Photo Courtesy of Kevin Coughlin/Office of the Governor
The opening of the spacious new arrivals and departures hall (pictured) follows the openings of the new Terminal B parking garage in February 2018, the first new gates and concourse in Terminal B in December 2018, and the first new gates and concourse in Terminal C in October 2019.
By Forum Staff
The brand-new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall at LaGuardia Airport is now open for business, the biggest milestone to date in the airport’s ongoing $8 billion transformation into a unified 21st century facility.
The project—one of the largest public private partnerships in aviation history—includes the demolition and replacement of every terminal and concourse except for the historically landmarked Marine Air Terminal, Gov. Andrew Cuomo noted.
“The terminal features spacious, centralized check-in, state-of-the-art security technology that has been integrated from curbside to gate, and modern concessions, shopping and art,” said Kevin O’Toole, chairman, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.“In the midst of this important reimagining of LGA, we face new challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We remain devoted to keeping the health and safety of our customers our top priority.”
The 850,000-square-foot, four-story terminal boasts local concessions, large, modern restrooms and a New York-inspired shopping district. The new Arrivals and Departures Hall also showcases permanent public art installations curated by the Public Art Fund, enhancing the passenger experience and underscoring New York’s global position as a beacon for arts and culture.
“The opening of the new Arrivals and Departures Hall at Terminal B is the biggest milestone to date in the transformation of LaGuardia Airport into a world-class transportation hub that is worthy of New York State,” Cuomo added. “As we continue to upgrade and modernize this airport for the 21st century, this new state-of-the-art hall will offer passengers a unique travel experience with new concessions, traveler amenities and art installations by four of the world’s leading artists, while increasing space for passengers to move more safely and efficiently during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The new Terminal B opened to the public on Saturday, June 13. It serves American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Air Canada. According to the administration, by virtue of its size, the terminal presents greater opportunities to move passengers more safely and efficiently with improved distancing during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, including more space for check-in, security and baggage claim, along with new innovations in contactless technology and an increased focus on cleanliness and disinfection.
“We’re thrilled to open the Arrivals and Departures Hall to our passengers traveling through the brand new Terminal B,” said Stewart Steeves, CEO, LaGuardia Gateway Partners.“No one anticipated completing and opening during such challenging and uncertain times. But New Yorkers are rising to this challenge and we will be stronger for it. The way in which we travel is changing, and we’re committed to creating a brand new Terminal B that incorporates an innovative design and an exceptional guest experience, while also maintaining the highest level of safety for our passengers.”
The opening of the new arrivals and departures hall follows the openings of the new Terminal B parking garage in February 2018, the first new gates and concourse in Terminal B in December 2018, and the first new gates and concourse in Terminal C in October 2019.
