TF Green International Airport (PVD), located six miles south of Providence in Warwick, serves as the state’s primary gateway, handling around 3.5 million passengers annually. Operated by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, PVD offers non-stop flights to 38 destinations, including Orlando, Los Angeles, and Bermuda, with major carriers like Delta, American, and Breeze Airways.
The passenger experience at PVD is designed for efficiency, with a compact terminal ensuring quick navigation. Check-in counters, security, and gates are all under one roof, with clear signage guiding travellers. Airport Ambassadors in red coats assist with queries, and the PVD Pups programme, featuring dogs in “Pet Me” vests, offers comfort to anxious flyers. The Bruce Sundlun Terminal, rebuilt in 1996, provides a clean, modern environment, with accessibility features like wheelchair assistance and CLEAR Plus lanes for faster security checks using biometrics.
Accessing PVD from Providence is convenient, with a 15-minute drive via Interstate 95 and the TF Green Airport Connector Road. The InterLink transportation hub, connected by a skywalk, houses rental car services from Alamo, Hertz, and Enterprise, and offers parking options, including Lot D for short-term (£25 daily max) and Lot E for long-term with free shuttle service. Public transport includes RIPTA buses (routes 1, 14, 20, 66) to downtown Providence or Newport for £1.60, taking 20-30 minutes. The MBTA commuter rail, accessible via the InterLink, connects to Providence, Boston, and Wickford Junction in 10-60 minutes for £2-£9.
Taxis and rideshares like Uber cost £12-£20 to downtown, with lower fees than larger airports.
The airport’s layout is straightforward, with a single terminal split into North and South Concourses, housing 22 gates (14 North, 8 South). Gates 7 and 8 handle international arrivals, connecting directly to customs on the lower level. Baggage claim, with two carousels, is clearly marked, and the entire terminal is walkable in under 10 minutes, requiring no shuttles. Moving between concourses is seamless, as both are post-security, and interactive maps on the PVD website aid navigation.
Delays are minimal due to PVD’s size, but peak times from 6-8 AM and 4-6 PM can see security waits of 15-20 minutes, especially during school holidays. Travellers should arrive two hours early during these periods or 1.5 hours otherwise. Weather, particularly New England snowstorms or fog, can disrupt flights, so checking status via Flightradar24 or the PVD website is advised. The airport’s two runways, including an 8,700-foot main runway, support efficient operations even in adverse conditions.
Dining options reflect Rhode Island’s local flavour, with Providence Provisions and Saugy Frank’s offering hot dogs and regional dishes in the central food court. The Newport Pub provides pub-style meals, while Half Moon Empanadas serves artisanal empanadas. Coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin’ are available, alongside Narragansett and Whalers for local brews. Retail includes Rhode Island Marketplace for locally made souvenirs, Hudson News for travel essentials, and Brooks Brothers for clothing, with duty-free shopping for international travellers.
Facilities enhance comfort, with free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a business centre with computers and printers. The Escape Lounge near Gate 18 offers paid access, while the Rhode Island Military Organization Lounge serves military personnel and veterans. Three nursing rooms, a pet relief area, and a Hope Reflection Room provide quiet spaces. A Little Free Library near baggage claim encourages book exchanges, and massage services are available near the food court.
On-time performance is strong, with PVD’s smaller size reducing congestion compared to larger hubs like Boston Logan. Recent data shows consistent schedules for carriers like Southwest and Breeze Airways, though occasional delays occur due to weather or air traffic control in the busy Northeast corridor. Connections are efficient, with a 60-minute minimum for domestic transfers and 90 minutes for international, aided by the single-terminal layout. Passengers connecting via hubs like Chicago or Atlanta should confirm gate assignments to avoid delays.Potential delays stem from winter weather, which can close runways, and regional airspace congestion, particularly when larger airports like JFK are affected. Travellers can reduce risks by booking midweek flights and using the Cell Phone Waiting Lot for pick-ups, located a minute from the terminal.
