Rhode Island Airport Celebrates 90 Years In Service

WARWICK, RI — Rhode Island's only major airport market a major milestone Monday, celebrating its 90th year in operation.

To celebrate the occasion, travelers at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport were treated to promotional gift bags while '90s music played throughout the terminal. Some gift bags included special premium prizes including travel vouchers and signed memorabilia from the New England Patriots and Revolution.

"Despite the many hardships of the pandemic, the 90th Anniversary of Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport provides an opportunity for all to take pride in the accomplishments of the past decades, while looking ahead to prosperity in our future," said Iftikhar Ahmad, the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.

The airport, then known as Hillsgrove State Airport, was the first state-owned and operated airport in the country at its founding. While service begin in 1930, the airport was not formally dedicated until Sept. 27, 1931, it's official "birthday." The dedication drew a crowd of more than 150,000 people, believed to be the largest to attend a public function at the time.

In 1938, the airport was renamed in honor of Theodore Francis (T. F.) Green, an "avid supporter of aviation" who was the state's governor from 1931-37, then later elected U.S. Senator.

Another name change came this year, when "T.F. Green Airport" officially became "Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport."

"Congratulations to Rhode Island T. F. Green Airport on 90 years of connecting Rhode Island to the nation and the world," Gov. Dan McKee said.

A timeline of the airport's history is available on its website.