Levinson Renews Call for Port Authority to Take Over Atlantic City International Airport

ATLANTIC COUNTY — Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson is renewing his call for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to take over operations of Atlantic City International Airport, saying the agency could bring money, prestige and clout to an airport in need of a boost.

Levinson discussed the airport Thursday during an appearance on The Don Williams Show on WOND, after host Don Williams asked what could be done to improve its fortunes.

“I sure hope so,” Levinson said when asked whether anything is on the horizon to improve the situation.

Levinson said his preferred solution is one he has advocated previously: bringing in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

“As I've suggested, and I've suggested many times on your show, I would love to have the Port Authority of New York, New Jersey, take over that airport and move from there,” Levinson said.

Atlantic City International Airport is currently operated by the South Jersey Transportation Authority.

Levinson said he believes it's time to consider a different approach.

“I mean, the SJTA, South Jersey Transportation, has been there a while and done that,” Levinson said.

“But I think fresh face, with all that money behind it and the prestige and the clout, I would sure like our state legislators to take a look at the New York, New Jersey Port Authority coming in and running that airport.”

Levinson did not announce any negotiations with the Port Authority or identify a pending agreement during the interview. His comments instead represent a renewed call for state lawmakers to explore the possibility.

That distinction is important: Levinson is advocating for a Port Authority takeover, not announcing that one is underway.

The county executive's argument is that an agency with the Port Authority's financial resources and influence could give Atlantic City International Airport additional leverage as the region looks for ways to expand air service.

For Levinson, the airport remains an asset with greater potential than it is currently realizing.

His message to state legislators was straightforward: take a serious look at putting the airport under the umbrella of the agency responsible for some of the New York metropolitan area's largest transportation facilities.

“I would love to have the Port Authority of New York, New Jersey, take over that airport,” Levinson said.

“And,” he added, “move from there.”