Nantucket Memorial Airport (IATA: ACK – ICAO: KACK) is the primary airport serving Nantucket Island, located about 48 kilometers (30 miles) south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. As the second-busiest airport in the state during the summer, it offers essential air connectivity to the island’s residents and visitors.
ACK accommodates commercial airline service, seasonal charter flights, and extensive general aviation traffic. It is a critical lifeline for tourism and business, especially in the peak summer months.

Travelers can expect modern amenities and services designed for convenience, including flight information displays, ground transportation, and easy taxi access. The airport’s busy atmosphere reflects the island’s popularity as a destination with both seasonal and year-round flights available. More details about flights and airport services can be found on the official Nantucket Memorial Airport website.

General Information

Location: Nantucket, Massachusetts, United States
Country: United States
Airport Type: Public, Commercial, and General Aviation
IATA Code: ACK
ICAO Code: KACK
Elevation: 48 feet (15 metres)
Coordinates: 41°15′20″N 070°03′35″W
Timezone: UTC−5 (EST) / UTC−4 (EDT during Daylight Saving Time)
Distance from Town Centre: Approx. 5 km (3 miles) southeast of Nantucket Town
Website: www.nantucket-ma.gov/airport
Operator: Town of Nantucket
Services: Domestic flights, seasonal charters, general aviation, aircraft maintenance

Parking Information

Short-Term Parking

Rate: Free for the first 30 minutes, then hourly rates apply
Distance: Directly in front of the terminal
Ideal For: Pick-ups, drop-offs, and brief visits

Long-Term Parking

Rate: Approx. $15/day
Distance: Nearby surface lot with walkable access
Ideal For: Vacationers and extended travelers

Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards, cash
Security: Monitored lots with lighting and occasional patrols

Contact Information

Airport Info Line: +1 508-325-5300
Email: airport@nantucket-ma.gov
FBO Services: Nantucket Jet Center and Air Nantucket offer fueling, hangars, concierge, and charter services

Passenger Information

Immigration Requirements: ACK handles domestic flights only
Crew Requirements: FAA-compliant credentials for domestic ops
Transport Options: Taxis, rideshare services (limited), rental cars, hotel shuttles, NRTA island buses
Nearby Accommodation: The Nantucket Hotel, White Elephant, Jared Coffin House
Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD); all major credit cards accepted

Local Attractions

Brant Point Lighthouse

An iconic lighthouse and a photo opportunity near Nantucket Harbor.

Whaling Museum

Historic exhibits exploring Nantucket’s past as a global whaling hub.

Surfside and Jetties Beaches

Popular family beaches are known for soft sand and summer amenities.

Sconset Bluff Walk

Picturesque walking trail with ocean views and charming cottages.

Cisco Brewers

A popular brewery/distillery/winery offering tastings, food trucks, and live music.

Travel Tips

The airport is bike- and pedestrian-friendly with dedicated paths and nearby rentals.

Summer weekends can be hectic—arrive early for parking and check-in.

Ground transportation options are more limited than those on the mainland plan.

Many flights operate as seasonal routes—check schedules in advance.

Location and Facilities

Nantucket Memorial Airport is on the southern side of Nantucket, about three miles from the town center. It is easy to reach by car, taxi, or shuttle. The airport’s address is 14 Airport Road, Nantucket, MA.

The terminal has a small cafeteria, rental car counters, and waiting areas. Services include airline check-in desks, baggage claim, and restrooms. The airport also offers parking, taxi stands, and ground transportation options.

Pilots can use a Flight Information Display System and noise monitoring tools. Airport screens also display flight tracking and real-time updates for travelers.

Airport Codes and Infrastructure

The main airport code for Nantucket Memorial Airport is ACK, which is used for airline reservations and baggage tags. The FAA and the International Air Transport Association both recognize this code.

There are two main runways. Runway 6/24 measures 6,303 feet and handles most commercial traffic. A shorter 15/33 runway is 2,696 feet long and mainly serves smaller aircraft. The airport has lighting, taxiways, and navigational aids to help planes land safely in different weather conditions.

