$24 Million Sullivan County Airport Terminal Nears Completion: No Commercial Flights, But Big Economic Goals
WHITE LAKE – A new $24 million terminal at the Sullivan County International Airport is nearing completion, but residents hoping for commercial airline service may be disappointed. County Manager Joshua Potosek made it clear in an interview with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo that there are no plans for scheduled passenger service. Instead, county officials see the airport’s future as an economic engine driven by corporate jet traffic and potential business expansion.
“We just don’t have the population base to support commercial scheduled jet traffic like you’d see at Stewart Airport,” Potosek said. “What we’re focused on is attracting corporate jets and aviation-related businesses. This airport can be a hub for business, not just leisure travel.”
The two-year construction project was largely funded by an $18.5 million state grant awarded under Governor Kathy Hochul’s Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. The county contributed approximately $5.5 million to complete the project.
The state-of-the-art 15,000-square-foot terminal replaces a decades-old structure and features panoramic views of the Catskills, a pilot’s lounge, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and plans for a restaurant and bar. Potosek confirmed that a request for proposals (RFP) is already out to bring dining back to the airport.
Even without commercial flights, county officials believe the investment will benefit all Sullivan County residents.
“This isn’t just about jets,” said Potosek. “This is about economic activity. More jets mean more fuel sales, more hangars, more businesses supporting airport operations—and that helps generate tax revenue and jobs.”
Governor Hochul echoed that vision in a press release earlier this year, saying the upgrades are intended to “invite visitors and drive local economies by facilitating tourism and generating opportunities for business development.”
The airport is located near several major regional attractions, including Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Resorts World Catskills, and the Monticello Motor Club. Officials believe it can serve as a “gateway to the Catskills,” attracting high-end tourists and business travelers.
Looking ahead, Potosek said the county is considering further upgrades, including a potential runway extension to attract shipping giants like Amazon or FedEx.
“There’s also opportunity for things like flight schools and parachuting operations,” he added. “We’ve had interest in using some of the new office space we built into the terminal. The hope is that aviation-related businesses will see this as a great location to grow.”
Potosek acknowledged public skepticism, particularly from residents who view the airport as “a rich boys' playground.”
“That’s not wrong—right now, that’s who uses it,” Potosek said candidly. “But even that generates economic activity. If someone flies in and hires local mechanics or eats at local restaurants, that’s money going into our community. That helps keep property taxes down.”
The terminal is expected to open within weeks, pending a ribbon-cutting ceremony that could include Governor Hochul. County officials are coordinating with the Governor’s office to finalize a date.
In the meantime, Potosek says the airport team is preparing a targeted marketing campaign aimed at the corporate aviation sector.
“We want to make it as easy and attractive as possible for businesses to make Sullivan County their base of operations,” he said. “This new terminal is just the beginning.”
