Air travel can be rough. The long security lines, crowded food courts, non-existent parking, never-ending terminals, and general public can drive any sane person mad. Quite frankly, commercial flying is one of the most excruciating activities there is.

However, we Mainers are quite lucky. Our two commercial airports are a godsend. Easy in, easy out. It's a completely different flying experience, and truly small-market flying at its finest.

But what if I told you there were even smaller commercial airports in Maine? I'm talking about airports that make Portland and Bangor looks like JFK and LaGuardia.

There are airports (like the ones in AugustaRockland, and Bar Harbor) with commercial service to Boston. How about Presque Isle, which has United Express flights to Newark? These routes and locations give even more Mainers an opportunity to fly out of here and see the rest of the country, and even the world.

There's even a handful of Maine airports that serve in more of a private commercial capacity. Some serve in an executive role, like Brunswick, while some have more of an instructional and private charter role.

Even with the different sizes and distinctions, all of these airports do have one thing in common: a tremendous history.

Many of the state's coastal airports date back to World War ll, while others were born out of The New Deal. No matter how they came to be, each airport has filled its role purposely, and continues to be a shining example of human endurance and innovation.

Below is a list of the 10 busiest commercial airports in Maine. Some of these may surprise you.

Maine's 10 Busiest Airports

Maine's aviation connection is mostly considered two entities, the Portland Jetport and the Bangor International Airport.

These two facilities unquestionably handle the bulk of the commercial aviation in state. However, there are a number of smaller airports that also help ship people out of Maine.

Here is a look at the 10 busiest airports in Maine.

The information used comes from 2019 FAA statistics. This means these ridership numbers are from before the pandemic.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

LOOK: Baby names losing popularity in the 21st century

Stacker took a look at the names losing popularity in the 21st century, using data from the Social Security Administration.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

More From 94.3 WCYY