Our community's historic airport is about to get a significant upgrade. Ocean City Municipal Airport will receive $610,000 in federal funding to construct eight new aircraft hangars, addressing a regional shortage of hangar space while creating a new revenue stream for the city.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew announced $1.4 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration for improvements at three South Jersey airports: Ocean City, Woodbine, and Millville. The funding represents a crucial investment in infrastructure that serves both recreational pilots and commercial aviation needs throughout the region.
"These are the kinds of investments that keep South Jersey going," Van Drew said in a statement. "Our local airports are used every day, and they need to be safe, functional, and able to support themselves. This money helps make that happen."
Meeting Demand for Aircraft Storage
The new hangars will provide much-needed covered parking for aircraft owners who want to protect their investments—planes that often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. City spokesman Doug Bergen explained that the project creates a win-win situation for both pilots and Ocean City.
"The city would lease the units at a fair-market rental rate. Pilots would benefit because there is a need for hangar space throughout the region. The city would benefit from the revenue stream," Bergen said.
While Ocean City is still finalizing the total project cost, Bergen noted that the grant program is particularly valuable because it supports revenue-generating projects. The airport qualified for this funding only after fulfilling all FAA safety requirements—a testament to the facility's operational excellence.
A Unique Barrier Island Airport
Built in 1935, Ocean City Municipal Airport holds a distinctive place in aviation history as the only airport in New Jersey located on a barrier island. It's among just a few such facilities on the entire East Coast, making it a rare and valuable asset for our community.
Located on Bay Avenue at 26th Street, the airport sits just blocks from the beach. During summer months, it's a common sight to see passengers disembarking with beach chairs and umbrellas in hand—a uniquely Jersey Shore experience that blends aviation with vacation.
The facility handles approximately 20,000 takeoffs, landings, fly-bys, and other aviation activities annually. While most traffic consists of small, single-engine planes, the nearly 3,000-foot runway can accommodate private jets. Pop superstar Taylor Swift has been known to use the airport when visiting the Jersey Shore, landing her private jet at our local facility.
The airport serves a diverse mix of users, including recreational pilots, commercial charter flights, military aircraft, and Coast Guard helicopters—all contributing to the safety and vitality of our region.
Part of Larger Airport Modernization
The hangar project represents one piece of a broader vision for the airport's future. Ocean City is also working toward building a new terminal that will feature an operations center on the ground level and a restaurant on the top floor, offering sweeping views of the bay and wetlands surrounding the runway.
Leon Grisbaum, a former pilot who owns Berger Realty in Ocean City, has pledged $3 million for the new terminal. The city plans to match his donation with its own $3 million contribution. Officials are currently seeking additional FAA grant funding to help finance the terminal project.
The city held a ceremonial groundbreaking in October 2024 to celebrate Grisbaum's generous donation, though a construction timeline has not yet been announced. Once the new terminal is built, the current modest structure—dating to the 1950s and once home to a casual restaurant that closed during the COVID pandemic—will be demolished.
Together, these improvements signal a bright future for our barrier island airport, ensuring it continues serving our community and visitors for generations to come while generating revenue to support its ongoing operations.