Nantucket Memorial Airport supports both general aviation and scheduled passenger flights. Airlines such as Cape Air and JetBlue serve the airport, and service changes depending on the season. The airport’s official website provides more details about its structure and operation.

Nearby Airports

The closest major airport is Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis, Massachusetts. It often acts as a link for flights to other cities. Barnstable Municipal Airport is about 30 miles away by air from Nantucket. Travelers can take a short flight between the two airports.

Other regional airports include Logan International Airport in Boston and New Bedford Regional Airport. Logan International Airport offers many more flight options, but it is farther from Nantucket and requires a connecting flight or a ferry trip.

Several options exist for reaching or leaving Nantucket by air, offering flexibility to local residents and visitors. For more information about airport connections and details, visit the Nantucket Memorial Airport information page.

Airlines and Flight Options

Nantucket Memorial Airport offers a range of choices for travelers. Scheduled flights connect the island to cities like Boston, New York, Hyannis, and Martha’s Vineyard. Several major airlines and regional carriers operate out of the airport, offering year-round and seasonal service.

Major Airlines Serving Nantucket

The airport is served by a variety of well-known carriers and regional operators. Cape Air offers year-round flights and is recognized for its frequent service to Boston, Hyannis, New Bedford, and Martha’s Vineyard. Nantucket Airlines, a division of Cape Air, is known for regular flights specifically between Nantucket and Hyannis.

National carriers such as American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta also fly to Nantucket, mainly during the busier spring and summer months. These airlines have larger planes and provide direct access to major cities, particularly New York City and Boston. Smaller airlines like Tradewind Aviation provide scheduled flights that appeal to travelers seeking more personalized service.

The presence of both large and small airlines ensures options for travelers with different budgets, schedules, and preferences. Frequent flyers and vacationers alike benefit from the mix of choices available at ACK.

Flight Routes and Destinations

Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) is connected to several regional destinations. The most common routes link ACK to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), New York (JFK), and Hyannis (HYA). Both regional and national carriers support these routes to accommodate year-round and seasonal demand.

Other destinations include New Bedford, MA, and Martha’s Vineyard, which Cape Air and Nantucket Airlines primarily serve. During peak travel seasons, airlines increase flight frequency between Nantucket and popular metropolitan areas, such as New York’s JFK and Westchester/White Plains.

Airlines sometimes adjust destinations and flight schedules, so travelers should check with carriers for the latest information. The various routes assure flexibility for those looking to reach or leave Nantucket without hassle. For more information, details are available about the latest airlines and destinations.

Direct Flights and Connections

Direct flights are common on popular routes such as Nantucket to Boston and Hyannis. Cape Air and Nantucket Airlines are primarily known for their frequent, daily direct flights between ACK and Hyannis, which makes travel between the two points simple and fast.

JetBlue, American Airlines, and Delta add direct flights from New York City and Boston to meet increased demand during summer. These direct flights help cut down overall travel time and remove the stress of layovers, especially for vacationers and weekend travelers.

For airports or cities not served by direct flights, most airlines connect through Boston or New York, allowing travelers to complete their journeys with just one layover. Finding up-to-date options for direct and connecting flights is easy by checking airline websites or flight search tools. The network of direct and connecting flights makes Nantucket accessible to various travelers.

Flight Booking and Travel Tips

Travelers flying to or from Nantucket Airport should look for ways to get the best value on tickets, understand cabin options, and plan a stress-free time at the airport. Even during busy months, with the correct information, saving money and making the experience smoother is possible.

Finding Cheap Flights and Flight Deals

Prices for flights to Nantucket change with demand, season, and how early tickets are booked. Travelers often find the lowest prices by booking in advance or being flexible with dates. Nantucket receives flights from Boston, Hyannis, Martha’s Vineyard, and Westchester/White Plains, so comparing flights across these cities can help secure cheap flights and deals.

Major travel sites often display flash sales or limited-time offers. Signing up for airline newsletters or fare alerts helps travelers get notified about discounts. Early morning and late afternoon flights tend to be less crowded and sometimes more affordable, as flights usually run from 6 a.m. to the late afternoon.

