East Hampton Airport (HTO) Closure Postponed For Another Day

Previously, we reported that the Town of East Hampton had, in recent years ceased accepting federal funding for the maintenance and upkeep of the East Hampton Airport (HTO), and had planned to close the airport on 17 May 2022 for 33 hours, then reopen with new identifier (JPX) as a private use airport with restrictive covenants.  The aviation advocacy groups in addition to local residents had filed lawsuits objecting to the proposed airport change.

Today, we report that a local judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the East Hampton Town from closing the airport. Apparently, the case had previously passed three other judges who had to recuse themselves due to a conflict of interest.

The news of this temporary restraining order (TRO) quickly quashed another case that was also underway involving the National Business Aviation Association NBAA on the same issue.

Attorneys for the town of East Hampton have stated that the town will comply with the ruling (of 17 May 2022) as long as its in place. There is concern that the town would turn to another course to overthrow the current ruling against them. Both sides now have some time to formulate their case, and will appear in court on 26 May 2022. The author hopes that both sides can come to an amicable agreement that works to their collective benefit, and that we do not lose another airport in the process

FMI: https://easthamptonny.gov, https://skyvector.com