Owais Crawford
LaGuardia Airport (IATA: LGA, ICAO: KLGA, FAA LID: LGA) is a civil airport in Queens, New York City. It is named after Fiorello H. La Guardia, a former mayor of New York City. The airport opened in 1939 as the New York Municipal Airport, and has since become the third-busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area. LaGuardia Airport accommodates airline service to domestic and limited international destinations. The airport has four terminals, with Terminal B serving mainly domestic flights. In recent years, the airport has undergone renovations, improving its user-friendliness and aesthetics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City |
| Size | 680 acres (280 hectares) |
| Year of Establishment | 1929 |
| Year of Opening as Public Airport | 1939 |
| Namesake | Fiorello H. La Guardia, former mayor of New York City |
| Airport Type | Civil airport |
| Destinations | Primarily domestic, with limited international destinations |
| Ranking in New York Metropolitan Area | Third-busiest airport as of 2023 |
| Ranking in the United States | 19th-busiest airport by passenger volume as of 2023 |
| Transport Options | Yellow cabs, Uber, Lyft, Q70 bus to the Subway |
| Terminals | A, B, C, and D |
| Facilities | Shopping, dining, baggage claim, water and light feature, ticket counters, ample seating |
| Accessibility | Long walking distances, escalators |
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What You'll Learn
History and construction
LaGuardia Airport, situated on the northwestern shore of Long Island in Queens, New York City, was established in 1929 and began operating as a public airport in 1939. It is named after Fiorello H. La Guardia, a former mayor of New York City.
The airport was originally called Glenn H. Curtiss Airport, and it was later renamed North Beach Airport. However, the existing North Beach Airport was too small for the planned expansion, so construction began in 1937 on the waterfront of Flushing and Bowery Bays in East Elmhurst. The new airport was built to take advantage of the newly constructed Queens-Midtown Tunnel, providing easy access to Manhattan. With backing from the Works Progress Administration, the modest North Beach Airport was transformed into a 550-acre state-of-the-art facility at a cost of $23 million to New York City.
The airport opened on December 2, 1939, as the New York Municipal Airport, and it soon became a financial success. The public was fascinated by the concept of air travel, and thousands visited the airport to watch planes take off and land. Within two years, income from parking and non-travel-related sources reached $935,000 annually. During World War II, the airport served as a training facility for aviation technicians and a logistics field.
After the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey took control in 1947, the modern name, LaGuardia Airport, was officially applied. The airport has four terminals: Terminal A, B, C, and D. Terminal B, also known as the Central Terminal Building, was dedicated in 1964 and primarily serves domestic flights. Terminal C, which launched in 1992, features food, retail, and concessions, as well as a Welcome Center for arrivals. Terminal D, constructed by Delta Air Lines, opened in 1983.
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Terminals and facilities
LaGuardia Airport (IATA: LGA, ICAO: KLGA, FAA LID: LGA) is a civil airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City. The airport accommodates both domestic and limited international destinations and is one of the busiest airports in the New York metropolitan area.
LaGuardia Airport has four terminals: Terminal A, B, C, and D. Terminal A was the original airport terminal building, serving international flights during the 1940s. Terminal B, also known as the Central Terminal Building, was dedicated on April 17, 1964, and primarily serves domestic flights. Terminal C, which launched in September 1992, features a food, retail, and concessions court, as well as a Welcome Center for arrivals. Terminal D was built by Delta Air Lines and opened in June 1983.
The airport has undergone significant renovations and improvements over the years, with users commenting on its modern feel, bright and spacious terminals, and ample shopping and dining options. The terminals are well-signed, and users have reported that it is easy to find a place to sit. However, some have noted that the distance from gates to baggage claim and transportation can be quite long, especially for those with lots of luggage.
LaGuardia Airport offers a range of dining options, including The District Market and The Food Emporium, which are noted for their friendly staff and reasonable prices. There is also a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as a unique water and light feature. The airport provides good accessibility, with clear pickup locations for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, which are recommended over taxis due to potential scams and higher prices.
The airport is easily accessible by car via the Grand Central Parkway, its primary access highway, and parking can be reserved in advance. However, users have noted that public transportation, such as the Q70 bus to the subway, is a more affordable option for getting to and from the airport.
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Transport links
LaGuardia Airport is located in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City, directly north of the Grand Central Parkway—the airport's primary access highway.
LaGuardia Airport is accessible by car via the Grand Central Parkway, which is the airport's primary access highway. Parking spots can be reserved in advance, although this is not necessary as other transportation options to the airport are available.
