LaGuardia Airport Gets a Major Makeover

NEW YORK (CBS NewYork) — One of the nation’s busiest transit hubs is finally getting a much-needed transformation.

Vice President Joe Biden and Governor Andrew Cuomo attended a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday as construction officially began on a $4 billion overhaul of LaGuardia Airport.

History of LaGuardia Airport

When LaGuardia Airport opened in 1939, it was the most expensive airport ever built, costing approximately $38 million. However, the airport’s central terminal has remained largely unchanged since the 1960s and has become known for its outdated appearance and deteriorating infrastructure.

“If I took you and blindfolded you and took you to LaGuardia Airport in New York, you must think, ‘I must be in some third world country.’ I’m not joking.” — Joe Biden (2014)

During Tuesday’s ceremony, Biden acknowledged his famous remark, while Governor Cuomo credited those comments as motivation for rebuilding the airport.

“I’m glad I heeded his words because he was right.” — Andrew Cuomo

“I’m not sure what I had to say was very popular with anyone.” — Joe Biden

Travelers React

Many travelers agreed that the airport desperately needed modernization.

“Compared to other airports this airport is a mess. It’s not modern, it’s not pretty to look at. It’s lacking. For a world-class city like New York you need to do better.” — Traveler Joao Furtuoso

The aging and crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with a sleek and modern facility designed to improve the overall passenger experience.

Funding and Construction

Two-thirds of the project will be funded through private financing and passenger fees. According to Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye, any costs exceeding the budget will be the responsibility of the private construction team rather than the Port Authority.

“If it goes over budget, that is on the private team doing this and not on the Port Authority.” — Patrick Foye

Some recent estimates suggest the project could exceed $5 billion because of additional overhead expenses.

Construction crews have already started closing certain parking lots in preparation for the project. Airport officials stated that the terminal will remain operational during construction and flight schedules should not be affected.

Looking Ahead

Many travelers expressed excitement about the airport’s future improvements.

“I think it’s a little bit antique.” — Traveler

“Doing Broadway — traveling, traveling, traveling, tours — I really want LaGuardia to be better.” — Tony-nominated actress Saycon Sengbloh

Operated by the Port Authority, LaGuardia Airport currently serves more than 28 million travelers annually. Officials believe the redesigned airport will attract even more passengers in the future.

“This is not going to be a rebuilding, it’s going to be a whole new airport. One uniformed, continuous airport.” — Andrew Cuomo

The renovation project is expected to be completed sometime in 2022.