Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY)

Martha's Vineyard Airport (IATA: MVY, ICAO: KMVY) is the primary air transportation hub for the island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, providing a critical year-round link for residents and a key gateway for seasonal tourism. Located centrally on the island within the town of West Tisbury, the airport is situated a few miles south of Vineyard Haven and is easily accessible by road from the major down-island towns of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Travelers typically reach the airport via rental cars, pre-booked taxis, ride-sharing services, or the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) public bus system, which offers routes connecting the terminal to other island locations.

The airport’s history dates back to World War II when it was established as Naval Auxiliary Air Facility Martha's Vineyard in 1942. It served as an important training ground for Navy and Marine Corps pilots. After the war, the facility was transferred to Dukes County for civilian use and has since evolved into the public-use airport it is today, retaining its three-runway layout from its military origins.

Operations at MVY are entirely domestic and highly seasonal. Year-round scheduled passenger service is primarily provided by Cape Air, which offers frequent flights to Boston's Logan International Airport and other regional destinations. During the peak summer season, from late spring to early fall, the airport sees a significant increase in traffic with seasonal service from major airlines such as JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, connecting the island directly with hubs like New York (JFK and LGA), Washington, D.C. (DCA), and Charlotte (CLT). The airport also accommodates substantial general aviation and private charter traffic.

The facility consists of a single, modern terminal building. Amenities for travelers are straightforward and include airline check-in desks, a TSA security checkpoint, a comfortable waiting area, and baggage claim. For services, the terminal houses car rental counters, a gift shop, and a full-service restaurant and bar that provides views of the airfield. For those traveling through MVY, especially during the busy summer months, arriving 90 minutes before a scheduled flight is recommended. Ground transportation, particularly rental cars, should be booked well in advance due to high seasonal demand. As a point-to-point airport, all flight connections are made at mainland hub airports.