Buffalo's Airport: Does It Exist?

Buffalo, New York is served by the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is located in Cheektowaga, about 11 miles (18 km) east of Downtown Buffalo. The airport, which first opened in 1926, is one of the oldest public airports in the country. It offers up to 100 nonstop flights per day to 31 destinations and serves over 5.2 million passengers annually. The airport plays a crucial role in the development of business and tourism in the Buffalo Niagara region.

History of Buffalo Niagara International Airport

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport (IATA: BUF, ICAO: KBUF, FAA LID: BUF) is located in Cheektowaga, New York, United States, about 11 miles (18 km) east of Downtown Buffalo. It is one of the country's oldest public airports, first opening as the Buffalo Municipal Airport in 1926 on former farmland.

The idea for the airport was conceived in 1925 when a group of aviation enthusiasts convinced Buffalo officials that an airport was essential for the city's industrial and commercial growth. Two hundred acres of Cheektowaga farmland were purchased, and the construction of the Buffalo Municipal Airport began. Passenger and airmail services between Buffalo and Cleveland began in December 1927, with Buffalo's location on the route from New York City to Cleveland, Chicago, and other western cities contributing to its popularity.

The original airport included a small terminal building, one hangar, and four cinder runways, each 3,000 feet (910 m) long and 100 feet (30 m) wide. In 1939, a new Art Deco V-shaped terminal with a large cylindrical tower opened, replacing the original terminal. This new terminal had four paved runways, and by the 1950s, the airport had undergone several improvements, including the addition of a restaurant and lounge.

In 1959, the airport was acquired by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority from the City of Buffalo and renamed the Greater Buffalo International Airport. The terminal was expanded in 1961, with the addition of a new control tower and a concourse for American Airlines. The first scheduled jet service to and from New York was operated by American Boeing 727 in 1965.

Over the years, the airport has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the construction of the West Terminal in 1971 and the opening of a new $56 million terminal in 1997, which was later expanded in 2001. Today, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport offers up to 100 nonstop flights daily, serving 31 airport destinations and beyond, playing a crucial role in the development of business and tourism in the Buffalo Niagara region.

Airlines that serve Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is located in Cheektowaga, New York, and serves Buffalo, New York, and Niagara Falls, New York, in the United States, as well as the southern Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario, Canada. It is one of the oldest public airports in the country, having opened as Buffalo Municipal Airport in 1926.

The airport offers up to 100 nonstop flights per day to 31 destinations across the United States, with seasonal international flights to the Dominican Republic and Mexico. It is a busy airport, serving over 5 million passengers annually and playing a crucial role in the region's business and tourism development.

Several major airlines serve Buffalo Niagara International Airport, providing a range of domestic and international connections. These include:

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is a major carrier at Buffalo Niagara International Airport, offering nonstop flights to Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Sarasota, and Tampa. The airline's presence at the airport has contributed to its growth and increased passenger numbers.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is another key airline serving Buffalo, with nonstop destinations including Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and New York (JFK & LaGuardia).

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways provides a range of nonstop services from Buffalo, including to Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), and Orlando.

American Airlines

American Airlines has a long history with Buffalo Niagara International Airport, having operated jet services to and from the airport since the 1960s. Today, they offer nonstop flights to Charlotte, Chicago–O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York–LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Washington–Reagan, with seasonal service to Philadelphia.

United Airlines

United Airlines offers nonstop flights from Buffalo to Chicago (O'Hare), New York (Newark), and Washington (Dulles).

Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country Airlines provides seasonal service to Minneapolis/St. Paul and operates flights to Chicago–O'Hare and Denver.

Vacation Express by Sunwing

Vacation Express by Sunwing offers international charter services from Buffalo, with nonstop flights to Cancun, Mexico, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Transport to and from Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Overview

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located in Cheektowaga, New York, United States, about 11 miles (18 km) east of Downtown Buffalo and 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Toronto. The airport is accessible via the Kensington Expressway (NY Route 33), which ends at the airport and connects to the New York State Thruway and Interstate I-90.

Public Transportation

The NFTA-Metro Bus and Rail service is a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to get to and from the airport. The one-way fare is $2, and the bus routes serve downtown Buffalo and Niagara Falls, offering connections to other destinations in the region. The Metro Bus service is accessible to passengers with special needs and provides a Paratransit service for those who require it.

To get to Niagara Falls, USA, from the airport, you can take the #24 Genesee Regular Service ($2 exact change required) to downtown Buffalo and then transfer to the #40 Downtown-Niagara Falls Regular Service ($2 exact change required).

Shuttle and Taxi Services

ITA provides an airport shuttle service with drop-offs at any hotel within 2 miles of Niagara Falls, or directly at the falls. No reservations are required for this service.

ITA also offers an on-site taxi service at a rate of $70 for up to 6 passengers per vehicle, with gratuity not included. US and Canadian currency or credit cards are accepted.