Attention to baggage fee restrictions or cancellation policies is essential, especially with the smaller airlines serving Nantucket. These savings add up and can significantly affect the overall trip cost.

Ticket Classes and Cabin Options

Nantucket flights generally offer economy seating, especially on smaller regional airlines. Passengers will find basic features, such as standard seats and limited onboard services, in the economy class on most flights to and from the island.

Some larger carriers or connecting flights to bigger airports might offer upgraded options, including premium economy or business class. These usually come with extra space, priority boarding, and sometimes a better baggage allowance. Business class flights, where available, offer more comfort but are priced higher.

Due to the size of the aircraft, first class may not be an option for most short flights to Nantucket. Travelers should review the ticket class details before booking. Choosing the right cabin can affect both comfort and the overall price of the flight ticket.

Check-In and Airport Experience

For flights between Hyannis and Nantucket, passengers are asked to check in at the ticket counter at least 30 minutes before departure. Online check-in may not always be available on smaller carriers, so arriving at the airport with enough time is key.

Nantucket Airport is compact, making finding ticket counters and gates easy. Most airlines allow a carry-on and a personal item, but baggage policies can be strict, so travelers should read the rules before arriving at the airport.

Shuttles, taxi stands, and ride-share options are available outside. To save time, travelers can arrange ground transportation in advance. Airport staff are used to helping visitors and are a good resource if passengers have questions or need directions.

Ground Transportation and Accommodations

Travelers arriving at Nantucket Memorial Airport have various reliable transportation and lodging options. Public buses, taxis, and private car hires are all available, while many hotels are located near the airport and across the island.

Hotels in Nantucket

Nantucket has a variety of hotels and inns for different budgets. Many lodgings are in Nantucket Town, a short drive from the airport.

Some hotels offer free shuttle service to and from Nantucket Memorial Airport, which can make arrival and departure very convenient. Bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, and well-known inns are common, and booking options are available year-round.

Booking early is recommended during summer, as the island gets busy. For more details or to explore options, visit Nantucket’s official list of hotels.

Car Hire Services

Car rentals are available at Nantucket Memorial Airport. Major car hire companies have desks at or near the terminal.

Other options for those not renting a car include taxis, limo services, and private airport shuttles. You can book a ride through services like Jayride or choose a taxi directly outside the terminal. The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority also runs THE WAVE bus service from the airport to main stops on the island every 30 minutes from 10 am to 10 pm.

Car hire is popular for those who plan to explore the island on their schedule. However, parking can be limited downtown, so visitors should plan ahead if driving in peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nantucket Memorial Airport offers both commercial and regional airline services. It provides several travel, transport, and passenger amenities to help travelers during their trip.

What airlines operate services to and from Nantucket Memorial Airport?

Various airlines offer flights at Nantucket Memorial Airport, including seasonal and year-round carriers. These typically include regional airlines like Cape Air and Nantucket Airlines, and larger carriers during peak travel months.

How can passengers find the current flight schedule for Nantucket Memorial Airport?

Travelers can visit the official websites of airlines serving the airport to find up-to-date flight schedules. Nantucket Airlines has a dedicated airport information page that helps with schedule and check-in details.

Is there a shuttle service available at Nantucket Memorial Airport?

Ground transportation options are available at the airport. Although there is no official airport-operated shuttle, taxis, rideshares, and private shuttles serve the area. Passengers can ask at the airport or check with local transport providers for shuttle options.

Where can I find the arrival and departure information for Nantucket Memorial Airport?

Arrival and departure information is provided on screens inside the terminal. Passengers can also call the main airport number or check with their airline. Information is available by contacting the airport directly through their official website or phone number.

Can I book commercial flights to Nantucket, and if so, what are the options?

Commercial flights can be booked directly with airlines that operate out of Nantucket Memorial Airport. Travelers can fly to and from cities such as Boston and New York, especially in the summer when more airlines offer seasonal flights.

What amenities and services are provided at Nantucket Memorial Airport?

The airport offers waiting areas, restrooms, and ticket counters. Passengers can access travel assistance at the information desk and find ground transport services outside the terminal. Some airlines at the airport also provide luggage assistance and customer support.