NJDEP: Aeroflex-Andover Airport to remain open as hangar is downsized for NJ Forest Fire Service
ANDOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said Aeroflex-Andover Airport will remain open as a public-use airport despite plans to reduce the size of its aging hangar complex.
According to the DEP, the planned reduction of the hangar complex will likely require demolition of a significant portion of the existing structure. Once completed, the hangar will be reduced in size to meet the operational needs of the DEP Forest Fire Service’s aviation program.
The Aeroflex-Andover Airport and its hangars were constructed in 1957 by Frederick K. Hussey Jr., owner of Aeroflex Corporation.
A physical conditions assessment commissioned by the DEP Forest Fire Service and completed in September 2024 found structural cracking, water damage, concerns about the buildings’ structural integrity, electrical system safety and compliance with building codes and environmental regulations.
The assessment estimated that demolishing the existing hangar and control tower and constructing replacement facilities would cost $10.9 million in 2024. Adjusted for inflation, the estimated 2026 construction cost is between $12 million and $12.5 million, not including design, permitting, environmental review or other project-related expenses.
The DEP said it is not aware of any federal funding opportunities for the project but would investigate any grants that become available.
The Forest Fire Service currently has 18 interior aircraft storage permits within the hangar.
Following concerns raised by aircraft owners on social media, the DEP emphasized that it has no plans to close the airport.
“The DEP Forest Fire Service has no plans for closing the Aeroflex-Andover airport. The airport will remain open as a public-use airport and continue offering outdoor grass tie-down rental space for aircraft.”
The department said it is currently focused on evaluating the hangar structure and associated water, sewer and electrical utilities. It also anticipates the runway will require resurfacing in the coming years.
Recent improvements at the airport include installation of a new beacon light, runway surface repairs and restriping, asbestos abatement and replacement of the roof over the hangar’s boiler room.
The DEP acquired Aeroflex-Andover Airport in 1994 as part of the purchase of Kittatinny Valley State Park. Officials said the property was selected as the Forest Fire Service’s northern New Jersey airbase, complementing Coyle Field Air Attack Base in central New Jersey and Strawberry Field Air Attack Base in southern New Jersey.
Before acquiring the airport, the Forest Fire Service had used the facility as a seasonal aircraft staging area beginning in 1989.