Car Rental

Several national car rental companies have facilities on airport property, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Amenities and dining at Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a bustling hub with a range of amenities and dining options to suit every traveller's needs. As a cashless facility, the airport offers various cashless payment options for a seamless experience.

For those looking for a quick bite, Buffalo Airport has several fast-food options, including familiar chains such as McDonald's and Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shop. Tim Hortons offers a selection of hot and iced drinks, freshly made breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods. In addition, there are local favourites like Auntie Anne's and Duff's Famous Wings, ensuring that travellers can get a taste of Buffalo before their flight.

If you have more time or prefer a sit-down meal, the airport has several restaurants, including the famous Anchor Bar, known for its Buffalo wings, and Villa Italian Kitchen for those craving Italian cuisine. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the Wine Bar offers a variety of small plates and wine by the glass.

Healthy options are also available at Farmers & Distillers, which serves farm-to-table cuisine made with local ingredients, and Jamba Juice, which offers smoothies and juices.

For travellers who want to unwind with a drink, the Buffalo Brew Pub serves local craft beer and pub fare, while the Lake Erie Grill provides a calm atmosphere.

In addition to dining, Buffalo Niagara International Airport also offers other amenities to enhance your travel experience. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, making it easy to stay connected. Spacious seating areas provide a comfortable place to wait for your flight or work remotely. ATMs are conveniently located throughout the airport for easy access to cash.

The airport also features a variety of retail options, including specialty retail stores like Frivolous, which offers gifts, homewares, and apparel. Convenience stores and newsstands are also available for any last-minute needs or grab-and-go food options.

Accidents and incidents at Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport, located in Cheektowaga, New York, has been the site of several aviation incidents and accidents over the years. Here is a detailed summary of some of these incidents:

September 11, 1942:

A Curtiss P-40 Warhawk crashed into the Curtiss-Wright Plant 2 building, trapping several employees. The accident resulted in 14 deaths and 33 injuries. The pilot parachuted to safety, but the plane crashed near the airport. A memorial marker can be found in the airport's long-term parking lot.

January 21, 1954:

American Airlines Flight 767, a Convair CV-240, crashed shortly after takeoff due to engine failure. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, and a successful wheels-up landing was made southeast of the airport in Depew. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, and only a few minor injuries were reported.

August 2, 1958:

A Blue Angels jet, flown by Lt. John R. Dewenter, experienced engine trouble during a show in Clarence. The jet landed on Runway 23 at Buffalo Niagara International Airport but exited the airport property, coming to a rest near a gas station. Lt. Dewenter was unharmed, but the plane was completely destroyed.

December 16, 1972:

A private Cessna 421 crashed into homes on Diane Drive in Cheektowaga, New York, close to the airport. This tragic accident claimed the lives of three people on board and three residents on the ground, with at least four additional injuries.

July 20, 1977:

A mail plane operated by Corporate Air, bound for Rochester, crashed into the Westinghouse Electric Corp. plant in Cheektowaga. The pilot, Eugene Snyder, was killed, and a plant employee was critically injured.

February 18, 1998:

A twin-engine Beechcraft chartered by Lt. Governor Betsy McCaughey Ross, a gubernatorial candidate, experienced a crash during takeoff, resulting in minor injuries. The FAA attributed the absence of a fire to the soggy conditions at the airport.

February 12, 2009:

Colgan Air Flight 3407, operating under Continental Connection, crashed into a home in Clarence Center, approximately 6 miles from the airport. This tragic incident claimed the lives of all 49 passengers and crew on board, as well as one person on the ground. Two individuals in the home survived. Icy conditions and the crew's failure to monitor airspeed were cited as factors in the crash.

August 14, 2014:

A 2013 Piper PA-28, carrying Bing Shen, his six-year-old son, and certified flight instructor Anastasiia Goldowsky, crashed upon takeoff from runway 23. The plane reached an altitude of 200-300 feet before landing in a premium parking lot southwest of the terminal. Fortunately, all occupants were treated and released from the hospital.

April 22, 2015:

SkyWest Airlines Flight 5622, en route from Chicago to Hartford, made an emergency landing after a passenger lost consciousness.

June 8, 2015:

Mesa Airlines Flight 3796, a United Express flight departing from Dulles International Airport, skidded off Runway 32 due to high winds. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported in this incident.

February 13, 2019:

United Airlines Flight 1442, destined for Newark Liberty International Airport, struck a passenger jet bridge at Gate 9 while taxiing for takeoff. Inclement weather, including strong winds and blowing snow, was cited as the cause. Fortunately, none of the 158 passengers on board were injured.

October 2, 2020:

A Socata TBM-850, en route to Buffalo Niagara from Manchester-Boston, crashed near Corfu, New York. Radio failures occurred during the initial descent, and both occupants of the aircraft were fatally injured.

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