Airports Of Upstate New York: A Comprehensive Guide

Upstate New York has a number of significant airports that provide excellent access to the region. While the busiest airports in the state are found in the Metropolitan New York area, there are several notable airports in Upstate New York, including some in small towns and rural areas. These airports offer convenient locations, a range of destinations, and various accommodations to suit travellers' needs.

Syracuse Hancock International Airport

The history of Syracuse Hancock International Airport dates back to 1927 when Syracuse mayor Charles Hanna initiated the establishment of an airport for the city. Consequently, land in the Amboy section of Camillus was purchased, and by 1928, the "Syracuse City Airport at Amboy" was operational, handling airmail services. During World War II, the airport became a flight training centre for the Army Air Forces, and by 1942, it was replaced by the Syracuse Army Air Base due to its limited capacity to meet military demands.

Post-World War II, the AAF leased the base to the city, and on September 17, 1949, the Clarence E. Hancock Airport, named after the area's congressman, was inaugurated. The airport featured three concrete runways, each 5,500 feet (1,700 m) long and 300 feet (91 m) wide. American, Buffalo, Colonial, and Robinson Airlines were the pioneering airlines operating from the airport. Over the years, the airport has undergone multiple expansions, earning accolades for its efficient management of snow and ice control, receiving the Balchen/Post Award for Excellence in this category over eight times.

Greater Rochester International Airport

Upstate New York is home to several airports, including small rural airports and some "significant" airports. One of these larger airports is the Greater Rochester International Airport, located within the City of Rochester, three miles (4.8 km) southwest of Downtown, in Monroe County. The airport is also known as the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, with the IATA code ROC.

The airport's history dates back to the early days of aviation. The site, originally known as Britton Field, was used for aviation purposes as early as 1919, with the Rochester Aircraft Corporation launching its first passenger flight from there in August of that year. The modern era of the airport began in 1927, with the construction of Hangar No. 1 on a patch of land south of Rochester on Scottsville Road. The first scheduled passenger flights between New York City and Rochester were made that year. The airport's name was changed to Rochester Municipal Airport in 1928, and Monroe County took possession and control of the airport in 1948, making numerous improvements to the facilities.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, there were discussions about building a new airport in southeastern Niagara County to take over passenger traffic from Rochester-Monroe County and Greater Buffalo International Airport. However, this plan never came to fruition. Instead, the Greater Rochester International Airport continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years. By the mid-1980s, the terminal had been outgrown, and there were debates about expanding the airport. Successful legislation was introduced to change the airport's name to "Greater Rochester International Airport," reflecting its growing importance.

Today, the Greater Rochester International Airport is a well-travelled airport, filling 28,919 seats per week. It offers 18 non-stop destinations and is served by major airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Allegiant, JetBlue, Southwest, American Airlines, United Airlines, Spirit, and Frontier, making it easily accessible for travellers. The airport is also home to the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, part of the 42nd Infantry Division.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Upstate New York has several airports catering to travellers visiting the region, one of which is the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Located 727 feet (222 m) above sea level, the airport has two runways. The airport is served by the Buffalo Airport Fire Department, which responds to all fire and emergency medical aid calls within the terminal complex and on adjacent properties. The airport was previously served by the Buffalo Fire Department Engine 7 (crash-fire-rescue unit) until 1981, after which it was transferred to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, and a new $11 million fire station was completed in 2017.

The airport has seen several expansions and renovations over the years. The terminal's first expansion was completed in 1955, adding more gates, tripling the terminal's size, and including a restaurant and lounge. In 1959, the airport was acquired by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and renamed the Greater Buffalo International Airport. The terminal underwent another significant overhaul in 1961, adding a new control tower and a concourse for American Airlines. The airport's first scheduled jet service was operated by American Boeing 727 in 1965. During this time, Runway 5-23 was extended from 5,645 feet (1,721 m) to 8,100 feet (2,500 m).

In 1968, plans for an auxiliary terminal building, the West Terminal, were announced, and it was constructed between 1969 and 1971, with nine gates and an expected lifespan of ten years. However, in 1991, it was decided that a new terminal would be more feasible than continuous renovations. Construction of the new terminal, designed by the Greater Buffalo International Airport (GBIA) Design Group, began in 1995, and the $56 million terminal opened on November 3, 1997, with 15 gates. The new terminal was later expanded in 2001, increasing the number of gates to 24, with a total floor area of 462,256 square feet (42,945.0 m2). The airport's 2013 master plan included a $80 million renovation and expansion, adding more than 54,000 square feet (5,000 m2) of new space.

In terms of airlines, Buffalo Niagara International Airport has had a dynamic history. During the 1980s, the airport primarily served the six "legacy carriers" and their regional affiliates: American, United, Continental, USAir, Northwest, and Delta Air Lines. In the 1990s, fares remained high due to a lack of competition, and enplanements stagnated. However, with the addition of low-cost carriers Southwest and JetBlue at the beginning of the 21st century, the airport's passenger numbers grew significantly, surpassing the 5 million mark in 2006.

Albany International Airport

Upstate New York has several significant airports, including Greater Rochester International Airport, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, and Albany International Airport. This response will focus on Albany International Airport.

Several airlines have served Albany International Airport throughout its history. Mall Airways, a commuter carrier, operated a hub at the airport in the 1980s, offering flights around the Northeast and into Canada. Braniff International Airways added Albany as part of an expansion in 1979, but the airline shut down in 1982. Other carriers that have served the airport include Piedmont Airlines, Republic Airlines, TWA (Trans World Airlines), United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. As of December 2023, CommuteAir operates daily flights from Albany to Washington Dulles International Airport for United Express, and the airline also has a key maintenance base at the airport.

The airport's main terminal has two levels. Level 1 includes the main check-in area, baggage claim, car rental, and taxi services, while Level 2 features a public waiting area. The airport has three concourses: Concourse A hosts Allegiant Air and United, Concourse B hosts American, Delta, and JetBlue, and Concourse C was added in 1998 as part of a significant renovation project.

Hancock International Airport

Upstate New York has several airports that serve the region's aviation needs. One of the key airports in this area is Hancock International Airport (SYR). Located in Syracuse, New York, Hancock International Airport is a vital transportation hub for both passengers and cargo. With a rich history dating back to the early days of aviation, the airport has played a significant role in the region's development and continues to be a busy gateway today.

Passengers traveling through Hancock International Airport have a range of facilities at their disposal. The airport features a modern terminal building with two concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. These concourses provide comfortable gate areas, efficient security checkpoints, and a variety of shopping and dining options. Passengers can enjoy local flavors and national brands, ensuring a pleasant waiting experience. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, keeping travelers connected during their journey.

Ground transportation options at Hancock International Airport are plentiful. Passengers can choose from rental car services, with several well-known companies operating on-site. Taxi and ridesharing services are also readily available, providing convenient travel to and from the airport. Additionally, the airport is served by local bus routes, offering an affordable and accessible transportation alternative. For those driving to the airport, there are both short-term and long-term parking options available, providing flexibility for travelers.

The airport is named after Clarence E. Hancock, a former US Congressman who played a significant role in the development of aviation in the United States. His contributions to aviation legislation and support for the establishment of a robust air transportation system in the country are honored through the airport's name. The airport has also received several awards and accolades over the years, recognizing its operational efficiency, customer service, and environmental initiatives. These achievements further highlight the airport's commitment to excellence and its focus on providing a positive travel experience for all users.

Frequently asked questions