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Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the main airport serving Buffalo, New York, and the surrounding area. Located in Cheektowaga, the airport is around 11 miles from downtown Buffalo and is easily accessible by road. It is one of the oldest public airports in the country, having opened in 1926, and today serves millions of passengers each year, with flights to destinations across the United States and beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Buffalo Niagara International Airport |
| Location | Cheektowaga, New York, US |
| Address | 4200 Genesee St Buffalo, NY 14225 |
| Elevation | 727 feet (222 m) |
| Number of Runways | 2 |
| Distance from Downtown Buffalo | 11 miles (18 km) |
| Distance from Toronto | 60 miles (97 km) (driving distance: 106 miles (171 km)) |
| Area Covered | 1,000 acres (400 ha) |
| Average Daily Flights | 110 |
| Number of Airports with Nonstop Service | 23 |
| Average Annual Passenger Traffic | 4.5–5.5 million |
| Major Carriers | Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, US Airways, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Frontier |
| Road Connections | Kensington Expressway (NY Route 33), New York State Thruway, Interstate I-90 |
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What You'll Learn
Buffalo Niagara International Airport's location and history
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (IATA: BUF, ICAO: KBUF, FAA LID: BUF) is located in Cheektowaga, New York, United States. The airport 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 situated about 11 miles (18 km) east of Downtown Buffalo and 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Toronto, Canada, with a driving distance of approximately 106 miles (171 km). The airport is conveniently accessible via the Kensington Expressway (NY Route 33), which terminates at the airport and connects to the New York State Thruway and Interstate I-90 within a short distance.
The history of Buffalo Niagara International Airport dates back to 1926 when it opened as Buffalo Municipal Airport on what was formerly farmland. This early iteration of the airport featured a modest terminal building, a single hangar, and four cinder runways, each measuring 3,000 feet (910 m) in length and 100 feet (30 m) in width. Over the years, the airport has undergone significant expansions and renovations to accommodate growing passenger traffic and evolving aviation needs.
In 1955, the terminal underwent its first major expansion, increasing the number of gates to 11 and significantly expanding the terminal's square footage. This expansion also introduced a restaurant and lounge to the airport. Four years later, in 1959, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority acquired the airport from the City of Buffalo, renaming it the Greater Buffalo International Airport. The terminal received another significant overhaul in 1961, which included the addition of a new control tower and a dedicated concourse for American Airlines.
The airport witnessed another milestone in 1965, with the commencement of the first scheduled jet service operated by American Boeing 727, connecting Buffalo to New York. This development was followed by the extension of Runway 5-23 to 8,100 feet (2,500 m). In 1968, plans were announced for the construction of an auxiliary terminal building, the West Terminal, which opened in 1971 with nine gates. However, by the 1990s, it became evident that further renovations would not suffice, and the decision was made to construct an entirely new terminal.
The new terminal, designed by the Greater Buffalo International Airport (GBIA) Design Group, broke ground in 1995, and its construction cost $56 million. This modern terminal, boasting 15 gates, opened its doors on November 3, 1997, with the old terminals being promptly demolished to make way for future expansion. Since then, Buffalo Niagara International Airport has continued to expand and enhance its facilities, including an $80 million renovation and expansion project initiated in late 2017, adding more than 54,000 square feet (5,000 m2) of new space.
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Transport to and from the airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located in Cheektowaga, New York, serving Buffalo, New York, and Niagara Falls, New York, as well as the southern Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario, Canada. As one of the oldest public airports, it has become the third busiest airport in New York State.
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is conveniently accessible via various transport options, including buses, shuttles, taxis, and rental cars. Here are some detailed transport instructions:
- By Car: The airport is easily reachable by car via the Kensington Expressway (NY Route 33), which ends at the airport. Route 33 intersects with the New York State Thruway, Interstate I-90, about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the airport. The drive time from the intersection to downtown Buffalo is approximately 10-15 minutes.
- By Bus: The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) provides bus services to and from the airport with multiple route options: 24B (Genesee), 47 (Youngs Road), 68 (George Urban Express), and 204 (Airport-Downtown Express). The Metro Bus service is inexpensive and easy to use, with a $2.00 fare per trip. The 24L Limited Stop bus takes approximately 30 minutes to reach downtown Buffalo from the airport, while the 24B Genesee route takes about 40 minutes.
- By Shuttle: Several private shuttle services, such as Buffalo Super Shuttle and Buffalo Airport Shuttle, offer transportation to and from the airport. These shuttles cater to individuals and groups, providing door-to-door services to residences, hotels, tourist attractions, and more. They also accommodate special requests, including pet-friendly options.
- By Taxi: Traditional taxi services are available at the airport, providing transportation within Buffalo and across the US-Canadian border.
- By Rental Car: Many national car rental companies have onsite facilities at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
Additionally, the NFTA Metro Paratransit offers specialised transportation services for individuals with mobility issues to and from the airport, but pre-booking is required.
