By Sarah Fertsch
Atlantic City International Airport could become a more significant gateway as transportation officials pursue new airline service, terminal improvements and long-term development projects.
The airport’s future was a major topic during “Bridging the Gap: Transportation Solutions for Atlantic & Cape May Counties,” a moderated conversation presented by the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Atlantic City Chamber.
John Case, vice president of Hawk Strategies, moderated the discussion featuring South Jersey Transportation Authority Executive Director Stephen F. Dougherty, state Sen. Michael Testa Jr., New Jersey Turnpike Authority Commissioner John S. Wisniewski and Christopher F. Scales of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman.
Adding Charlotte as a destination
Among the possibilities for ACY is twice-daily American Airlines service connecting Atlantic City International Airport with Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina.
Charlotte is one of American’s largest hubs, meaning the proposed route could give passengers access to connecting flights throughout the United States and abroad without first traveling to Philadelphia or Newark.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority, which operates the airport and the Atlantic City Expressway, is seeking a federal grant to help establish the route. Officials expect a decision on the funding application by September.
Stephen Dougherty described the possibility of attracting regular service from a major legacy airline as a potential “game-changer” during the moderated conversation.
The airport handles approximately 1 million passengers annually. Transportation officials say its passenger mix has also begun to change, with a growing number of travelers flying into the region rather than primarily using the airport to leave South Jersey.
That shift could have important implications for Atlantic City and the surrounding shore economy. More arriving passengers could mean additional visitors for casinos, hotels, restaurants, beaches and attractions throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties.
New flights taking off
Allegiant Airlines currently offers nonstop service from Atlantic City to several destinations, including Fort Lauderdale, the Fort Myers-Punta Gorda area, Orlando-Sanford, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater and Myrtle Beach.
Breeze Airways has also introduced routes from Atlantic City. Its current and announced destinations include Charleston, Raleigh-Durham, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Myrtle Beach, Vero Beach and West Palm Beach, although the availability of individual routes varies.
American Airlines already serves Atlantic City through its Landline bus connection to Philadelphia International Airport. Passengers check in and clear security at Atlantic City International before boarding a bus to Philadelphia, where they transfer directly into the airport’s secured area for their flights.
Updating the terminal
Atlantic City International’s relatively compact terminal, accessible parking and shorter security lines have long been among its major selling points, but travelers want more options for dining, shopping, and spending time before their boarding times.
Miam Café & Boutique, a Florida-based restaurant known for fresh, made-to-order meals, is expected to open its first airport location at ACY near Gates 7, 8 and 9. The café is planned to offer breakfast, lunch and snacks prepared with organic and locally sourced ingredients, adding a health-conscious alternative to the airport’s limited existing dining lineup.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority has also moved forward with several physical improvement projects at ACY. Work planned for the terminal includes replacing aging roof systems and rooftop heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment.
The project covers several roof areas and includes new insulation, drainage components, electrical work and rooftop units. These upgrades may not be as visible to travelers as a new airline, but they are important to maintaining a reliable and comfortable terminal.
Making changes behind the scenes
Airfield improvements are also underway. The authority has advanced the first phase of a new Taxiway R, which would help improve aircraft movement and support future development near one of the airport’s runways.
Longer-term plans have included the possibility of constructing a cargo facility of up to 250,000 square feet in the airport’s southwest section. The concept would include the new taxiway connecting the cargo area with the airport’s runway and existing taxiway system.
The Federal Aviation Administration previously issued a finding that the proposed taxiway and cargo development would not have a significant environmental impact, allowing planning for the project to continue.
Together, the passenger, terminal and cargo proposals point toward a larger ambition for the Egg Harbor Township airport: turning it into a stronger economic and transportation asset rather than simply a smaller alternative to Philadelphia.
Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.
