Gabreski Airport begins $20 million air traffic control tower project
A $20 million project is now underway at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, bringing a new control tower as part of a series of improvements to enhance safety and meet the demand for increased flights and services at the airport.
“This tower will replace the aging tower built in 1943 when this was solely a military installation,” County Executive Ed Romaine said the airport Wednesday. “Our new tower will meet the updated FAA guidelines and the changing needs of our customers, ensuring a safe experience for everyone flying in and out of Gabreski Airport.”
The new tower will stand adjacent to the old tower, and will be approximately twice as tall, at 146 feet. It will significantly improve air traffic control visibility, incorporate newer technology and include a full-building backup generator.
Congressman Nick LaLota secured $11 million in federal funds for this phase of the project.
“This $20 million investment in a new air traffic control tower at Gabreski Airport, including $11.3 million in federal funding, shows what we can deliver when every level of government works together,” Congressman Nick LaLota said. “Suffolk County deserves modern, reliable infrastructure that keeps our communities safe and our economy moving, and I’ll continue fighting to bring federal dollars home for critical projects like this.”
Gabreski Airport acts as an economic hub on the east end. During the 2026 U.S. Open, the airport saw a 91% increase in flights — with 1,983 — compared to the 2018 U.S. Open. The new tower aims to better support times of increased traffic.
