Bradley International Airport is the second busiest airport in New England and the second largest airport in Connecticut. Located in the town of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, the airport is the main gateway for air travel to the state of Connecticut. It is owned and operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority and serves as a major hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
The airport was originally established as a military airbase in 1940, known as the Windsor Locks Air Base. It was built to support the U.S. Army Air Corps' Second Air Force, and it was used as a training base for fighter pilots. In 1948, the airfield was turned over to the state of Connecticut and renamed Bradley Field, in honor of Lt. Eugene M. Bradley, a native of Windsor Locks who had been killed in action during World War II.
In the 1950s, the state of Connecticut began to develop the airfield for commercial aviation. By the early 1960s, it had become one of the busiest airports in the Northeast. In 1962, the airport was renamed Bradley International Airport in honor of Lt. Bradley, and it has since become the primary air gateway for the state of Connecticut.
Today, Bradley International Airport is a major regional hub for air travel, with over 140 daily departures to more than 30 destinations. It is served by a number of national, international, and regional airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and more. The airport code BDL was assigned by the International Air Transport Association in 1972.
In recent years, Bradley International Airport has seen tremendous growth in passenger traffic, due in part to its convenient location, modern facilities, and strong air service. In 2019, the airport recorded more than 4.5 million passengers, making it the second busiest airport in the region.
Bradley International Airport is an important part of Connecticut's infrastructure and provides a vital transportation link to the rest of the world. With its modern facilities, convenient location, and strong air service, it continues to be a major hub for air travel in the Northeast.
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