ISLIP NOTEBOOK: MacArthur's Growth And The Economic Impact

With officials at Long Island MacArthur Airport (LIMA) working to expand service to include the possibility of international flights, the Hauppauge Industrial Association (HIA) this past Thursday held a breakfast meeting to discuss what impact this endeavor could have on the local economy.

Held at the airport in Ronkonkoma, attendees heard from Moke McGowan, president and CEO of the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission, and , Islip Town Supervisor.

Both spoke about what they feel is the need to expand air travel service at the airport and what impact that could have on tourism and local businesses.

While discussion focused on expanding flights at MacArthur has revved up in recent months, there are no immediately plans to expand flights, airport officials told Patch.

Speaking after the HIA meeting, Teresa Rizzuto, airport commissioner, told Patch that several airlines are interested in bringing service to Long Island MacArthur. The challenge short-term to adding service at LIMA is that airlines have few available planes with which to add flights at airports they currently do not serve.