Teterboro is the oldest operating airport in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area.  In 1917, Walter C. Teter acquired the property with the dream of building an airport.  He was successful in opening operations in 1919.

During World War I, North American Aviation operated a manufacturing plant on the site.  After the war, the airport served as a base of operations for Anthony Fokker, the Dutch aircraft designer and builder.  During World War II, the Army and Air Force took over operation of the airport once again.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey purchased the airport in 1949 and leased it to Pan Am World Airways in 1970 and then its successor, Johnson Controls, for a term for 30 years.  In 2000, the Port Authority resumed full responsibility of operations and since 1970 has invested $174 million to upgrade the airport’s facilities and open new areas of service to the aviation community.