Remember those once-busy aircraft taking off and landing? The Bader Field Airport in Atlantic City, marked as AIY on aviation maps, has become a historical footnote. Though this New Jersey airport closed its doors in 2006, its airport code and the memories it holds continue to live on in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts.
Bader Field was no obscure airstrip. It served as a vital transportation hub for Atlantic City, witnessing the city's economic booms and transformations. While its geographic coordinates (North 0° 0' 0.00", East 0° 0' 0.00") appear unusual in modern systems, they represent a digital placeholder for what was once an active airfield. The airport carried the IATA code AIY , with ICAO code KAIY and identical FAA identifier AIY .
An Enduring Symbol in Aviation History
Even after closure, the AIY designation maintains significance. More than just an identifier, it serves as a historical marker. For former employees and local residents, these three letters represent shared experiences and community ties. Aviation historians recognize AIY as part of America's aeronautical heritage - its closure reflecting both urban development pressures and the evolving aviation industry.
Today, Bader Field's runways stand silent, but the AIY code persists in aviation records. This enduring designation serves as a reminder that where concrete now lies quiet, propellers once hummed and jet engines roared - a testament to Atlantic City's bygone era of flight.