Islip town officials are considering opening up MacArthur Airport to international airline carriers.

Town Supervisor Phil Nolan said Ryanair, one of Europe's low-fare airlines, is interested in Long Island as one of its first United States destinations. The Town of Islip, which owns the airport, is mulling over having Ryanair and other international carriers because it would generate more revenue and help local businesses, Nolan said.

"We need to balance the fact that this is a great resource for the region, it is a tremendous economic engine," Nolan said. "But it also has to remain a good neighbor."

Neighboring residents fear expanding the airport would also increase the noise pollution.

"That would be terrible for us," said Kristen Scanna, of Holbrook. "We can barely sleep at night. You can actually see the landing gear coming down."

In the end, due to a new agreement with the federal government that takes effect in 2008, town officials will make the final decision.