NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) said Tweed New Haven Airport does not have a valid license, and every plane that takes off in New Haven violates state law. Tweed officials, however, said their license is fine — it just comes from federal authorities, not state.

In a letter to the Tweed New Haven Airport Authority, Kevin Dillon, executive director of the CAA, wrote: “If TNHAA does not submit its application on or before the close of business on Friday, November 3, 2023, then the CAA will be forced to take any and all action necessary to prevent TNHAA’s continued violation of Connecticut law.”

However, Tweed officials said it has a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is all it needs. The last time Tweed applied for a CAA license was back in 2019. Tweed was looking to partner with the CAA at that time, but then came Avelo Airlines. Starting in 2021, it kept adding flight after flight, so Tweed competes with Bradley International Airport, run by the CAA, for certain destinations.

“The Connecticut Airport Authority’s role as owner and operator of Bradley Airport preclude it from serving as a regulator to Tweed, since doing so would create a conflict of interest that could limit access to more destinations and affordable airfare for Connecticut residents,” Andrew King, a spokesperson for Avports, wrote in a statement.

“I don’t think it’s any secret that the director of the Connecticut Airport Authority has some issues with Tweed,” Mayor Justin Elicker (D-New Haven) said.

Elicker said he hopes Bradley and Tweed can peacefully coexist, but either way, there will be no disruptions at Tweed.

“Absolutely not,” he said. “There’s going to be no issues with flights going in or out. This is an FAA-approved airport, so people should not be concerned.”

Tweed officials said they will apply for the CAA license but still contend the CAA does not regulate Tweed.