Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor/Kevin P. Coughlin
Governor Cuomo remarked, “While leaders in Washington only talk about investing in infrastructure, in New York we are actually getting it done, and now travelers from across the world will start to see and experience a whole new LaGuardia.”
By Forum Staff
The first new gates in LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, part of the $8 billion transformation of the airport into a unified 21st century terminal system, officially opened on Saturday.
Governor Andrew Cuomo joined representatives of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the private consortium rebuilding and operating LGA’s Terminal B, in touting the 250,000 square-foot light-filled new concourse, which houses a total of 18 gates which will be occupied by Air Canada, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
“The opening of the first new concourse and gates at Terminal B marks another significant milestone in the transformation of LaGuardia Airport into a modern, global gateway that is worthy of the State of New York,” Cuomo said. “While leaders in Washington only talk about investing in infrastructure, in New York we are actually getting it done, and now travelers from across the world will start to see and experience a whole new LaGuardia.”
The new concourse is designed with 55-foot high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to fill space, which includes an indoor park with benches, landscaping and real trees. Charging stations are placed throughout the gate seating areas, with free, fast and unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi enabling travelers to surf, search and stream while they wait, State officials said. Family amenities include an airport-themed children’s play area, family-friendly restrooms and a private nursing room. Large, modern restrooms include spacious stalls and above-sink shelves designed to keep belongings dry.
More than a dozen concessions in the new concourse include New York-inspired food, beverage and retail options—with the ability for passengers to have food delivered directly to their gate. Restaurants include Shake Shack, La Chula, Osteria Fusco, Kingside and Irving Farm Coffee. Retail venues include an FAO Schwarz toy store, McNally Jackson independent bookseller and District Market, which includes “Made in Queens” products through a partnership with the Queens Economic Development Corporation.
Cuomo noted that the new LaGuardia will comprise $8 billion in new facilities. On the western side of the airport, the new $4 billion Terminal B is replacing the obsolete terminal that opened more than 50 years ago. The terminal will have a total of 35 gates, including the first 11 that opened this weekend and seven more coming into service in early 2020. Dual pedestrian bridges will rise over active plane taxi lanes, connecting the main departures and arrivals hall that will open in 2020 with the two island concourses, offering travelers views of the Manhattan skyline as they head to and from their gates.
“As project after project is completed, the once outdated facility is transforming LaGuardia Airport into a world-class, 21st century transportation hub. The new gates will not only ease passenger travel, but they will also offer the amenities that all visitors have come to expect at international airports today,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.“Queens lauds Gov. Cuomo for committing to this massive undertaking and for spurring economic growththrough new jobs and opportunities brought on by this project.”
Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor/Kevin P. Coughlin
Governor Cuomo remarked, “While leaders in Washington only talk about investing in infrastructure, in New York we are actually getting it done, and now travelers from across the world will start to see and experience a whole new LaGuardia.”
