Aviation Center

University Park Airport is a public-use non-hub airport located six miles from the University Park campus and downtown State College. American, Delta, and United, offer daily scheduled non-stop flights to major hub airports. There is an active general aviation community, including recreational, corporate, charter, cargo, medical air ambulance, and flight instruction operations.

Penn State University is the airport’s owner and is responsible for the administration, planning, development, operation, maintenance, and security in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration regulations. The University provides fixed base operator (FBO) services via the Penn State Aviation Center, too.

The airport began circa 1958 when the State College Flying Service operated from Penn State land that was designated as University Park Airport. A new Airline Terminal Building opened in 1985, followed by subsequent renovations and expansion in later years to accommodate passenger demand. The Centre County Airport Authority (CCAA), comprised of representatives from Centre County, local townships, and boroughs, owns and manages the Airline Terminal Building, oversees passenger amenities, and serves as an airport co-sponsor, too.

The University Park Airport is a major economic driver for the region, with an estimated annual economic impact of $232.9 million1. University Park Airport is ranked within the top seven (7) commercial service airports (based on passenger enplanements) within Pennsylvania.