Administration

University Park Airport renamed State College Regional Airport

State College Regional Airport Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State and the Centre County Airport Authority (CCAA) have announced that University Park Airport has been renamed State College Regional Airport. 

This change will help to alleviate confusion and clarify that the location is the region’s airport and a convenient alternative to commuting to more distant airports in Pittsburgh or Harrisburg. In addition to providing clarity on the location, State College Regional Airport better reflects the service area, the continuing investment in the economic development of Centre County and beyond, and the broad array of transportation options available at the location. Currently, State College Regional Airport offers regular daily flights to Philadelphia, Chicago O’Hare and Newark. New destinations and expanded services are continuously being sought as the airline industry adjusts following the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“With a new name, the State College Regional Airport will continue to provide outstanding service to travelers locally and throughout central Pennsylvania,” said Sara Thorndike, Penn State senior vice president for finance and business and University treasurer.  

“The renaming of our airport started a long time ago with the public rebranding us the State College Airport," said James Meyer, executive director of CCAA. “By officially renaming the airport, we are eliminating confusion for our passengers. The airline city code has been SCE from the very beginning of commercial air service at this airport, dating back to 1978.” 

"This process has been a true collaboration between Penn State and the Airport Authority,” said Chris Groshel, CCAA board chair. “Our goal has always been to build and promote the airport as a convenient transportation hub to serve central Pennsylvania. The State College Regional Airport name will facilitate travel for the many thousands of travelers who pass through our terminal annually.” 

Penn State owns the airport and is responsible for its administration, planning, development, operation, maintenance and security under Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration regulations. The Centre County Airport Authority oversees commercial airline operations and parking at the airport.  

Last Updated November 7, 2023