The airport can also be reached by taxi, Uber, or Lyft, with dedicated pick-up locations. However, travellers should be aware of potential scams, with some Uber drivers pitching that they are cheaper than a taxi, only to charge a higher price. A ride to the New Yorker Hotel, for example, was quoted at $85 plus tolls, which came to a total of $108.25. In comparison, the Q70 bus to the subway costs $2.75.
Travellers can also take the E subway to the airport and connect to the free Q70 bus to Terminal B.
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Passenger experience
LaGuardia Airport, colloquially known as LaGuardia or LGA, is located in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City. It is one of the busiest airports in the New York metropolitan area, accommodating both domestic and limited international flights.
The passenger experience at LaGuardia Airport has been described as positive overall, with some travellers expressing surprise at the transformation of the airport, which had previously been known for its construction and user-unfriendliness.
One of the notable features of the airport is its aesthetics. The terminal buildings, particularly Terminal B, are described as beautiful, spacious, bright, modern, and clean. The abundance of natural light, shops, and even a water and light feature contribute to a relaxing atmosphere. The airport's direction signage is also praised as being good and user-friendly.
In terms of amenities, LaGuardia offers a variety of dining and shopping options. The District Market, located across from The Food Emporium, is recommended for its affordability and friendly staff. There are also plenty of terminals, ticket counters, and seating areas.
However, the size of the airport can be a drawback for some passengers. The distance between gates and the baggage claim area can be quite long, especially for those with lots of luggage. It is recommended to use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft for transportation to and from the airport, as they have well-organised pickup locations.
Security wait times are generally reasonable, with some travellers reporting being through security in about 30 minutes. The airport also offers a range of dining options for pre-flight meals, including breakfast.
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Economic impact
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is a civil airport in Queens, New York City, established in 1929 and named after Fiorello H. La Guardia, a former mayor of New York City and a long-time aviation advocate. The airport is located on the northwestern shore of Long Island, covering 680 acres (280 hectares) as of 2025.
LaGuardia Airport has had a significant economic impact on the region, contributing to the growth and development of the local economy. As the third-busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area, handling 27 million travellers annually, it serves as a vital transportation hub for the region.
The airport is a major employer in the area, providing jobs not only within the airport itself but also in the surrounding businesses and services that support it. The construction and operation of the airport have created numerous job opportunities, including positions in security, customer service, retail, hospitality, and aircraft and facility maintenance.
LaGuardia Airport also generates significant revenue for the city and the region. This includes income from airport fees, taxes, and concessions. The airport's commercial district, with its shops and restaurants, brings in additional revenue through retail leases, as passengers are encouraged to spend time and money in the airport before their flights.
The airport's proximity to Manhattan and its status as a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines make it an attractive option for business travellers and tourists alike. This influx of travellers contributes to the local economy through their use of taxis, car rentals, hotels, restaurants, and other services in the area.
The airport has also undergone significant renovations and improvements, including an $8 billion rebuild of its main terminals and roadways, completed in 2025. This reconstruction project created additional economic opportunities, with contracts awarded to private companies and the creation of jobs in the construction and engineering sectors.
LaGuardia Airport's economic impact extends beyond the immediate region, as well. Its role as a transportation hub facilitates trade, commerce, and tourism, connecting New York City to other parts of the country and the world. The airport's efficient operations and improved infrastructure have enhanced its reputation, attracting more travellers and businesses to the region, further boosting the local economy.
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Frequently asked questions
LaGuardia Airport, officially known as LaGuardia Airport (IATA: LGA, ICAO: KLGA, FAA LID: LGA), is a civil airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City. It was established in 1929 and opened as a public airport in 1939. The airport was originally called Glenn H. Curtiss Airport and was renamed North Beach Airport. It was then called New York Municipal Airport-LaGuardia Field before being named LaGuardia Airport in 1953 after the former mayor of New York City, Fiorello La Guardia.
LaGuardia Airport has four terminals: Terminal A, B, C, and D. Terminal B, also known as the Central Terminal Building, mainly serves domestic flights. Terminal C features food, retail, and concessions court, as well as a Welcome Center for arrivals. The airport offers various shopping and dining options, including The District Market and The Food Emporium. It also has a water and light feature.
Transportation options to and from LaGuardia Airport include taxi, Uber, Lyft, bus, and subway. The Q70 bus, in particular, provides a free connection between the airport and the subway system. It is recommended to reserve parking in advance if driving to the airport.
LaGuardia Airport is a busy airport, ranking as the third busiest in the New York metropolitan area and the 19th busiest in the United States as of 2023. The airport contributes significantly to the regional economy, generating over $15.6 billion in economic activity and supporting about 116,000 jobs.
