City officials say nearly half of all arrivals at Teterboro Airport use a runway that sends aircraft directly over residential neighborhoods, while an approved alternative route remains largely unused.
HACKENSACK, NJ — October 14, 2026 — City officials in Hackensack are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to change flight patterns at Teterboro Airport, arguing that low-flying aircraft are creating an excessive burden on residents, schools, and neighborhoods.
The Hackensack City Council approved a resolution on October 6 requesting that federal aviation authorities require greater use of an already approved alternative flight path along the Route 17 corridor.
According to the city, nearly half of all aircraft arriving at Teterboro Airport use Runway 19, which directs planes over some of Hackensack’s most densely populated residential areas.
Officials say the resulting noise, vibrations, and aircraft emissions are affecting the quality of life of residents throughout the city.
Nearly Half of Airport Arrivals Fly Over Hackensack
Data cited by the city show that Runway 19 accounted for 48.75% of all Teterboro Airport arrivals in 2025.
During the first six months of 2026, the figure remained nearly unchanged at 48.58%.
City officials also reported that the airport’s southern approach was used approximately 67% of the time, placing a disproportionate burden on communities north of Teterboro.
Because the airport lies directly south of Hackensack, aircraft approaching Runway 19 often descend over residential neighborhoods, schools, and recreational areas.
The city argues that the concentration of these flights creates disturbances that could be reduced through changes in how arriving aircraft are routed.
An Alternative Route Exists but Is Rarely Used
One of the most striking findings concerns an FAA-approved alternative flight path known as the Runway 19 Offset Approach.
The route directs aircraft along the commercial Route 17 corridor, reducing the number of planes passing directly over residential neighborhoods.
However, city officials say the approach remains optional for pilots and is rarely used.
According to figures cited in Hackensack’s official announcement, only 80 of 39,460 eligible arrivals used the alternative route in 2025.
That represents approximately 0.2% of eligible flights.
Hackensack officials want the FAA to make the approach mandatory for eligible aircraft rather than leaving its use optional.
They are also requesting a more balanced distribution of arrivals across Teterboro Airport’s runways.
Mayor: Children’s Education Must Come First
Hackensack Mayor Caseen Gaines has criticized the continuing concentration of aircraft over residential neighborhoods.
“Working families in Hackensack shouldn’t carry the burden of nearly half of Teterboro’s incoming flights,” Gaines said in an official city statement.
The mayor also expressed concern about the effect of aircraft noise on local schools.
According to Gaines, planes are passing over classrooms and distracting students during the school day.
The city argues that aircraft noise should not routinely interfere with children’s education or residents’ ability to enjoy their homes and neighborhoods.
Air Traffic Continues to Increase
The city’s concerns come as operations at Teterboro Airport continue to grow.
According to Hackensack officials, total aircraft movements increased 11.5% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
Private jet movements rose 12.26% over the same period.
The increase means that communities near the airport are experiencing more frequent aviation activity.
Teterboro Airport serves an important role in the region’s business and private aviation network, but officials in surrounding communities say airport operations must also consider the effects on nearby residents.
Other Bergen County Communities Raise Similar Concerns
Hackensack is not alone in seeking changes to Teterboro Airport’s flight patterns.
The city noted that Paramus has also approved a similar resolution.
Officials are encouraging other Bergen County municipalities affected by aircraft noise to join the effort.
The issue extends beyond one city because flight paths can affect numerous neighborhoods across northern New Jersey.
Any changes would need to consider aviation safety, runway availability, weather conditions, and the distribution of aircraft noise among surrounding communities.
What Happens Next?
Hackensack has sent its resolution to federal, state, and county officials, Teterboro Airport leadership, neighboring municipalities, and the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee.
The city is seeking action from the FAA and the Port Authority to make greater use of the alternative approach and distribute flights more evenly.
However, the resolution does not itself change federal flight procedures.
Any mandatory change would require action by the appropriate aviation authorities.
At the time of the city’s announcement, no new mandatory routing requirement had been confirmed.
Residents Can Report Aircraft Noise
Hackensack is encouraging residents affected by aircraft noise to submit complaints through Teterboro Airport’s established reporting system.
Residents can call the airport’s Noise Hotline at 800-225-1071.
Complaints can also be submitted through the airport’s online noise-reporting portal.
City officials hope that documented complaints will help demonstrate the effect of aircraft operations on surrounding communities.
For Hackensack residents, the dispute raises a broader question about the relationship between regional transportation infrastructure and the neighborhoods located beneath its flight paths.
The city’s message is straightforward: an alternative route already exists, and residents want aviation authorities to use it more effectively.
Sources: City of Hackensack | News 12 New Jersey | Daily Voice
By NJ RADAR Team