Imagine a private jet smoothly touching down in Bridgeport, Connecticut, offering business executives or leisure travelers a convenient travel option. The Sikorsky Memorial Airport is precisely such a regional airport dedicated to general aviation services. It serves not only as a vital transportation hub for Bridgeport but also stands as a tribute to aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky.
Historical Significance and Location
The Sikorsky Memorial Airport (IATA: BDR) , originally named Bridgeport Municipal Airport, was later renamed in honor of Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky, the father of the helicopter. Located approximately six kilometers southeast of downtown Bridgeport in Fairfield County, Connecticut, the airport is owned by the city government and serves as a key aviation gateway for the region.
Infrastructure and Operations
Spanning 324 hectares (800 acres) and situated at an elevation of three meters (nine feet), the airport features three asphalt runways: Runway 06/24 (1,426 meters × 46 meters), Runway 11/29 (1,451 meters × 46 meters), and Runway 17/35 (975 meters × 46 meters). Currently, Runway 17/35 is closed, leaving only two operational runways.
Data from July 2009 to June 2010 recorded 67,951 annual aircraft movements , averaging 186 flights per day. General aviation accounted for the vast majority (96%), followed by air taxi services (3%) and military flights (1%). These figures underscore the airport's role as a general aviation facility.
Evolution and Current Role
Before 1990, Sikorsky Memorial Airport operated scheduled passenger flights. However, shifts in the aviation industry led to its reclassification as a general aviation airport under the U.S. 2011-2015 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems . Today, the airport hosts three fixed-base operators (FBOs), providing ground services, aircraft maintenance, and fuel supplies. Private hangars are also available for aircraft storage and upkeep.
Now focused on general aviation, the airport supports business travel, private flights, and flight training. While it no longer handles scheduled passenger routes, it remains a critical piece of aviation infrastructure for Bridgeport and Connecticut, contributing to local economic activity and mobility. With its IATA code BDR and ICAO code KBDR , the airport stands as both a testament to the region's aviation history and a tribute to Igor Sikorsky's legacy.