The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) is moving ahead with its efforts to acquire Bridgeport Sikorsky Memorial Airport (KBDR) as it looks to restore commercial airline service to the southeastern part of the state. Established in 2011, the CAA currently operates Bradley International Airport—the state’s lone commercial gateway—and five general aviation airports: Danielson, Groton-New London, Hartford-Brainard, Waterbury-Oxford, and Windham.
KBDR, which is currently owned by the city of Bridgeport and home to two FBOs, has seen no airline service over the past two decades and its passenger terminal has since been demolished.
Following a recent $7 million investment by the State Bond Commission that will primarily cover the pavement rehabilitation on 4,759-foot Runway 11/29, Bridgeport and the CAA announced ongoing discussions in November regarding an expanded partnership to develop and run the airport, which currently operates at an annual budget deficit. The airport has been trying to lure commercial operators back over the past several years, but it would take additional millions in infrastructure, including a new airline terminal, to make KBDR enticing once again.
While the CAA would apply its airport management experience and could, in theory, provide the necessary level of infrastructure funding, the matter is still being debated by Bridgeport officials. The CAA has reportedly offered $10 million for KBDR.