Major airline comeback? New push underway to expand flights at Stewart Airport
A new public-private fund could help lure major carriers back as officials confirm talks are already underway.
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A new effort is underway to bring more flights and major airlines back to New York Stewart International Airport after years of declining passenger traffic and the loss of several major carriers.
The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation is working to establish a public-private “minimum revenue guarantee” fund designed to make adding service at Stewart less risky for airlines.
Here’s how it would work: If a new route fails to generate an agreed-upon minimum amount of revenue, the airline could draw from the fund to make up the difference. When revenue exceeds that threshold, money could be returned to the fund.
“The fund would essentially provide an insurance policy to an airline,” state Sen. James Skoufis said.
Skoufis says his office is working to secure $500,000 in state funding through next year’s state budget. Local businesses that would benefit from better air service are also expected to contribute.
He told News 12 discussions are already underway with at least one major airline about offering flights from Stewart to one of its major hubs — potentially giving Hudson Valley travelers access to destinations across the country with just one connection.
Skoufis said an agreement with a carrier could potentially be reached within the coming months, although launching service would take longer.
The push comes as Stewart continues to operate with significantly fewer passengers and airline options than during previous peaks. The airport handled nearly 291,000 passengers in 2025, compared with roughly 690,000 in 2018 and more than 913,000 at its 2007 peak.
JetBlue, American and Delta no longer serve Stewart, while international carrier PLAY ended its service last year. Stewart currently has scheduled passenger service from Allegiant and Breeze, primarily to leisure destinations.
Stewart isn’t alone. A 2026 U.S. Government Accountability Office report found average daily departures per route at smaller, nonhub airports remained 19% below 2018 levels in 2024.
The Port Authority, which operates Stewart, told News 12 it supports the effort and called the minimum revenue guarantee a “crucial tool” for bringing additional air service.
“The Port Authority is committed to attracting additional quality air service at New York Stewart International Airport,” the agency said, adding that it plans to continue working with HVEDC and the Hudson Valley Air Service Development Committee.
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus told News 12 the county is also on board with efforts to attract meaningful new service.
“I always keep the door open, and if there is a major airline that can make a difference for economic development in Orange County and the Hudson Valley, I definitely would get behind that,” Neuhaus said.
Neuhaus said potential incentives could include assistance with advertising or fuel costs, but believes New York state and the Port Authority should bear primary responsibility for supporting the airport.
People who live near Stewart say they’re ready for more options.
“We need more airlines going to more local places — Washington, Puerto Rico maybe,” said Yvonne Maldonado, who has lived in the area for 10 years.
Skoufis says the goal is to secure service to a major airline hub — potentially restoring the kind of broader connectivity Stewart has lost over the years.
