OUR HISTORY
More than 65 Years of Aviation in the White Mountains
White Mountain Regional Airport (IZG) has been connecting Western Maine and New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley to the skies since 1961. Originally established as Eastern Slope Regional Airport, its roots trace back to a group of forward-thinking community leaders who recognized aviation’s potential to strengthen the regional economy, support local businesses, and connect the White Mountains to the world.
A Vision Takes Flight: 1960â1961
On May 11, 1960, local business and civic leaders organized the Eastern Slope Airport Authority in Fryeburg, Maine. Their vision was to develop a public airport that would support commerce, encourage economic growth, and serve the broader region.
That vision became reality in 1961 with the development of Eastern Slope Regional Airport at its present location in Fryeburg.
From the beginning, the airport was intended to be more than a landing strip. It was an investment in the region’s future, providing essential transportation infrastructure and new opportunities for business, recreation, and aviation.
Growing with the Region
Over the following decades, Eastern Slope Regional Airport continued to develop alongside the communities it served.
Improvements to the airfield, hangars, and supporting facilities helped accommodate the evolving needs of general aviation. The airport became an increasingly valuable resource for business travel, tourism, flight training, emergency services, and aviation education.
In 2018, the airport welcomed competitors and spectators from across the country as the finish line of the Air Race Classic, a prestigious cross-country competition celebrating women in aviation.
Continued investment in airport facilities has strengthened its ability to serve both local aviators and visitors to the White Mountains.
A Shared Regional Aviation Heritage
The Mount Washington Valley has a rich aviation history, including the former White Mountain Airport in North Conway, New Hampshire, which offered scenic flights, charter services, and other aviation activities.
Established in Fryeburg in 1961, Eastern Slope Regional Airport operated alongside the North Conway airport for more than two decades before its closure in the late 1980s. Today, White Mountain Regional Airport (IZG) continues the region’s proud aviation tradition, connecting visitors and communities to the White Mountains.
A New Name for a Regional Airport: 2025
In 2025, Eastern Slope Regional Airport was officially renamed White Mountain Regional Airport, reflecting its role as an aviation gateway to Western Maine and New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley.
While the name has changed, the airport’s mission remains rooted in the vision established by its founders: connecting communities, supporting economic opportunity, and making aviation accessible to the region.
Looking Toward the Future
Today, White Mountain Regional Airport is a year-round public-use airport serving recreational pilots, business and charter aviation, flight training, and emergency services.
The Town of Fryeburg owns and sponsors the airport, while the nonprofit IZG Airport Authority oversees its operation, maintenance, improvement, and development.
With continued investments in runway infrastructure, aircraft storage, and airport facilities, IZG is building upon more than six decades of service while preparing for the next generation of aviation.
Our history is rooted in community vision. Our future is focused on connecting Western Maine and the White Mountains to new opportunities.
A Timeline of Aviation at IZG
1960 â The Vision Begins
Eastern Slope Airport Authority is incorporated on May 11, 1960, by local business and civic leaders to promote regional economic development through aviation.
1961 â Eastern Slope Regional Airport Is Established
The airport is developed at its present location in Fryeburg, Maine, creating a new aviation gateway to the Mount Washington Valley.
1983 â Airport Expansion
Maine DEP approves a runway expansion project, marking another step in the airport’s continued development.
2018 â National Aviation Recognition
Eastern Slope Regional Airport welcomes women aviators from across the country as the finish line of the 42nd annual Air Race Classic.
2022 â Expanded Aircraft Storage
Construction is completed on a new 10,000-square-foot transient hangar, expanding services for visiting aircraft.
2025 â A New Name, A Broader Identity
Eastern Slope Regional Airport officially becomes White Mountain Regional Airport (IZG), reflecting its role as an aviation gateway to the White Mountains.
2026 â Runway Modernization
Runway 14/32 is extended to 5,000 feet, enhancing the airport’s ability to accommodate a wider range of aircraft and support future growth.
đ§ 2026 â Planning for the Next 20 Years
White Mountain Regional Airport is undertaking an Airport Master Plan Update to guide growth and development over the next two decades. The plan will evaluate future aviation needs, infrastructure improvements, and development opportunities to ensure IZG continues serving the region well into the future.