Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury, NY: History, Aviation Services & What to Know

The Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport (formerly Warren County Airport) is located in Queensbury, NY, and plays a vital role in business travel, tourism, medical transport, flight training, and recreational aviation. The airport is only about 10 minutes from Lake George and 5 from Glens Falls, with easy access to the southern Adirondacks.

Whether you're a private pilot flying in for recreation, a local or visitor looking for scenic flights, or you're a fan of the Adirondack Balloon Festival, this aviation hub is an essential part of Warren County.

A Brief History of Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport

Originally founded in 1941 as Warren County Airport, the facility was renamed on October 25, 1998 for Floyd Bennett, a Queensbury pilot who was chosen by Admiral Richard E. Byrd to command the historic first flight over the North Pole in 1926.

With the exception of the Adirondack Balloon Festival, the airport operates 24/7 today. It's evolved over the years into a modern aviation hub serving a variety of aircraft (but not commercial airlines). And, Warren County has a long-term plan for upgrades and improvements to the airport.

The Aviator Restaurant (Closed)

The Aviator Restaurant opened in 2016 and became a local hidden gem for a runway-view dining experience. It closed around 2020 and has not reopened. At this time, there are no plans to revive it, as the latest blueprints for the airport are more focused on aviation infrastructure and capacity improvements.

Airport Layout, Runways & Operations

Floyd Bennet Memorial Airport handles a range of aviation traffic, including business jets and helicopters.

Key features include:

• 5,000-foot-long primary runway that's 150 feet wide - Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach
• 4,000-foot-long secondary runway, 100 feet wide - GPS approaches
• Class E airspace with no control tower

Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) Services With Rich Air

While Warren County manages the airport, Rich Air serves as the FBO, taking care of day-to-day operations, such as:

• Aircraft fueling
• Hangar rentals and tie-downs
• Aircraft parking
• Maintenance
• Flight instruction
• Pilot amenities and visitor services

Why the Airport Matters to the Community

The airport operates as a mix of private, corporate, emergency, and community operations:

• Medical Transports & Emergency Response - organ transport, emergency response teams, medical helicopters 
• Education - flight training and instruction, inspiring the next generation of aviators
• Saratoga Racing Season Hub - private and corporate jets carrying horse owners, trainers, and visitors

Scenic Flights & Flight Training With Leaf Air

For those looking to experience the region from high up above, Leaf Air operates out of Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, offering scenic flights and flight training over the Adirondacks.

Their flights are renowned for:

• Scenic aerial tours over Lake George and the Adirondacks
• Flight instruction and discovery flights
• Special occasion romantic experiences, including proposals and champagne flights
• Customized aviation experiences

Home of the Adirondack Balloon Festival

The airport serves as the primary launch site for the Adirondack Balloon Festival, which takes place over several days every September. Dozens of colorful hot air balloons in fun shapes and characters take off early in the morning, and they also typically do an evening flight.

Note - balloon flights are always weather dependent, not just with rain, but specifically with the wind. It's recommended to try to attend more than one launch, to increase your chances of seeing the magic.

Future Growth: 20-Year Master Plan Update

In 2026, Warren County launched a long-term Airport Master Plan Update looking ahead to the next 20 years of development.

Key items currently being considered:

• Potential runway extensions and infrastructure updates
• Expanded hangar and corporate aviation facilities
• Improved navigation, weather, and instrument systems
• Land use planning and protection around airport boundaries
• Enhancing long-term capacity for business aviation and private aircraft

Explore the Region After You Land

Visitors arriving at Floyd Bennet Memorial Airport are minutes from some of the region's top destinations:

• Downtown Glens Falls restaurants, breweries, and shops
• Arts and culture with The Hyde Collection, The Park Theater, The Wood Theater
• Lake George beaches, cruises, and attractions
• Adirondack hiking trails and outdoor recreation
• Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Race Course summer meet
• Golf courses, ski areas, and year-round activities

Where to Stay Near the Airport

The airport is minutes from Lake George and Glens Falls, offering easy access to local lodging options:

• Downtown Glens Falls accommodations
• Queensbury lodging options
• Lake George hotels and resorts
• Vacation rentals throughout the region

What Pilots & Visitors Appreciate Most

Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport is valued for convenience and access to the region, from attractions in Lake George to the race course in Saratoga. 

The airport offers quick turnarounds, excellent FBO services via Rich Air, and no commercial terminal traffic.

And, it's a major perk to be located minutes away from prime golf courses, downhill skiing, and world-class hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Airport

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