Airport Overview
Cape Cod Gateway Airport (KHYA), legally Barnstable Municipal Airport – Boardman/Polando Field, lies about one mile north of downtown Hyannis and serves as the principal aviation gateway to Cape Cod and the islands. Owned and operated by the Town of Barnstable, it blends seasonal scheduled commercial service with year-round general aviation and charter traffic, logging more than 40,000 annual operations.
Runway Capability
Two grooved asphalt runways — 06/24 at 5,425 feet and 15/33 at 5,252 feet, both 150 feet wide — give the field genuine jet capability. Light, midsize, and most super-midsize jets operate routinely, while the intersecting layout provides crosswind flexibility. Heavy and ultra-long-range aircraft can use the field but should verify takeoff and landing distances against weight and temperature.
Seasonal Resort Demand
HYA is a classic seasonal resort field. Summer and shoulder-season weekends bring intense private-jet and charter demand as travelers head for Hyannis, Nantucket (ACK), and Martha's Vineyard (MVY). Ramp space, fuel, and hangar availability tighten markedly from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and holiday weekends drive the strongest peaks — booking and ground arrangements should be locked in well ahead.
Charter Considerations
Atlantic Aviation handles the majority of business-jet traffic, including fuel, hangar, and concierge services. Because of the seasonal surge, aircraft positioning into the Cape can be competitive in peak months; reserving 7 to 14 days ahead secures better selection and pricing. The Cape's strong inbound-summer, outbound-fall pattern also creates empty-leg opportunities for flexible travelers.
Safety & Planning
The FAA-towered field offers ILS, RNAV (GPS), and VOR approaches, supporting dependable IFR access. Coastal fog and low marine stratus are the most common operational factors, particularly on summer mornings, and winter frontal passages can drop ceilings to IFR minimums. Instrument-rated crews and flexible scheduling improve reliability, and morning departures often beat afternoon convective buildups.
Customs & International
U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance is available at Cape Cod Gateway on request with advance coordination, so the airport can serve as a port of entry for international general-aviation arrivals when arranged ahead of time. Operators planning international trips should file CBP notification and confirm clearance timing in advance; The Jet Finder coordinates these logistics.
Regional Context
HYA anchors a cluster of southeastern Massachusetts and island airports, including Martha's Vineyard (KMVY, ~22 NM) and Nantucket Memorial (KACK). Short hops to the islands are a signature HYA mission, while New York-area airports such as Teterboro (KTEB) are popular longer routes. The airport's proximity to downtown Hyannis and the ferry terminals makes it the most convenient jet gateway for the entire Cape.