โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM), also branded as Binghamton Regional Airport and carrying the historic Edwin A. Link Field name, is Broome County's commercial airport in New York's Southern Tier. The airport sits north of downtown Binghamton and operates with a single commercial terminal alongside general-aviation facilities. It is a small regional field rather than a hub, but it remains important locally because it gives the Triple Cities area direct scheduled service without the longer drive to Syracuse, Scranton, or other upstate airports.
The terminal itself is compact and easy to understand. Current airport information highlights a single passenger building with short walking distances, basic concessions, rental-car counters, and the straightforward check-in and security flow typical of a low-volume regional airport. Travelers are not dealing with multiple concourses or remote connections here; the emphasis is on convenience, quick curb-to-gate processing, and a calmer atmosphere than larger Northeast airports. That simplicity fits the market, where most passengers are beginning or ending a trip in the Binghamton area rather than using BGM as a transfer point.
What gives BGM some character beyond its size is its local aviation heritage and its role in a weather-exposed part of the state. The airport is associated with Edwin A. Link, inventor of the Link Trainer flight simulator, and it serves a region shaped by universities, healthcare, manufacturing, and winter weather. As a result, the terminal experience is practical and community-facing: modest in scale, oriented toward local travelers, and built to make regional air service workable rather than flashy.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) is remarkably straightforward due to its compact four-gate layout. For domestic-to-domestic transfers, the process typically takes less than 5 minutes. If you are connecting to an international flight at a major hub like Detroit (DTW) or New York (JFK), ensure you allow sufficient time for your transfer at the larger facility, as regional flights from BGM can occasionally be impacted by seasonal weather in Upstate New York. Most travelers use BGM as their final destination to reach the Triple Cities area or the Finger Lakes region.
Ground transportation options are located conveniently on the lower level near baggage claim. Major car rental agencies including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise have counters on-site. Uber and Lyft are both active at the airport and have designated pickup zones directly outside the terminal entrance. While Broome County Transit provides some bus services, a taxi or rideshare is generally the most reliable way to reach downtown Binghamton or local universities.
Many area hotels, including the DoubleTree and Holiday Inn Express, offer pre-arranged complimentary shuttles for their guests. Always allow extra travel time during the winter months, as lake-effect snow can significantly impact road conditions on I-81 and surrounding local routes. For aviation enthusiasts, a 15-minute drive to the Roberson Museum offers a chance to see an original Link Trainer, celebrating the airport's namesake heritage.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
โ Back to Greater Binghamton Airport