Trenton-Mercer Airport to get $200M expansion, new terminal planned

EWING, N.J. (PIX11) – Those who look to avoid the chaos of Newark and Philadelphia airports often detour to Trenton-Mercer.

"It's been a hub for quite some time," said Wanda Austin of Ewing, who says her granddaughter flies into TTN upon returning from college in Atlanta.

"Five minutes away," said Austin, "and it's simple, and sometimes it's very affordable."

Frontier flies non-stop out of Trenton-Mercer to Atlanta and several other cities.

"Fantastic to have a local airport to go to for flights to a number of destinations," said Mercer County resident Gary Hoyer.

The small airport with a terminal dating back to the 70s is looking to climb to new altitudes.

"Altogether, we're talking about well over $200 million in investment," said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson.

A new airport expansion is underway. It will get a new, bigger terminal—almost 100,000 square feet bigger—with more restaurants and the ability to climb right onto your plane. While it will still keep the same four gates, the expansion will allow another airline to come in in the future. 

"This already attracts a lot of different jobs and is a job engine," said Benson. "With this expanded terminal and all the upgrades here it's only going to make everything better."

 "As this airport grows, Ewing Township grows, Mercer County grows, and the region grows," said Ewing Township Mayor Bert Steinmann. 

"We hope this job creator is an engine that will take our folks from Trenton and be able to give them a job not just in the construction industry but also working at the airport itself," said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora.

However, only some people are as excited; Trenton Threatened Skies opposes the expansion. They told PIX11 news in a statement, in part:

"Trenton Threatened Skies, a nonprofit organization comprised of New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents affected by Trenton-Mercer Airport, strongly opposes the expansion of the Airport. By mischaracterizing the $200 million expansion project as a mere terminal replacement, the County was able to receive federal approvals without having to investigate the impact of the project on public health. Threats to public health, including an increase in air pollution, noise pollution, and water pollution, remain real and imminent."

The group added that it believes Mercer County is being "reckless and irresponsible" in the expansion.

Officials say the new terminal will be completed in around two years, and the airport's new firehouse will be built by early 2026.