Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated this week the completion of new facilities at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, marking a major milestone in the terminal’s $4 billion transformation. The completion and the opening of LaGuardia Terminal B’s western skybridge, and the opening in December of Terminal B’s second concourse, means that every arriving and departing passenger at Terminal B will experience newly built, 21st century architecture and facilities from gate to curb. All of the terminal’s temporary walkways have now been taken out of service. With the completion of the second pedestrian bridge, which will span an active aircraft taxiway, Terminal B also becomes the world’s first airport with dual pedestrian skybridges.
“The transformation of LaGuardia airport into a world-class destination that is internationally recognized for its beauty is an integral part of our bold vision for a new era in New York,” said Governor Hochul. “The completion of this $4 billion project will help provide a brand new passenger experience for everyone traveling through Terminal B, easing connections and creating lasting impressions. Congratulations to all who made today’s milestone possible as we continue creating a whole new LaGuardia airport worthy of New York. ”
Terminal B was awarded UNESCO’s Prix Versailles in December as “Best New Airport in the World” by a blue-ribbon panel of international architects assembled by the United Nations agency. The new terminal includes 1.35 million square feet of new terminal facilities and features 35 gates, a 3,000-car parking garage, and new covered, convenient pickup facilities for both taxis and ride-sharing vehicles. The terminal offers best-in-class retail, vast dining experiences, stunning art and amenities that provide customers with a world-class 21st century travel experience. Related roadway improvements and supporting infrastructure were all built while keeping the terminal fully functional during construction. With the interior work at Terminal B now completed, the remaining small portion of the old Central Terminal Building has been removed from service and will be torn down, with demolition expected to be completed by spring 2022.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, “Today’s announcement marks the completion of new passenger facilities at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, which was recently named Best New Airport in the World by UNESCO’S prestigious 2021 Prix Versailles. From a passenger point of view, the old LaGuardia is no more. We have gone from worst to best, something no one thought was possible when this project began. Terminal B creates a top-of-the-line passenger experience and does so in the context of world-class architecture, inspiring public art and notable, iconic, locally inspired concessions.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “It’s time to get New York City moving again, and a world-class airport here in Queens will help us do that. This is a whole new LaGuardia, and I want to thank Governor Hochul, the Port Authority, and all of our partners who helped make this happen. This is how we ‘Get Stuff Done’ together.”
CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners Frank Scremin said, “LaGuardia’s new Terminal B is a crowning achievement for the people of New York, for the future of aviation, and for what a public-private partnership can accomplish. There were a lot of naysayers, but from the onset of this project, we said that we would bring our city a world class airport. Today, with the leadership of the Governor’s office and the Port Authority, our equity, management and construction partners, a record number of minority and women-owned businesses, and the unwavering support of New Yorkers, we made it happen. The new Terminal B is a shining example of a 21st Century airport facility focused on passenger experience and what can be accomplished when we all work together.”
World’s First Dual Pedestrian Skybridges Serving “Island” Concourses
As one of Terminal B’s most distinct architectural elements, the pair of skybridges span active aircraft taxi lanes, connecting the new, light-filled arrivals and departures hall to the terminal’s two island concourses, all featuring best-in-class concessions and amenities for passengers.
The construction of both skybridges has enabled more than two additional miles of taxiway space to be built, reducing delays for arrivals and departures and will help ease customers’ ability to travel seamlessly to their gates. Planes have been taxiing under the eastern skybridge since the spring of 2021 and will be able to successfully taxi below the western skybridge beginning in summer 2022. Passengers using the new skybridges to reach Terminal B’s gates will enjoy magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline.
Measuring 482 feet long and 60 feet above the ground, the two pedestrian bridges were a critical feature in the design of the new terminal. The dual bridges are impressive architecturally, but also assure that aircraft that are taxiing have two ways to enter or exit their gates.
Since 2020 customers have been using one of the completed skybridges to access Terminal B’s east gates. The design of the new terminals’ twin island concourses provides more space and options for planes to taxi upon departure and arrival. Previously, aircraft movements could be blocked because there was only one way into the gates and one way out.
