Atlantic City International Airport

ACY originated as Naval Air Station Atlantic City in 1942, built on 2,444 acres of leased private lands with the purpose of training carrier air groups (fighter, bomber, and torpedo squadrons). In 1943, the mission was changed to strictly fighter training, focusing on low and high-altitude gunnery tactics, field carrier landing practice, carrier qualifications, bombing, formation tactics, fighter direction, night operations, and a ground school curriculum. In June 1958, the base was decommissioned and transferred to the Airways Modernization Board (which was later overtaken by the FAA in November). The lease of the land was transferred to the FAA, which purchased the land for $55,000 (with Atlantic City keeping 84 of the 4,312 acres). The FAA expanded the land to 5,000 acres and established the National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center research facility (later known as the William J. Hughes Technical Center). While the Navy departed in 1958, the 119th Fighter Squadron of the New Jersey Air National Guard relocated to Atlantic City (and the 177 Fighter Wing has been at the airport ever since). In 1973 the 177th was reequipped with F-106 Delta Darts, which allowed them to take over air defense alert from the U.S. Air Force’s 95th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (stationed at Dover AFB, Delaware). In 1983, there was an attempt by American International Airways to operate a small hub at the airport. Another jet service has been provided over the years by U.S. Airways, Continental Airlines, and Delta Air Lines (all through their regional services). Other attempts at service were made by United Airlines and Air Canada, but both were short-lived. Spirit Airlines is currently the only airline flying regularly scheduled flights from ACY.

The airport is located 10 miles northwest of Atlantic City.

• Most of the land is owned by the FAA and is leased to the South Jersey Transportation Authority (the SJTA, which owns the terminal building). The airport is operated by the SJTA and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (performing select management functions). 
• For the sake of posterity, the SJTA has plans for massive terminal expansion should more airlines choose to serve the airport. 
• Restaurants and lounges include the Euro Cafe/Hudson News, the American Bagel Co., and the Beach House Restaurant.