BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority has spent years trying to persuade travelers to use Boston’s Logan International Airport. Now it’s trying to talk them into flying somewhere else. Logan is simply too crowded. The state will spend $500,000 this year to promote regional airports through a unified marketing plan called Fly New England.

The airports in the six New England states want to make airlines, travel agencies and tourism groups aware that there are alternatives with fewer hassles. Bangor International Airport and airports in Augusta and Portland are participating.