Trenton–Mercer Airport: A Strategic Hub for New Jersey Aviation
Located in Ewing Township, New Jersey, Trenton–Mercer Airport (TTN) serves as a vital aviation link for the Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas. Originally known as Mercer County Airport, this public and military facility provides a convenient alternative to the region's larger international hubs, catering to scheduled commercial flights, general aviation, and corporate travel.
As the third-busiest airport in New Jersey, TTN is recognized for its efficiency and growth. In May 2018, it was ranked as the fifth fastest-growing airport in the United States, reflecting its increasing importance to travelers in the Northeast corridor.
Key Facts
- Location: Ewing Township, New Jersey.
- Ownership: Owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Department of Transportation & Infrastructure.
- Primary Carrier: Frontier Airlines maintains a significant operating base here.
- Traffic Volume: Averaged 308 aircraft operations per day as of 2019.
- Military Presence: Home to the New Jersey Army National Guard's 1-150th General Support Aviation Battalion.
- Connectivity: Offers unique airside-to-airside bus connections to Philadelphia International Airport via American Airlines and Landline.
Airport Infrastructure and Facilities
Trenton–Mercer Airport spans 1,345 acres at an elevation of 212 feet above mean sea level. The facility is designed to handle a variety of aircraft, from small private planes to commercial jets.
Runways and Helipads
The airport features two primary asphalt runways: Runway 06/24, measuring 6,006 feet, and Runway 16/34, measuring 4,800 feet. To enhance safety, the airport installed EMAS (Engineered Materials Arresting System)—a crushed concrete bed designed to decelerate aircraft that overshoot a runway—at both ends of Runway 16/34 in 2012, with further installations planned for Runway 06/24.
Additionally, the airport provides three asphalt helipads (H1, H2, and H3), each measuring 64 by 64 feet, supporting rotary-wing operations.
The Passenger Terminal
The current terminal occupies 24,780 square feet. While functional, it is the subject of a massive expansion project. The planned new terminal will increase the footprint to 125,000 square feet and include a four-level parking garage with 1,000 spaces, bringing the total parking capacity to approximately 2,900 spaces.
Commercial Aviation and Destinations
TTN has a diverse history of commercial service, ranging from early jet flights by Allegheny and United in the 1970s and 80s to the hub operations of Eastwind Airlines in the 1990s. Today, the airport is dominated by low-cost carriers providing access to vacation destinations, primarily in Florida.
Frontier Airlines is the primary tenant and maintains an operating base at the airport. Allegiant Air also provides service, having returned to the airport in February 2026. Looking forward, Breeze Airways is scheduled to begin operations in late 2026.
Current and Upcoming Destinations
- Frontier Airlines: Orlando, Tampa, and seasonal flights to Fort Myers, Myrtle Beach, and West Palm Beach.
- Allegiant Air: Fort Lauderdale, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, and Orlando/Sanford (starting October 2026).
- Breeze Airways: Charleston (starting September 2026), Vero Beach (starting September 2026), and Fort Myers (starting January 2027).
For passengers needing global connectivity, American Airlines operates a specialized bus service via Landline. This allows screened passengers to check bags and clear security at TTN before being transported directly to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for connecting flights.
Military and General Aviation
Beyond commercial travel, TTN is a critical military site. It houses the Army Aviation Support Facility #2 and the 1-150th General Support Aviation Battalion of the New Jersey Army National Guard. Utilizing UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, this unit provides air assault, transportation, and emergency logistical support for the Governor of New Jersey during disasters.
General aviation remains the largest component of airport activity. In 2019, 92% of aircraft operations were attributed to general aviation, with 153 based aircraft reported in 2020, including single-engine planes, multi-engine aircraft, jets, and helicopters.
Airport Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA / ICAO Codes | TTN / KTTN |
| Primary Operator | Mercer County Dept. of Transportation & Infrastructure |
| Runways | Two Asphalt (6,006 ft and 4,800 ft) |
| Total Land Area | 1,345 acres |
| Major Carriers | Frontier, Allegiant, Breeze (Upcoming) |
| Estimated Terminal Completion | 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Trenton–Mercer Airport via public transit?
Passengers can use NJ Transit Route 608, which stops on Sam Weinroth Road near the terminal. This route connects to the Trenton Transit Center (Amtrak, NJ Transit Northeast Corridor) and SEPTA's West Trenton station for travel to Philadelphia.
What is the American Airlines Landline service?
It is an airside-to-airside bus connection where passengers check their bags and clear security at TTN and are then transported via motorcoach directly to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to catch American Airlines flights.
When will the new terminal be completed?
While originally estimated for 2024, the current estimated completion date for the new 125,000-square-foot terminal and parking garage is 2026.
Which airlines currently fly out of TTN?
Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air currently provide scheduled service, with Breeze Airways expected to join the airport's offerings in late 2026.
Does the airport support military operations?
Yes, the airport is home to the New Jersey Army National Guard's 1-150th General Support Aviation Battalion, which operates UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for military and emergency state support.