The Busiest U.S. Airports for Private Travel 

The Top 10 U.S. Airports for Private Travel 

Large airports across the United States can accept private aircraft, but some are less convenient than others. We examined the statistics and trends and compiled this list of the 10 busiest airports to consider for private travel. We’ll lay out the pros and cons, so you can make a smart choice.

(KTEB) Teterboro Airport 

The Teterboro Airport is located 12 miles from midtown Manhattan, making it a great choice for travelers to the New York area. 

The airport includes 19 hangars and two large office buildings. There is no centralized concourse, as this airfield is primarily designed for small commuter jets. Close to 500 aircraft use this facility every day. 

Know before you go:

• Aircraft weighing more than 100,000 pounds cannot use this airport. 
• Noise restrictions are in place to protect the community. 
• Fees are reasonable, especially for light aircraft. 
• There’s no central parking at this airport.

(KPBI) Palm Beach International Airport 

The Palm Beach International Airport is located just west of Palm Beach in Florida, and it’s considered the primary airport for the region. 

Palm Beach International has three runways and a terminal with 32 gates. It’s served by large airlines, including American and Delta, but often provides services for small jets. Between about 5,000 and about 8,000 passengers move through the airport every year. 

Know before you go:

• The airport is undergoing construction, and delays are possible due to work on the runways. 
• President Donald Trump often uses this airport to move to and from Mar-a-Lago. As a result, airspace is sometimes restricted. 
• Plenty of on-site parking is available, but none of the lots are free.

(KDAL) Dallas Love Field 

Dallas Love Field is located close to downtown Dallas, Texas, and serves as the operating base of Southwest Airlines. 

The airport comprises one terminal with 20 gates. More than 15 million people move through the airport every year, with the numbers on the increase. For small jet operators, Dallas Love Field offers a full-service experience, including fueling, maintenance, and hangar rentals. 

Know before you go:

• Recently concluded construction projects have smoothed once-bumpy runways, making for a more pleasant takeoff and landing experience. 
• Alaska Airlines discontinued flights to Love Field in 2025, freeing up space for more charter flights. 
• Planned construction in Dallas in 2025 will make getting to and from the airport challenging.

(LAS) Harry Reid International Airport 

The Harry Reid International Airport is located 5 miles from downtown Las Vegas, and it’s considered the main gateway to that glittering city. 

The airport comprises two terminals, 110 gates, and four runways. It’s served by more than 30 airlines and is an operating base for several, including Southwest. Every year, more than 55 million people move through the airport. 

Know before you go:

• One concourse at this airport can accommodate an Airbus for international flights. 
• Tunnels connect the disparate parts of the airport, ensuring travelers can get to their destinations quickly. 
• The airport is designed for jets and offers several services (such as fueling) for quick stops.

(KVNY) Van Nuys Airport 

The Van Nuys Airport is located within the Los Angeles neighborhood and is considered one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world. 

The airport comprises two runways, arranged in parallel to accommodate more aircraft in a shorter time frame. It’s a maintenance base for municipal aircraft owned by the city, and it offers several services for jet operators and owners. 

Know before you go:

• Noise abatement is critical to this airport, and jet operators can be fined for noncompliance. 
• Proposed landing fees could increase the cost of travel to and from this destination. 
• Four fixed-based operators are located on site.

(KOFP) Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport

The Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport is a small airport located about 20 minutes from the Miami International Airport. 

This airport is tailor-made for small jet trips. It has no landing fees and a full suite of services, including both aircraft maintenance and repair. One runway is available, but it’s long enough to accommodate aircraft of almost any size. 

Know before you go:

• The control tower is only staffed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. 
• Noise abatement is critical, and operations must be compliant with the rules to protect the community. 
• Four fixed-base operators are located on site.

(KHPN) Westchester County Airport

The Westchester County Airport is located near White Plains, New York, and it is sometimes referred to as the White Plains Airport. It’s considered a reliever airport for larger New York terminals. 

The airport is relatively small, with two runways, one terminal, and six gates. It’s designed for small jet operators and is home to multiple fixed-base operators who can provide fuel, maintenance, and repairs for aircraft of all sizes. About 500 aircraft use the facility every day. 

Know before you go:

• Only four aircraft can use the terminal ramp at any one time. 
• Trees obstruct the path of some runways, making them unusable for larger aircraft. 
• Due to noise complaints, operators are asked to refrain from flying into the airport between midnight at 6:30 a.m.

(KSDL) Scottsdale Airport

The Scottsdale Airport is located close to Scottsdale in Arizona. It is considered one of the busiest single-runway airports in the United States. 

The airport consists of one runway and one terminal, but the city is hoping to expand the facility’s footprint with a $1 million update in the coming years. About 550 aircraft are served every day, and three fixed-based operators are on site to help with fueling, maintenance, and more.

Know before you go:

• The airport’s control tower is only open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 
• The facility can accommodate jets up to 100,000 pounds. 
• This airport is considered one of the nation’s top corporate jet destinations.

(KIAD) Washington Dulles International Airport

The Washington Dulles International Airport is the airport of choice for people heading to the United States capital. It’s a short ride to downtown from this airport. 

The airport comprises an architecturally significant terminal and two terminal buildings with a total of 139 gates. Jet passengers typically use Concourse A or B. About 60,000 people move through the airport every day, and many are going to or coming from international destinations. 

Know before you go:

• This airport is designed for high traffic, but due to its extensive use, delays are frequent and can be lengthy. 
• International travel is easy through this airport.
• New solar power capabilities include battery charging, which could be ideal for newer aircraft.

(KAPF) Naples Airport 

The Naples Airport is located near Naples, Florida, and often serves people vacationing on Marco Island. This small airport is designed for jet travelers, with several amenities for jet travelers and owners. 

The airport comprises two paved runways, one turf-covered runway, and two terminals. Several charter airlines are housed in this airport, and one terminal is designed exclusively for personal flights. 

Know before you go:

• Customs authorities are on site, making this an appropriate airport for international trips. 
• Hangar leasing is available for those who need to leave their jets behind for extended periods. 
• Fueling is available for a fee, as are tiedowns and ramps.

Book Your Private Travel With Element Aviation 

At Element Aviation, we have decades of experience in planning private charter trips for clients. Tell us about your trip, and we’ll match you with the perfect plane and airport. We’ll take care of all of the details, ensuring you have the best experience possible. You can enjoy the experience while we handle all the details.