Roberta Aguirre
LaGuardia Airport, officially known as LGA, is a civil airport in Queens, New York City. The airport was established in 1929 and began operating as a public airport in 1939. The airport is named after Fiorello H. La Guardia, a former mayor of New York City and long-time aviation advocate. The construction of LaGuardia Airport began in 1937 with backing and assistance from the Works Progress Administration. The airport has undergone multiple renovations and improvements, including a recent multibillion-dollar reconstruction of its passenger infrastructure completed in 2025. The funding sources for the airport's operations, maintenance, and upgrades are a combination of income from parking and non-travel services, government allocations, and various other revenue streams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Original name | Glenn H. Curtiss Airport |
| Renamed | North Beach Airport |
| Renamed again in | 1953 |
| Current name | LaGuardia Airport |
| Named after | Fiorello La Guardia, former mayor of New York City |
| Location | Queens, New York City |
| Size | 680 acres |
| Year opened | 1939 |
| Funding for reconstruction | Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |
| Cost of reconstruction | Multi-billion dollars |
| Funding for original construction | Works Progress Administration |
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What You'll Learn
- The Works Progress Administration backed the construction of LaGuardia Airport
- The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey took over the airport in 1947
- The airport's income from parking and non-travel reached $935,000 a year within two years
- LaGuardia Airport is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines
- The airport's reconstruction was completed in January 2025
The Works Progress Administration backed the construction of LaGuardia Airport
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) backed the construction of LaGuardia Airport as part of the New Deal. The airport was constructed between 1937 and 1939 on the site of the former North Beach Airport in Queens, New York City. The project was one of the largest undertakings of the WPA, with an estimated cost of $22 million, 70% of which was borne by the WPA (eventually contributing $27 million).
The election of Fiorello La Guardia as mayor in 1934 ushered in a new era of public investment in New York City's airports. LaGuardia had long been an aviation advocate, and he pushed for the transformation of Governors Island into a combined airport and seaplane base. While this proposal was shut down due to military and shipping concerns, LaGuardia and industry leaders agreed that New York City needed a central "express" airport.
During the Floyd Bennett experiment, LaGuardia and American executives began an alternative plan to build a new airport in Queens, taking advantage of the new Queens-Midtown Tunnel to Manhattan. The Works Progress Administration backed this construction, which began in 1937 on the waterfront of Flushing and Bowery Bays in East Elmhurst. Building on the site required moving landfill from Rikers Island, then a garbage dump, onto a metal reinforcing framework.
The Marine Air Terminal, part of the original LaGuardia Airport project, contains the largest WPA mural, called "Flight," completed in 1942. The WPA also constructed 11 public pools in New York City, each an entire complex of buildings and public spaces, as well as securing $10 million for the pool complexes.
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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey took over the airport in 1947
LaGuardia Airport, officially known by its IATA code LGA, is a civil airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City. It is situated on the northwestern shore of Long Island, bordering Flushing Bay. The airport was established in 1929 and opened to the public in 1939 as the New York Municipal Airport. It was renamed LaGuardia Airport in 1953 after Fiorello H. La Guardia, a former mayor of New York City and a long-time aviation advocate.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has continued to play a significant role in the development and improvement of LaGuardia Airport. In 2015, they announced a multibillion-dollar reconstruction of the airport's passenger infrastructure, which was completed in January 2025. This reconstruction addressed the airport's outdated facilities, inefficient air operations, and poor customer service metrics. The entire redevelopment project was estimated to cost between $4 billion and $5.3 billion.
The airport is a hub for both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, with about 11,000 employees working there. LaGuardia Airport contributes significantly to the regional economy, generating more than $15.6 billion in economic activity in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area and supporting approximately 116,000 jobs.
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The airport's income from parking and non-travel reached $935,000 a year within two years
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is a civil airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City. It is named after Fiorello H. La Guardia, a former mayor of New York City and a long-time aviation advocate. LaGuardia Airport is the third busiest airport serving New York City, accommodating millions of travellers each year.
With such a high volume of passengers, it is no surprise that the airport's income from parking and non-travel services is significant. The airport offers a range of parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy lots, with prices varying depending on the lot and duration of stay. For example, short-term parking at the airport can cost up to $55-70 per day, while long-term parking in the terminal garages can range from $25 to $89 per day. Economy lots offer more affordable rates, with prices starting at $7.50 per day when reserved ahead of time through services like Parkobility and SpotHero.
