Report: Tweed Expansion Will Unlock Region’s Economic Potential

A new report shows the planned expansion of Tweed New Haven Airport will drive substantial economic growth for the region.

The report from UConn’s Center for Economic Analysis finds the expansion will generate almost half a billion dollars in total economic impact and create thousands of jobs by the end of the decade.

Tweed’s expansion plans include lengthening the runway, adding a new terminal building, and increasing parking capacity.

“This project is about more than expanding an airport—it’s about unlocking long-term economic potential for our region,” said The New HVN CEO Michael Jones.

“It reinforces the vital role Tweed can play in growing Southern Connecticut’s economy and strengthening the assets that drive our communities forward.”

Driving Growth

The study considered the economic impacts based on two different scenarios.

The first, conservative, scenario assumes the continued operations and planned expansions of Avelo and Breeze Airlines at the airport.

The study showed that scenario will result in 2,465 jobs created by 2029, with 2,087 living in New Haven County. 

The second scenario factors in economic activity from additional, complementary “drivers of growth” including:

• A new 200-bedroom hotel
• Improved technology and connectivity
• Use of Electric-Hybrid Vertical Take-off and Landing Aircraft
• Expansion of medical tourism at Yale New Haven Hospital
• Rental car expansions
• Capitalizing on Yale Innovations

Researchers said the expansions will “stimulate employment growth with increasing shares of employment and residency being located in New Haven County.”

In that second scenario, the jobs impact climbs to 4,701 by 2030 with 3,285 employees living in New Haven County.

Economic Impact

The study conservatively forecast the expansion will result in a $444 million in total economic impact to the state by 2027—$368 million to New Haven County specifically. 

That includes $100 million in construction impact. 

“Tweed-New Haven Airport plays a critical role in the region’s economic future,”  said Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority chairman Robert Reed.

“We’re looking at the creation of good jobs, renewed investments in our neighborhoods, and long-term, sustainable growth.”

Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority’s Robert Reed

“We’re looking at the creation of good jobs, renewed investments in our neighborhoods, and long-term, sustainable growth across the region.”

The CCEA study, which was commissioned by Tweed, complements a similar study done by FLARE Aviation Consulting in 2020.

“These studies make clear that Tweed will help drive the next wave of development in Southern Connecticut,” said Reed.

Last month, airport officials submitted an environmental permit application to the state, the latest step toward completion of the expansion plan.