โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Griffiss International Airport operates as a cutting-edge aerospace research and technology hub positioned on the historic site of Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York, where this Oneida County-owned facility has successfully transformed from a Cold War Strategic Air Command installation into a globally recognized center for unmanned aircraft systems research and national security technology development since base closure in 1995. Designated as one of six Federal Aviation Administration UAS Test Sites in December 2013, this strategically vital facility continues serving national defense interests through the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (Rome Lab) and the Eastern Air Defense Sector of NORAD, while pioneering civilian integration of unmanned aircraft systems into complex northeastern airspace.
The airport features a massive 11,820-foot concrete runway (15/33) inherited from its Strategic Air Command heritage, designed to accommodate the largest military and civilian aircraft while supporting the diverse research activities of the Griffiss Business and Technology Park where over $700 million has been invested since 1995. Modern terminal facilities opened in 2015 provide international-capable passenger processing alongside specialized research infrastructure supporting the Innovare Advancement Center, which serves as a catalyst transforming Upstate New York into a global destination for scientific and entrepreneurial talent tackling national security challenges in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and cybersecurity technologies.
Operational characteristics center on the airport's unique dual mission supporting both civilian aviation activities and classified national security research, where the facility coordinates commercial aircraft operations with sophisticated UAS testing protocols designed to solve the complexities of integrating unmanned aircraft into congested airspace. The airport maintains active Air Traffic Control Tower operations with Class D Airspace management across 1,680 acres of inherited military infrastructure that includes specialized hangars, research facilities, and secure areas supporting ongoing Air Force Research Laboratory activities pioneering modern radar systems, communications technologies, and cyber warfare capabilities.
Strategic importance encompasses the airport's role as essential infrastructure enabling America's technological superiority in aerospace and defense systems, where the successful transformation from military installation to civilian research facility demonstrates innovative approaches to repurposing defense infrastructure for continued national security benefits. Ground transportation efficiently connects to Rome's central business district and the broader Mohawk Valley region, while the airport serves as a symbol of successful military-to-civilian conversion, maintaining critical defense research capabilities while fostering economic development through high-technology aerospace industries that position Central New York as a leader in unmanned systems development and national security innovation.
๐ Connection Tips
Griffiss International Airport (RME) is a premier general aviation and corporate hub located in Rome, New York. It handles NO scheduled commercial airline flights but is a major center for private jets and cargo. Ground transport is straightforward; local taxis and car rental agencies (Enterprise) serve the airport on call.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are active in the area and can reach downtown Rome or the Turning Stone Resort in 15-20 minutes. A unique connection tip: the airport is located within the Griffiss Business and Technology Park, providing easy access to numerous corporate headquartersThat is especially useful because the redevelopment site has room for business, education, and events around the airfield.The former base has room for more than a runway, so the civilian campus and the aviation side now work together.
At 504 feet elevation covering 1,680 acres, the airport operates a massive 11,820-foot concrete runway (15/33) capable of handling B-747 size aircraft, along with high-quality executive lounges and pilot services. If you need a commercial connection, fly to Syracuse (SYR), which is approximately 45 minutes to the westGriffiss is now a civilian airport and development campus, so the useful arrival is the road into Romes business parks, museums, and the Mohawk Valley corridor. The airport works because it has room, access, and a converted military layout.The airport works because the former base has become a civilian campus with room to breathe.That conversion is what makes the airport useful today.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, serves as a vital regional gateway to the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania. It offers a less congested and more convenient travel experience compared to larger metropolitan hubs. The airport features a single, modern terminal building spread across two levels, designed for efficient passenger processing and easy navigation. The lower level is dedicated to arrivals, housing baggage claim, car rental counters, and exits to ground transportation. The upper level manages departures, with ticket counters, airline check-in desks, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening checkpoint.
The airport continually invests in enhancing its passenger facilities. A recent TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project has significantly upgraded the security area, incorporating up to four screening lanes, modern escalators and elevators, and an enhanced air purification system. The terminal is structured with two main concourses: Concourse A on the ground level serves airlines like Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, while Concourse B on the upper level is utilized by United Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Amenities at ABE are well-appointed for a regional facility, including several cafes and snack bars, shops for essentials and souvenirs, and free Wi-Fi throughout. ABE also offers family-friendly amenities such as a children's play area, a sensory room, and a therapy dog program, along with occasional live music performances, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all travelers.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Lehigh Valley International Airport provides efficient access to Pennsylvania's fourth-busiest passenger facility serving 14 nonstop destinations through Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines from its renovated single terminal with two-level design. The airport's 14 gates split between ground-level Concourse A (8 gates) and upper-level Concourse B (6 gates) enable quick connections with minimal walking distances, while recent TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project upgrades include four screening lanes, modern escalators, and enhanced air purification systems reducing security wait times to 3-8 minutes with PreCheck or CLEAR enrollment.
Domestic connections benefit from ABE's position as an alternative to crowded Philadelphia, Newark, and JFK airports, offering reliable connectivity to major hubs including Atlanta via Delta, Charlotte via American, Chicago O'Hare via United, and Detroit via Delta for onward domestic and international connections. Regional destinations include popular leisure markets such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Sanford, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Florida Gulf Coast cities through Allegiant's low-cost network, while business travelers utilize American's Charlotte hub and United's Newark and Chicago services for broader network access.
Weather-related disruptions during Northeast winter storms can impact operations, though ABE's modern runway and de-icing equipment maintain better reliability than larger metropolitan airports. Ground transportation includes rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services for the 65-mile drive to Philadelphia or 90-mile journey to New York City, while regional bus connections serve Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. The airport's family-friendly amenities including children's play areas, sensory rooms, and therapy dog programs create comfortable connection environments, while free WiFi and dining options support extended layovers in this efficiently designed regional aviation facility.
โ Back to Griffiss International Airport