The airport also generates revenue from other non-travel services, such as shuttle services, luggage assistance, and concessions. With the high demand for parking and the variety of services offered, it is clear how the airport's income from these sources could reach $935,000 annually within two years. This income contributes to the funding of the airport's operations and development, ensuring a more efficient and pleasant experience for travellers.
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LaGuardia Airport is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is a civil airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City. It was established in 1929 and began operating as a public airport in 1939. The airport is named after Fiorello H. La Guardia, a former mayor of New York City and a long-time aviation advocate. LaGuardia Airport accommodates airline services primarily to domestic destinations, with a few limited international flights. As of 2023, it was the third-busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area and the 19th-busiest in the United States by passenger volume.
LaGuardia Airport is a significant hub for both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. While the airport caters to several other airlines, including JetBlue, Southwest, and United Airlines, American and Delta have established prominent operations at LGA. Delta Air Lines, in particular, has played a pivotal role in the airport's expansion projects and infrastructure developments. The airline has contributed significantly to the transformation of the passenger experience at LGA, with modern architecture and state-of-the-art technology.
Delta Air Lines operates out of Terminal C, which opened in June 2022, consolidating 37 gates into one spacious terminal. This terminal offers an enhanced experience with spacious concourses, improved connectivity, and modern amenities. Additionally, Delta has a strong presence in Terminal D, which was designed to accommodate their Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 aircraft. Terminal D, connected to Terminal C, featured a 600-foot walkway that has since been demolished. Delta also operates the Delta Sky Club, located on Level 4 of Terminal C, providing exclusive services and facilities for its customers.
American Airlines, on the other hand, has established a large hub at Terminal B of LaGuardia Airport. Terminal B serves as a base for airlines other than Spirit and Delta. American Airlines shares this terminal with JetBlue, which moved there to facilitate easier connections with American due to their "Northeast Alliance." Terminal B features 19 gates, numbered 11 to 31, and offers amenities such as a children's play area and an Admirals Club on the upper level.
Both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate within the unique regulations governing commercial service at LaGuardia Airport. These include a curfew, a slot system, and a "perimeter rule" restricting nonstop flights beyond a certain distance. Despite these constraints, both airlines have thrived at LGA, contributing to its busy status and making it a crucial aviation hub in the New York metropolitan area.
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The airport's reconstruction was completed in January 2025
The reconstruction of LaGuardia Airport was completed in January 2025, marking a new chapter in the airport's history and transforming the travel experience for passengers in New York City. The airport, officially known as LaGuardia Airport (LGA), is situated in East Elmhurst, Queens, on the northwestern shore of Long Island, bordering Flushing Bay.
The completion of the reconstruction marked the culmination of a multibillion-dollar project announced by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) back in 2015. The project aimed to address the airport's outdated facilities, inefficient operations, and poor customer service, which had been criticised throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
LaGuardia Airport has a long and fascinating history dating back to the early days of aviation. The airport was established in 1929 and began operating as a public airport in 1939. It was originally named North Beach Airport and was later renamed New York Municipal Airport-LaGuardia Field in honour of Fiorello H. La Guardia, the mayor of New York City at the time, who was a strong advocate for aviation development.
The airport's reconstruction in 2025 built upon this legacy, modernising the airport's infrastructure and enhancing its operational efficiency. The project involved significant upgrades to the airport's passenger terminals, improving the flow of passenger movement and providing a more comfortable and convenient travel experience. The new design incorporated modern architectural elements, creating a bright and spacious environment for travellers.
The completion of the reconstruction also brought operational benefits, reducing delays and improving the overall efficiency of air traffic operations. The updated infrastructure included expanded gates and taxiways, enhancing the airport's capacity to handle the increasing air traffic demand. The reconstruction project also placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient technologies and water conservation measures to reduce the airport's environmental footprint.
The successful completion of the LaGuardia Airport reconstruction in January 2025 set a new standard for airport infrastructure in the United States. The project's impact extended beyond the airport itself, benefiting the local economy and reinforcing New York City's position as a leading global travel hub. With its modern facilities, efficient operations, and enhanced customer service, LaGuardia Airport is well-equipped to accommodate the growing demand for air travel and continue its legacy as a pivotal transportation gateway to and from New York City.
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Frequently asked questions
The Works Progress Administration backed and assisted with the construction of LaGuardia Airport, which began in 1937.
LaGuardia Airport is named after Fiorello H. La Guardia, a former mayor of New York City and long-time aviation advocate.
LaGuardia Airport is owned by the public and has been managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey since 1947.
