Tweed Airport Expansion Deal Divides New Haven and East Haven

The agreement would split airport traffic between the two cities, angering some neighbors.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:35pm

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A minimalist studio photograph featuring a polished metal model of an airport terminal, a miniature traffic cone, and a small model of a car, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background to symbolize the abstract concepts of infrastructure, transportation, and the tensions between communities surrounding the Tweed Airport expansion.A conceptual still life representing the complex negotiations and community concerns surrounding the proposed expansion of Tweed New Haven Airport.New Haven Today

Tweed New Haven Airport, its operator Avports, and the cities of New Haven and East Haven have reached a framework deal to expand the airport. The deal would split airport traffic, with vehicles entering from East Haven and exiting largely through New Haven neighborhood streets. While the agreement includes millions in state assistance, it has infuriated some longtime opponents who feel East Haven is being unfairly burdened.

Why it matters

The Tweed Airport expansion has been a contentious issue for years, with East Haven residents concerned about the increased traffic, noise, and environmental impact on their community. This deal aims to address some of those concerns, but it has still sparked outrage from neighbors who feel their voices are not being heard.

The details

The deal would allow Tweed to move forward with its expansion plans, including a new 80,000-square-foot terminal on the East Haven side of the airport and a runway extension. However, the existing entrance and exit near the West Terminal in New Haven would be maintained for employee and rental car parking. The state would provide $40 million for a new public safety complex in East Haven, as well as $5 million each to East Haven and New Haven for infrastructure and increased annual PILOT payments.

  • The Tweed expansion project is currently in the permitting phase.
  • The East Terminal design reached 70% completion late last year.
  • Tweed has applications pending with the state DEEP and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The players

Tweed New Haven Regional Airport

The regional airport serving the New Haven area, operated under a long-term lease by Avports LLC and subsidiary The New HVN LLC.

Avports LLC

The operator of Tweed New Haven Regional Airport under a long-term lease, responsible for funding improvements inside the airport perimeter as part of the expansion project.

Justin Elicker

The mayor of New Haven, who acknowledged the challenges around the airport's growth but said the deal aims to ensure both New Haven and East Haven communities benefit.

Joe Carfora

The mayor of East Haven, who some residents feel has not been transparent or accountable regarding the airport expansion.

Joseph Zullo

The Republican state representative for East Haven, who expressed concerns about the agreement and urged Carfora to ensure greater transparency and opportunities for East Haven residents to voice their opinions.

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What they’re saying

“This is absolutely heartbreaking and devastating news.”

— Jean Edwards Chieppo, Administrator of the 'Stop Tweed Expansion' Facebook group

“As a resident, homeowner and taxpayer of East Haven, there has been a serious lack of transparency and accountability by Mayor Carfora, state officials and Tweed Airport Authority.”

— Lorena Venegas, East Haven resident

“This project represents exactly the kind of investment Connecticut needs right now. The expansion of Tweed New Haven Airport will create good-paying, family-sustaining union jobs and put skilled tradespeople to work across our state.”

— Chris Cozzi, President of the New Haven Building and Construction Trades Council

What’s next

The agreement still requires various local, state, and federal approvals, and the state funding is pending legislative approval. East Haven residents are urging Mayor Carfora to ensure greater transparency and opportunities for their voices to be heard before any legislation is taken up.

The takeaway

The Tweed Airport expansion deal highlights the ongoing tensions between the neighboring cities of New Haven and East Haven, with East Haven residents feeling they are bearing an unfair burden from the project. The agreement aims to address some of these concerns, but it remains to be seen whether it will satisfy the community or lead to further opposition.