Boston, August 25, 2025
News Summary
A proposed regional airport system aims to connect Logan International, T.F. Green, and Manchester airports to address growing passenger demand and environmental issues. Advocates argue that by coordinating operations, the airports can better manage capacity, reduce pollution, and enhance regional transportation needs. With an expected rise in passenger volume and congestion if no changes are made, the unified approach could alleviate the pressure on Boston’s Logan Airport while promoting equitable economic development across the states.
Boston — A regional airport system connecting Logan International Airport in Boston, T.F. Green Airport in Rhode Island, and Manchester Airport in New Hampshire is being proposed to address growing passenger demand, environmental harm, and congestion pressures. Proponents say the three airports now operate independently and competitively, often guided by individual financial interests rather than coordinated regional transportation needs, and argue that a unified approach would better serve New England.
Immediate Issue: Capacity, Pollution and Community Impact
Logan handled 44 million passengers in fiscal 2025, a 5% rise from fiscal 2024 and the highest volume in its history. Current operations at Logan are creating severe capacity strains and are tied to daily environmental impacts that include an estimated 15 tons of harmful pollutants released each day. Noise from the airport also significantly affects the quality of life for thousands of nearby residents, and environmental justice communities have been identified as especially affected.
Projections indicate an additional 48% increase in passenger volume and a 31% increase in flights over the next 10 to 15 years if current trends continue. Advocates for regional planning warn that without structural change, Logan’s proximity to central Boston will exacerbate congestion, pollution, and community impacts while limiting the region’s ability to manage growth.
Proposed Structure: A Regional System Modeled on an Established Compact
The proposal outlines creating a coordinated regional airport system with governance and planning shared across the three states. One suggested governance model mirrors the interstate compact approach used in the early 20th century in the New York–New Jersey region, where commissioners from each participating state oversee shared facilities and policy. Proponents suggest adapting a similar structure with political leadership from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire and a commission representing the participating states to align airport policy with regional transportation needs.
Why a regional model is urged
- Current competition among the airports may prioritize short-term financial goals over systemwide mobility and environmental outcomes.
- Coordinated planning could shift some growth and capacity to airports with room to expand or better multimodal connections, reducing pressure on Logan.
- A regional authority could balance economic benefits across states while addressing environmental justice and noise impacts more systematically.
Supporting Details: Connectivity, Roles, and Local Examples
T.F. Green has recently been recognized for accessibility and passenger convenience and is noted for being easy to reach and navigate. It is already served by commuter rail connections to Providence and Boston, offering a clear multimodal link for travelers. Manchester Airport provides access to Boston’s North Shore and is connected to Boston-area communities via intercity buses and trains, making it a viable regional option.
Worcester Airport, by contrast, has been optimized by state authorities as a general aviation facility because of physical and operational limitations that constrain commercial growth.
Historical context for major relocation and transformation
Supporters point to the Denver example, where operations moved from an older, constrained field to a larger new airport in the mid-1990s. That transformation is cited to underline that relocation or redistribution of operations can enable long-term growth and improved connectivity when existing airports are constrained by location and urban proximity.
What Would Need to Happen
Implementing a regional system would require sustained political cooperation among the governors and legislatures of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. It would also necessitate an agreed governance structure, funding arrangements, and shared planning objectives that prioritize environmental mitigation, equitable community impact reduction, and balanced economic development. The suggested compact-style commission would aim to reconcile state interests and ensure coordinated investment in ground access, public transit links, and operations.
Takeaway
Advocates argue that a regional airport system could relieve pressure on Logan, distribute growth among nearby airports with rail and bus connections, and address significant environmental and noise concerns now concentrated near Boston. The concept aims to shift decision-making from separate, competitive priorities toward cooperative regional planning that balances transportation needs, community health, and long-term economic goals.
FAQ
What is the proposed regional airport system?
The proposal would formally link Logan, T.F. Green, and Manchester airports under a coordinated governance and planning framework to manage capacity, reduce environmental impacts, and improve regional connectivity.
Why is the proposal being made now?
Logan’s passenger volumes are at record levels and projected to rise substantially, while daily pollution and noise impacts are harming nearby communities. Proponents say coordinated planning is needed to address these trends before they worsen.
How would governance be organized?
One model suggests an interstate compact-style authority with commissioners representing each participating state, providing shared oversight similar to other regional port authorities.
Are T.F. Green and Manchester connected to Boston by public transit?
Yes. T.F. Green is served by commuter rail links to Providence and Boston, while Manchester has intercity bus and train connections serving Boston’s North Shore communities.
What role does Worcester Airport play?
Worcester has been optimized for general aviation by state authorities due to capacity and operational limits for larger commercial service.
What are the main benefits expected from a regional system?
Expected benefits include reduced congestion at Logan, better distribution of passenger traffic, improved multimodal connections, clearer environmental planning, and more equitable handling of community impacts.
| Airport | State | Current Role | Key Access Links | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logan International Airport | Massachusetts | Primary international and domestic hub for Greater Boston | City access, highways, local transit links | 44 million passengers FY2025; 15 tons of pollutants daily; projected 48% passenger growth in 10–15 years |
| T.F. Green Airport | Rhode Island | Regional commercial airport with strong accessibility | Commuter rail to Providence/Boston; intercity buses and trains | Recently recognized for accessibility and passenger convenience |
| Manchester Airport | New Hampshire | Regional commercial airport serving northern Boston metro areas | Intercity bus and train links to Boston’s North Shore | Accessible to North Shore communities; potential capacity for redistributed traffic |
| Worcester Airport | Massachusetts | General aviation airport | Local road access; limited commercial connections | Optimized for general aviation due to operational limits |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Regional Airport System
- GoLocalProv: RI International Airport Now Fastest Growing Hub Airport in New England
- Travel and Tour World: JetBlue Launches New Routes from Manchester to Florida
- Charleston Business: Avelo Airlines Adds New England Destination
- Simple Flying: New England’s Largest Airports Relationship Guide
- Wikipedia: Airports in New England
- Google Search: Regional Airport System
- Google Scholar: Airport Infrastructure New England
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airport
- Google News: New England Airports
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
