AOPA Met with State Over Andover Airport Evictions

The state intends to proceed with hangar demolitions, forcing tenants to vacate the New Jersey facility by year's end.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Air Travel

AOPA Met with State Over Andover Airport Evictions

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Should your local government prioritize repairing public infrastructure over expensive demolition projects?

Representatives from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) met with New Jersey Governor staff to discuss the looming closure of hangar facilities at Aeroflex-Andover Airport. Tenants have been ordered to vacate the complex by December 31, 2026, as the state moves forward with demolition plans.

Why it matters

The dispute centers on conflicting reports regarding the financial viability of repairing existing structures versus tearing them down. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has cited maintenance and structural concerns as the primary driver for the reduction of airport infrastructure.

State estimates place the repair of existing hangars at $4.7 million, while demolition is projected to cost $8 million. Building new replacement hangars at the site would carry a price tag exceeding $11 million.

The players

AOPA

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is a non-profit organization that advocates for the interests of general aviation pilots and aircraft owners.

Josh Gottheimer

He is a U.S. Representative who has publicly challenged the proposed demolition plan at the state-owned airport.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

This state agency oversees the management of the Aeroflex-Andover Airport and has cited structural concerns for the planned demolition.

New Jersey Forest Fire Service

This state agency is slated to take over the remaining hangar space at the airport following the departure of current tenants.

Andover Flight Academy

This aviation training business faces potential closure because its hangar space is subject to the state's demolition plan.

The details

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection plans to limit hangar usage exclusively to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service after the current tenants are removed. This development threatens the survival of the Andover Flight Academy, which faces potential closure due to the loss of its facilities.

October 5, 2026: Rep. Josh Gottheimer held a news conference regarding the hangar project costs.
October 8, 2026: AOPA representatives met with senior advisers to the New Jersey Governor.
December 31, 2026: All airport tenants are required to vacate the hangar complex.

Travel Outlook

The situation at Aeroflex-Andover Airport highlights the ongoing friction between state-managed land usage and federal standards governing public access to aviation infrastructure. This case follows a pattern of localized conflicts where state departments prioritize conservation or specialized agency needs over general aviation access.

Tenants and flight students operating out of the airport must finalize relocation plans or alternative training arrangements before the December 31 deadline. Local pilots should monitor state government notices for any sudden changes to the eviction schedule or potential extensions.

The takeaway

Airport tenants and local stakeholders are continuing to push for a broader, in-person negotiation to save the hangar complex. Those affected should document their business requirements and stay engaged with local legislative offices to advocate for the remaining hangar space.