Bridgeport, CT – City of Bridgeport announces that Governor Lamont has included a 7-million-dollar grant to fund improvements at the Sikorsky Memorial Airport on the July State Bond Commission Agenda scheduled for Friday, July 23 at 10am. The Economic and Community Development grant would primarily fund pavement rehabilitation on Runway 11-29, fence installation, as well as an environmental assessment and initial design of additional revenue-generating opportunities at Bridgeport’s Sikorsky Memorial airport. 



Mayor Ganim stated, “Continued investment in the airport is critical. These grant-funded improvements are a first step in pursuing the necessary changes to support the potential return of commercial passenger service in Bridgeport. Additionally, the long-awaited funds will ensure enhancements for existing tenants, attract new operators, and further advance our city as a hub for transportation.” 



“Officials on the federal, state, and local level have been working tirelessly toward this success,” said Himes. “Today, we’re one important step closer to improving quality of life for our neighbors in Bridgeport and around the region with commercial passenger flights that will grow businesses and bolster our economy.” 



In addition to the Governor’s announcement, charter operator Tailwind has received FAA approval to conduct scheduled shuttle service between Long Island, Boston, to New York City and the region – including Bridgeport’s Sikorsky Memorial Airport.  *Tailwind is not regularly scheduled commercial passenger service (like Jet Blue or Delta). This new activity is more akin to a scheduled charter flight with affordable one-way fares designed to reduce peak rush hour travel in the Bridgeport area. 



With Tailwind’s recent FAA approval, Airport Manager Michelle Muoio will join Tailwind’s CEO to request the Airport Commission’s official approval for operations out of Bridgeport’s Sikorsky.  In the meantime, Tailwind has received temporary authorization for flight activity as of July 29, 2021.



Sikorsky Memorial Airport currently supports a diverse set of general aviation users and is ranked as an airport of “National Importance” according to the FAA’s most recent National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The Department of Economic and Community Development grant will assist the airport in continuing to function as an important national aviation asset and will support various local employment and education opportunities.   



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