Long Island's MacArthur Airport Could Soon Get International Flights

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- International flights may soon be coming to Long Island's MacArthur Airport.

Suffolk County and the Town of Islip are in discussions with several unnamed international airlines to bring flights to the airport, said Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, who's not yet ready to give specifics.

"We don't want to inadvertently cause anything to be derailed, but we are very, very close," Carpenter said.

Carpenter and County Executive Steve Bellone said their plan is to also bring more domestic flights and new business to the airport.

"I'm confident that this plan will be successful, you will see additional flights and international flights at the airport," Bellone said.

County officials plan to allocate $1.5 million to help turn around the ailing airport. Newsday reports that $1 million of the funding will be used for construction of a new federal inspection station for international flights.

The proposed inspection station could cost upward of $10 million to build and still requires approval from the Department of Homeland Security.

Town figures show the airport lost nearly $4.2 million from 2010 to 2012.

Carpenter the addition of international flights would help the Ronkonkoma-based airport rebound.

The airport built a customs facility catering to small, private international aircrafts last year.

Bellone said the remaining funds $500,000 will be used for marketing the airport.

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