In the Beginning...

The Vineland International Airport was an idea first hatched from several of Cumberland County's freeholders.  For the ever growing Vineland and surrounding cities, airport access was slim.  The only options were either traveling far north to Newark, or across the bridge to Philly, or the smaller Atlantic City airport.  It was decided that Cumberland County would get it's own regional airport to serve those residents who did not want to drive very far for air travel.  First envisioned as only a regional airport the idea began to lean towards a larger facility to provide international access.  It was hoped that Vineland would become the hub for those trying to reach the south jersey shore by air travel.  In 1966 plans were submitted for the airport and construction began in the summer of 1968.  Construction went on schedule and the airport opened in 1971, about the same time as Route 100 which was built to connect the airport to Routes 55/60.  Once opened the airport had a slow start, but gradually got on it's feet and became successful.  Now access became even better for southern NJ, so much so that an expansion soon was planned.

Need For Expansion?

Plans for the new additions which included more gates and parking, were put on hold in 1982, due to environmental and resident concerns.  Several town meetings showed that the citizens were content with the small town feel of the airport and did not think an expansion was neccessary.  They also felt that any such expansion would only create more sprawl and congestion for the area.  Instead the airport invested money into smaller improvements such as more shops and services.

Sprawl Comes Anyway...

By the 1990's it was becoming apparent that the airport could no longer hold it's rural charm.  Frequent delays due to sheer volume was forcing some passengers to drive the extra distance to larger airport facilities.  This was certainly not good for business and the officials at the airport had to do something to lure customers back.  They began pushing for the proposed expansion, this time however the plans called for the entire airport terminal to be revamped.  The existing terminal was expanded along with the addition.  With this expansion came a bigger parking lot to replace the small one inside the Airport Connector Loop.  From this new parking lot a monorail system was created to shuttle passengers into the terminal.  Those being dropped off would have to go through walkways which set back the terminal for protection.  In these tunnels, security would inspect those entering the airport, and catch anything suspisious before it entered the main terminal.  Those coming from the parking lot would pass through security at one of the three monorail stations.  The dual monorail system ran directly into the heart of the terminal with access to baggage check, services, and shops. 

It was at this time the airport ventured in a joint effort with the NJDOT to expand the existing Airport Connector, which currently only ran from Route 100 and looped around the terminal drop off.  It was extended further north to meet Route 60 just east of the village Rosenhayn.  This provided more direct access getting in and out for those coming from the west.  Construction of the new concrete depressed freeway began in fall of 1998, just shortly after renovations started on the airport.  New ramps were built to fly over this freeway to provide better drop off access, as well as a new interchange for the parking lot.  Once fully completed on May 31, 2000 the freeway was given the designation of Route 160 and given exit tabs for its ramps.  Towards the end of construction the airport went on a multi-million dollar ad campaign to bring it's customers back, as well as add new ones.  The new slogan for the airport became "VIA" the initials of the airport itself, and also a term used for traveling from one place to another.  It worked perfectly and when the terminal had it's official grand reopening on July 1, 2000 the airport became a huge success.  With the new airport, a rail line from the Philly metro area, and Vineland's network of highways, access to southern NJ was better then ever.