New Jersey Evicted Aeroflex-Andover Airport Hangar Tenants

The state has ordered all hangar tenants to vacate the historic complex by the end of the year.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Air Travel

New Jersey Evicted Aeroflex-Andover Airport Hangar Tenants

Live Poll

Should your local government prioritize historic preservation over planned infrastructure demolitions in your area?

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has issued formal eviction notices to tenants at the Aeroflex-Andover Airport. Tenants must vacate the site by December 31 as the state prepares to demolish the airport's historic hangar complex.

Why it matters

The state claims the demolition is necessary due to structural and maintenance issues at the facility. However, independent engineers have disputed this, concluding that repairing the existing hangars would be less expensive than tearing them down.

Aeroflex-Andover Airport, known by the identifier 12N, currently serves as the base for the Andover Flight Academy and a local aircraft maintenance business. While the airport will remain open for public use via outdoor tie-downs, remaining hangar space is now reserved exclusively for state firefighting operations.

The players

New Jersey Forest Fire Service

This agency is responsible for managing forest fire protection and the state-owned airport property.

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

This is a non-profit organization that advocates for the interests of general aviation pilots and airports.

Aeroflex-Andover Airport

This is a public-use airport facility in New Jersey that provides essential space for local flight training and aircraft maintenance.

The details

The demolition project will effectively displace the flight school and the aircraft maintenance business currently operating on-site. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is currently seeking a meeting with state leadership to advocate for the preservation of these aviation facilities.

In June 2026, the state announced plans to demolish the hangar complex.
On October 1, 2026, the AOPA disputed claims regarding structural issues.
Tenants must vacate the airport hangars by December 31, 2026.

Travel Outlook

This incident follows a documented trend in aviation where smaller regional airports are repurposed or downsized to accommodate state maintenance facilities. The loss of hangar capacity at 12N highlights the ongoing tension between state land management and the viability of general aviation hubs.

Pilots and local aircraft owners currently utilizing the 12N hangars must relocate their planes before the December 31 deadline. Residents and local business owners should anticipate the permanent closure of the Andover Flight Academy and associated maintenance services following the state takeover.

The takeaway

The dispute underscores the importance of independent engineering assessments when municipalities claim that historic structures are beyond repair. Stakeholders in general aviation should verify state maintenance claims early in the planning process to protect community assets.