MacArthur Airport Named America’s Best Small Airport. Is That Good News for LI?

Long Island MacArthur Airport has been named the nation’s best small airport in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. A Popularity Contest, Not a Public-Interest Assessment The award is based on public voting among 20 airports nominated by a panel of travel experts and editors.

The recognition is welcome publicity for Islip, but it raises a more important question: What do Long Island residents actually gain from the airport’s success?