New York State Supreme Court Keeps East Hampton Airport Public, for Now

The town of East Hampton’s plan to change its airport to a private-use facility is on hold.

Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 04:22 PM ET

Verified

The town had planned to close the airport and reopen it 33 hours later as a private-use facility, requiring pilots to obtain permission before landing. [Photo: NBAA]

Key Takeaways:

East Hampton Airport (KHTO) will remain open to the public for at least another week, as a New York State Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order against the town of East Hampton's plan.
The town had intended to close the airport and reopen it as a private-use facility with new restrictions, including requiring pilot permission, curfews, higher landing fees, and noise-abatement rules.
This action is the latest in a years-long conflict driven by noise complaints, particularly concerning for-hire helicopter services, prompting opposition from aviation groups like the NBAA who argue it undermines federal policy and sets a dangerous precedent.

See a mistake? Contact us.

East Hampton Airport (KHTO) will remain open to the public for at least another week after New York State Supreme Court judge Paul J. Baisley Jr. issued a temporary restraining order against the town of East Hampton.

The town had planned to close the airport on Tuesday and reopen it 33 hours later as a private-use facility, requiring pilots to obtain permission before landing. The planned changes also would have included new restrictions on aircraft operations, curfews, higher landing fees, and noise-abatement rules.