Tweed–New Haven Airport Will Continue Advancing Project Through Federal and State Channels
New Haven, CT — Tweed–New Haven Airport (HVN) today announced that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has upheld the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process related to the airport’s Environmental Assessment (EA).
The legal challenge centered on the argument that elements of the Environmental Assessment should have been evaluated differently and that the FAA’s Finding of No Significant Impact and Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) required additional analysis. The Court, however, held that the FAA properly conducted the NEPA process, the federal government’s environmental review framework, and denied the petitions for review, leaving the FONSI in place.
This decision reinforces that the federal environmental review process was thorough, lawful, and appropriately executed. The decision affirms the FAA’s approvals and validates the parallel track approach the project has been pursuing, allowing that work to continue with added confidence through the remaining state and local steps. It also does not change or forgo any additional local and state approvals which are still required; the project will continue to be considered in coordination with both New Haven and East Haven.
“The court has affirmed the FAA’s environmental review process for the East Terminal project was comprehensive and complete. This is a positive sign and important step forward towards providing a modernized, regional airport that better serves our residents and the region. The time has now come for us to move forward with the other necessary approvals for this project in a manner that adheres to the joint memorandum of understanding that was signed by all parties earlier this year,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “New Haven is a growing city and New Haven County is a growing region that need a high-quality airport to meet the travel demands of our residents, visitors and businesses. Customers are voting with their ticket purchases everyday — and a new, modern, state-of-the-art terminal that follows the proper environmental review process and adheres to the proper environmental standards is necessary to make this airport a success.”
“The Court has recognized that the FAA’s process met the standards required under NEPA, and we will continue to work closely with the FAA as our project progresses,” said Robert Reed, Chairman of the Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority. “We will also continue to work closely with our municipal partners, ensuring that local oversight and community input remain central throughout this process. HVN’s overarching goal will remain advancing the project responsibly and in full compliance with all applicable requirements at the local, state, and federal levels.”
Importantly, the federal approval remains in place, and the project continues to move forward through state and local regulatory review. HVN will continue to pursue its application with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as well as the formal review by the Town of East Haven Planning and Zoning Commission.
“The NEPA process is the gold standard for environmental review in the United States, and it has been followed thoroughly on this project,” said Marc Ricks, CEO of Avports. “This milestone confirms the federal review was conducted appropriately — but our work isn’t finished. We look forward to earning approval through East Haven’s local process, and we intend to meet its highest standards every step of the way. The Town of East Haven and its Planning and Zoning Commission play an essential role, and we’re committed to a transparent, collaborative review that respects local oversight and community input. Alongside our partners in East Haven and at Connecticut DEEP, we’ll continue to advance this project responsibly, with real environmental stewardship at its core.”
HVN will continue working through the remaining state process thoughtfully and diligently, ensuring that the project delivers long-term economic opportunity and improved air service for the region. Tweed-New Haven Airport remains focused on delivering a modernized, environmentally responsible airport that supports economic growth, regional connectivity, and job creation for Greater New Haven and the State of Connecticut.
