Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work is officially underway on a project to reimagine the passenger experience at the Albany International Airport. The project, which was awarded $60 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will modernize the entranceways, relocate and expand the security area, add additional seating and waiting areas, and make other improvements to reduce congestion and ease the flow of passengers through this important travel hub. Additional amenities, including updated conference facilities, a public arts area and children’s play zone, new green spaces and an expanded airside marketplace will also be added to help create a future-ready gateway and cultural destination for Capital Region residents and travelers.
“Our Upstate airports are essential to our local economies, and we are committed to making them as welcoming as possible for residents and visitors alike,” Governor Hochul said. “These generational investments will continue to make Albany International Airport and airports across the state easier to navigate and more enjoyable to visit, creating a gateway to our top destinations that is truly worthy of Upstate New York.”
Albany International Airport was one of nine upstate airports awarded a total of $230 million in the latest round of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition funding announced by Governor Hochul last year with conceptual renderings. The awards are intended to promote, revitalize and accelerate investments in upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21st century.
With an existing terminal that was designed more than a quarter century ago, the Albany International Airport handles over a million enplanements a year and is challenged by space limitations. This $100 million revitalization project will support the expansion of the airport's terminal to provide enhanced passenger amenities pre and post checkpoint and more efficient passenger flow through security. Additional improvements include:
- Installation of a 30 KW solar array installation on the rooftop and new energy-efficient LED lighting system throughout project area.
- Revitalized airline ticketing, baggage claim, and concession areas
- Removal of the existing rotunda and pedestrian bridge to construct a new main entrance with glass curtain wall and the installation of lightweight, translucent canopies
- Relocation and expansion of existing security checkpoint and passenger recompositing areas
- Airside marketplace expansion and creation of additional circulation and seating areas
- New children’s play zone
- Updates to the conference facilities, public arts area and writer’s workshop; and installation of multi-sensory calming room
- Expansion of the landside connector between the airport and the parking garage
- Upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
The Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and was open to upstate commercial passenger service airports and airports providing specialized service for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets. Applicants were encouraged to apply for funding a single project or a program of projects to help meet the demands of the 21st century. Projects submitted for review by eligible airports were evaluated based on established criteria, including but not limited to innovation in design, passenger amenities and experience, operational efficiencies, and economic effectiveness for the airport's region.
This new project builds on the success of a previous of a $72.1 million state investment in the airport that was completed in 2020 and included the expansion of the parking areas and the creation of the long-awaited Exit 3 off the Northway. Work on the current project is expected to be completed in early 2025.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Governor Hochul’s unprecedented investments in upstate airports greatly complement her commitment to seeing every region of New York State not only grow but thrive. Albany International Airport is a true gem of the Capital Region, and a gateway to destinations like our majestic Saratoga Race Course, the Adirondack Park, the State Capitol and the Catskill Mountains. These new passenger enhancements will enhance the Albany International Airport experience, creating beautiful new, state of the art facilities and an enhanced and efficient passenger experience that will help speed passengers on their journey and provide a memorable first impression of the Capital Region for first-time visitors.”
Albany International Airport CEO Phillip Calderone said, "Governor Hochul’s commitment to our Airport through this historic grant is recognition that we have a generational opportunity to modernize our infrastructure and to take our Capital Region's airport to the next level. It’s also an important recognition of the critical role airports serve as a catalyst for regional economic vitality. This investment will not only make the travel experience that much better, but it will help create a new gateway to showcase all our incredible region has to offer."
Senator Chuck Schumer said, “Ask anyone who has flown out of Albany International Airport during peak hours and they will tell you the line for security can often back up into the pedestrian walkway and even all the way to the parking garage. While the airport is vibrant and growing, it was built long before modern TSA security screening, and for years has been in desperate need of expansion. When I became majority leader I promised to deliver the funding needed to grow the Albany Airport, cut the lines and reduce wait times, and I am proud to have secured over $40 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and American Rescue Plan to finally get this project off the ground. Now with shovels in the ground, a smoother trip through Albany International Airport isn’t far behind, and the long desired expansion can takeoff to help the Capital Region economy reach new heights.”
Representative Paul Tonko said, “Ensuring our local airports have the resources they need to meet the demands of travelers to and from the Capital Region is critical in driving economic growth and opportunity, and I’m proud of my work in Congress to help support those needed investments. This exciting announcement will be huge in enabling Albany International to continue to run smoothly and safely. I am grateful to all whose commitment has brought this deserving project to life.”
State Senator Jacob Ashby said, "This crucial investment in Albany International Airport will pay tremendous dividends throughout the Capital Region," said Senator Jake Ashby. "Albany International Airport has long been a key economic driver for our area and this necessary investment will position the airport, and in turn our surrounding communities, for long term success."
Assemblymember Pat Fahy said, "As we unveil the plans for the expansion of the Albany County Airport, we are embarking on a journey that will not only connect travelers to new horizons but will also uplift our local economy. This expansion signifies our commitment to progress, bringing growth and opportunities to our community. By investing in our transportation infrastructure, we are building bridges to prosperity, ensuring that Albany remains a hub of innovation and convenience. The sky is not the limit; it's just the beginning."
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "Today's groundbreaking at the Albany International Airport is exciting news for our region. By enchanting the experience for the travelers, these improvements to the airport will boost economic development by drawing tourists and out of town businesses to the region. I am happy to have been a partner and supporter of this project. I'd like to thank Governor Hochul and the Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of transportation infrastructure investment in New York State."
Assemblymember Phil Steck said, “Combining the federal monies with New York State’s $60 million investment through the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition will insure that the Albany International Airport promotes growth that will impact the Greater Capital Region for decades into the future.”
Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy said, “Proud and excited to join Governor Hochul, the Albany International Airport Board and so many others to officially launch the historic, $100 million airport terminal expansion project today. This transformative undertaking will expand the security checkpoint and enhance accessibility, and it will add things like a modern business center, a children's play area and so much more. All of this will make traveling safer, more comfortable and more convenient for everyone, and it will continue to showcase Albany County as a destination to visit, in and of itself.”
Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “This investment and upgrading of the Albany County Airport benefits the entire Capital Region. The Airport is a key feature in our area’s national and global competitiveness. I thank Governor Hochul and County Executive McCoy for their leadership in making this happen.”
Troy Mayor Wm. Patrick Madden said, “New York’s Capital Region is an important hub of arts, culture, education and commerce, which is why it is essential to maintain the infrastructure connecting our communities with the wider world. In helping modernize the Albany International Airport, Governor Kathy Hochul is bolstering our connection to families, friends, and businesses across the country—positioning Troy and the Greater Capital Region to contribute to, and benefit from, the burgeoning global economy.”
Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim said, “This long-term investment to enhance Albany Airport will pay dividends for many years in the form of economic development for the region.”