the noise and air pollution issue head-on. Senior Troop 96898, composed of 10 girls aged 14 to 15, is actively working on their Take Action project—a service initiative aimed at creating significant change. These scouts have been conducting research, attending council meetings, and reaching out to legislators to advocate for their community.
The troop’s main goals are clear: they want a permanent noise monitor installed in Rutherford, a more balanced use of the southern runways, and stronger support from elected officials to address ongoing noise monitoring and mitigation efforts. With six noise monitors currently mounted in towns surrounding the airport, the scouts are pushing for Rutherford to receive one as well.
The Ongoing Battle with Noise Levels
The noise issue extends beyond just Rutherford. In Hackensack, where the airport’s alternate flight path was designed to minimize disruption, complaints continue. Despite efforts to divert air traffic away from Hackensack University Medical Center and high-rise buildings along Prospect Avenue, noise levels have risen. In May 2024, noise near the hospital averaged 62.6 decibels, a significant increase from the previous year.
Hackensack’s Deputy Mayor, Kathleen Canestrino, who serves as the city’s liaison to the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee (TANAAC), expressed frustration at the lack of progress in mitigating the noise. Despite the committee’s efforts and the introduction of a new flight path, the noise continues to be a problem for residents.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Teterboro and Its Impact
As Teterboro Airport continues to expand and accommodate more private flights, the noise issue will likely persist, if not worsen. While the airport’s growth is a testament to its success, it also highlights the need for more robust solutions to address the concerns of nearby residents.
The efforts of the Rutherford Girl Scouts and the ongoing discussions within the TANAAC indicate a community that is unwilling to remain silent on the issue. However, balancing the demands of a thriving airport with the quality of life for local residents remains a complex challenge—one that will require continued collaboration between the Port Authority, local officials, and the community.
Teterboro’s status as the busiest private airport in the nation is undeniable, but so too is the growing chorus of voices calling for change in the skies above Bergen County.
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Teterboro is New York City’s airport. Just as the meadowlands used to accept NYC garbage, we now have their noise. As a long time local pilot, the Port Authority pushed out the locals in favor of the NYC elites with the jets. I haven’t flow there in 20+ years. ALSO a major factor is the growth of fractional airplanes. Whereas in the past it few very wealthy individuals would own a private jet. However now someone can purchase 1/16 of a plane. So you have 16 users with one plane (or subsitute plane) so it dramatically increases the noise. So if you have 16 owners wanting to go to the hamptons for a party, there are 16 jets at the end of the runway at 5pm . Not unlike taking a residential area and putting in a hotel. Those of us pilots who formerly used Teterboro fly out of other airports. So we won’t be defending the actions of the port authority who uses this cash cow to fund their other operations such as bridges and tunnels. What they should do is open Floyd Bennet field for the NYC bound jets. Problem solved.
We need to do something about the noise. We pay too high taxes not to have a quite nite to sleep.