Burlington International Airport

BTV originated in 1920 when the first aircraft landed in the new landing strip at what became the airport. The field had been built with funds raised by WWI pilot and future Mayor of Burlington Johnny Burns, along with Aviation Commissioner Mason Beebe and Chamber of Commerce secretary James Taylor. In 1921 there were still no instruments to guide pilots to a safe landing; instead, a circle of crushed limestone was used to mark the spot. Some improvements to the landing field led to the airport’s dedication on September 22nd, 1921. That same year, the airport came under the management of the City of Burlington. The local Board of Airport Commissioners was formed in 1928, with initial steps taken to help with finances by renting out hangar space.
Furthermore, during the 1930s, the airport (and city) were visited by aviation pioneers such as Amelia Earhart, while Grace Hall Pugh became Vermont’s “First Lady of Aviation.” In 1934, the north-south runway and apron were built with the help of hundreds of Civil Works Administration temporary workers. Furthermore, in 1941 75 acres of land adjacent to the airport were purchased as part of a significant upgrade to the airport. During WWII, the federal government created a Defense Zone extending 150 miles inland, whereby private aircraft could not operate. As BTV was just outside the zone, it could conduct pilot training locally and for airports within the zone (including Boston’s Logan Airport), which led to it becoming very busy. There were a few days when the airport was the world’s busiest. The airport was expanded dramatically in 1948, with a new terminal, a modern control tower, improved runways, and an accommodation of the growing ranks and infrastructure needs of the Vermont National Guard. In 1969, the Burlington Board of Alderman voted to change the airport’s title from “municipal” to “international” to re-brand the airport and steer it away from perceptions that it was a small airport. The following year, jet service began at the airport through Mohawk Airlines. In 1973, a new 40,000-square-foot terminal opened. In the 80s, there was a surge in business, which necessitated further expansion. This included the expansion of the terminal to 61,000 square feet, which would provide additional space for a single departure lounge, an expanded baggage claim area, and more concession stands.
Furthermore, new enclosed walkways were added, with extra space for future airlines included in the plan. In 2008, an expansion project that added five gates, customer service areas, an elevated walkway, and the 948-space parking garage was completed. In early 2012, an expansion of the parking garage was completed, for a total of 2,700 parking spaces, whereas the following year, the upper concourse bathrooms were renovated. In 2019, BTV partnered with Tesla to bring 12 electric charging stations to the airport and (in collaboration with the City of Burlington and the Burlington Electric Department) to install a 2,000-panel solar array on the rooftop.

The airport is located three nautical miles east of Burlington's central business district.

• On November 7th, 1960, BTV was visited by Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. The next day he won the presidency. 
• A reconstructed, Burgess-Wright biplane circa 1912 hangs from the ceiling in the main concourse. 
• In order to give the airport a "Vermont Feel," the airport has used natural resources such as granite, marble, and maple for the interior decoration. 
• The mezzanine level includes an exhibit highlighting Native American Abenaki culture.