Hangar Waitlists Growing Across US Airports

Hangar waitlists at major airports are getting longer. Pilots at busy fields like Van Nuys, Teterboro, and Addison report waits exceeding three years for T-hangar space.

The shortage stems from multiple factors: strong aircraft sales, aging hangar infrastructure that hasn’t kept pace with demand, and limited land for new construction at established airports.

What Pilots Can Do

Join multiple waitlists simultaneously. Many pilots underestimate how quickly spots open at smaller regional airports while focusing exclusively on their preferred field.

Consider shared hangar arrangements. Community hangars and hangar-sharing apps have emerged as practical alternatives for pilots who need covered storage but lack priority on official waitlists.

Look slightly further from home. A hangar 30 minutes away beats outdoor tie-down storage at your preferred airport. Aircraft maintenance costs increase dramatically with outdoor exposure.

Airport Managers Respond

Several airports have announced expansion plans, though construction timelines stretch years into the future. New hangar developments at Centennial and McKinney are expected to add capacity by 2027.

Meanwhile, some airports have implemented use-it-or-lose-it policies requiring minimum flight activity from hangar tenants. These policies aim to free up space occupied by inactive aircraft while active pilots wait.