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Fire and emergency services at the airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport, located in Cheektowaga, New York, is one of the country's oldest public airports, opening in 1926 on former farmland. The airport has two runways and is served by the Kensington Expressway (NY Route 33), which ends at the airport and continues directly into downtown Buffalo.
The Buffalo Airport Fire Department is responsible for responding to all fire and emergency medical aid calls within the terminal complex and the adjacent property. The department was established in 1981 when the airport's fire and emergency services were transferred from the Buffalo Fire Department Engine 7 (crash-fire-rescue unit) to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA).
The NFTA Fire Department is committed to providing state-of-the-art fire rescue services to passengers, employees, and visitors to the airport. They maintain a highly trained team of firefighters who are equipped with advanced resources, including two command vehicles, a structural truck, three rescue vehicles, and an F2 Mini Pumper. This enables them to respond swiftly to any aviation emergencies and offer assistance to neighbouring First Responders.
In 2017, an $11 million fire station was constructed off of Amherst Villa Road, tripling the size of the previous facility. This new station includes a training facility, allowing the fire department to continuously enhance their skills and develop dynamic disaster response plans for various potential hazards.
The airport's fire and emergency services have evolved to meet the growing demands of the airport, which has expanded with the addition of low-cost carriers and an increase in passenger traffic. Buffalo Niagara International Airport now averages 4.5–5.5 million passengers per year, making it the third-busiest airport in the state of New York.
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Airlines and flights serving the airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is located in Cheektowaga, New York, serving Buffalo, New York, and the Niagara Falls region. Covering an area of 1,000 acres, it is one of the oldest public airports in the country, dating back to 1926. The airport offers a range of amenities, including dining options such as Tim Hortons, Chick-fil-A, and the Buffalo Chophouse, along with convenient parking choices.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is served by several airlines, providing both domestic and international flights to various destinations. Here is an overview of the airlines mentioned in the sources:
- American Airlines: American Airlines has a significant presence at Buffalo Airport, offering flights to multiple destinations. They prioritize customer service and comfort, providing in-flight entertainment and snacks. American Airlines also has a frequent flyer program called AAdvantage, which offers rewards to its members.
- Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines is another prominent carrier at the airport, known for its dedication to customer service and satisfaction. They offer a range of amenities, including in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi.
- JetBlue Airways: JetBlue provides flights to both domestic and international destinations. They are renowned for their high level of customer service and offer complimentary amenities such as free Wi-Fi, in-flight entertainment, snacks, and beverages.
- Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines focuses on affordable travel and customer satisfaction. They offer no-change fees and allow two free checked bags. This makes them a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers.
- United Airlines: United Airlines is committed to customer satisfaction, offering in-flight entertainment and snacks. They also have a frequent flyer program called MileagePlus, which provides rewards to frequent travellers.
- Frontier Airlines: Frontier Airlines is known for its low fares and offers a range of seating options. They provide added perks with the WORKS bundle, making them a budget-friendly option.
- Sun Country Airlines: Sun Country Airlines is one of the seven airlines operating from Buffalo Niagara International Airport, according to a source. However, specific details about their services or destinations were not readily available in the current sources.
In addition to the current airlines, Buffalo Niagara International Airport has a history of hosting various carriers over the years, including People Express Airlines, Trans World Airlines (TWA), Republic Airlines, Empire Airlines, Mall Airways, Piedmont Airlines, and Independence Air. These airlines served Buffalo at different times, with some experiencing rapid growth and subsequent mergers or buyouts.
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Other airports near Buffalo, NY
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the main airport serving Buffalo, New York, but there are several other airports in the region.
The closest major airport to Buffalo, after Buffalo Niagara International, is Niagara Falls International Airport, which is 21 miles from the city and serves the Niagara Falls, New York area with domestic flights.
Around 71 miles from Buffalo is Rochester, NY, home to Greater Rochester International Airport.
Several airports in Toronto, Canada, are also within 100 miles of Buffalo. Toronto Pearson International Airport is 97 miles from Buffalo, while Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is 98 miles away.
Erie International Airport in Erie, PA, is 109 miles from Buffalo.
For those seeking smaller, local airports, Lockport, NY, is home to the North Buffalo Suburban Airport, 29 miles from Buffalo. Saint Catharines Airport in Saint Catharines, Canada, is 30 miles from Buffalo, and Chautauqua County/Dunkirk Airport in Dunkirk, NY, is 48 miles away.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Buffalo, New York, is called Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
The airport is located about 11 miles (18 km) east of downtown Buffalo and it takes approximately 10-15 minutes to drive there.
The Kensington Expressway (NY Route 33) leads directly to the airport and intersects with the New York State Thruway, Interstate I-90. The NFTA Metro Paratransit service is available for people with mobility issues, but pre-booking is required. Greyhound Bus Lines also provides transportation to and from the airport.
Major carriers at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport include Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, US Airways, United Airlines, and American Airlines.
