LaGuardia Airport has opened the final two gates and the remainder of the taxiway at the new Terminal B, the Port Authority and LaGuardia Gateway Partners announced Wednesday.
The openings are the latest milestone in the massive $8 billion reconstruction at LaGuardia, one of the largest public-private partnership projects in American aviation history.
“The activation of the final two gates at LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B is the final capstone for a magnificent and award-winning new terminal that is providing passengers with a world-class experience from curb to gate,” Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said. “Spacious interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, inspiring public art and iconic restaurants and shops all combine to meet the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s new standard for airports; best-in-class facilities worthy of the region.”
The new Terminal B was internationally recognized as UNESCO’s Prix Versaille award as the world’s best new airport last year. In its entirety, the Terminal B redevelopment project took over 17 million hours of work and 40,000 tons of steel. The Arrivals and Departures Hall alone was built with 12,000 tons of steel — more than the Eiffel Tower.
“Today’s announcement marks the completion of a remarkable journey that culminated in an award-winning 21st-century facility at Terminal B, and we couldn’t be prouder,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said. “The Port Authority is committed to providing our customers a top-notch experience at our airports, and LaGuardia is a shining example of these efforts.”
LaGuardia Gateway Partners is a consortium of aviation companies that built and now operates the $4 billion Terminal B.
“With the opening on the last few gates and additional taxiway, we’re so proud to have reached this final milestone in the transformation of LaGuardia Terminal B,” Vantage Airport Group COO and LGP Chairman of the Board of Directors Stewart Steeves said. “This is a monumental achievement and a testament to the dedication and expertise of every member of the Vantage and LGP teams, and our many partners, which transformed Terminal B to provide the best possible guest experience for visitors and residents of New York City.”
Long Island City-based JetBlue completed its relocation into Terminal B on Saturday, July 9, and all of its flights depart and arrive at the new facility.
“The new Terminal B is a shining example of a 21st-century airport facility focused on guest experience and what can be accomplished when we all work together,” GLP CEO Frank Scremin said. “We’re grateful for the leadership of the governor’s office, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and our partners Vantage Airport Group, Skanska and Meridiam for their collaboration in making this possible.”
Delta opened its new $4 billion Terminal C at the western end of LaGuardia last month and construction is expected to be completed in 2024.
