In the US, almost all major airports are government-owned – usually by the local federal or city government. In New York, for example, JFK and La Guardia airports are owned by the City of New York. Newark is owned by the cities of Newark and Elizabeth.

In the United States, the vast majority of airports are publicly owned by state and local governments. Unlike many other countries where national governments or private entities take the lead, U.S. airports typically operate as public utilities under the jurisdiction of a city, county, or a dedicated "Airport Authority." Of the approximately 5,000 public-use airports in the country, the most significant ones—those handling commercial airline traffic—are almost exclusively owned by these local entities. The federal government, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provides oversight, safety regulations, and significant funding via the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), but it does not "own" the infrastructure. While there are thousands of small, privately owned landing strips and airfields, they serve general aviation rather than the mass traveling public. In 2026, the discussion around "privatizing" airports continues to be a topic of debate, but for now, the model of local public ownership remains the bedrock of American aviation infrastructure, ensuring that airports serve as regional economic engines rather than purely profit-driven private enterprises.