Governor Kathy Hochul has confirmed the successful completion of a major enhancement initiative at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, aimed at elevating the passenger experience and establishing a premier travel destination in Central New York. The project, which received $20 million from a $230 million state-funded competition for airport development, reflects New York’s ongoing efforts to modernize Syracuse’s airport infrastructure to accommodate rising passenger numbers and evolving economic demands.
The expansion includes a larger North Concourse featuring additional seating, new concession areas, and improved passenger movement. Additionally, the second floor of the terminal at gate 15 was renovated to expand the Federal Inspection Station, ensuring the airport maintains its international status.
Governor Hochul emphasized that Central New York is entering a phase of significant growth and transformation, and that robust transportation infrastructure is essential to support this progress. She noted that the upgrades to the airport will provide a positive first impression for visitors, encouraging repeat visits and further boosting regional development.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez highlighted the state’s commitment to upgrading upstate airports, describing them as modern entry points that welcome global visitors and stimulate tourism and economic expansion. She specifically praised the Governor’s investments in infrastructure, including improvements to Interstate 81 and the Syracuse airport, which together create a world-class facility that supports both current and future travel needs.
In addition to the terminal upgrades, the New York State Department of Transportation completed a $10.5 million restoration of the Airport Boulevard bridges over Interstate 81, improving access to and from the airport.
Syracuse Hancock International Airport was among nine upstate airports that received funding under the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, which aims to modernize commercial passenger service airports and accelerate regional economic growth.
Originally constructed in 1949, the airport serves a wide geographic area from the Canadian border to Pennsylvania and supports multiple commercial airlines. Passenger numbers have grown steadily, with over 3 million travelers in 2024, representing a 5.2% increase from the previous year. Enplanements rose from 840,994 in 2021 to nearly 1.5 million in 2024. A recent state study estimated the airport’s annual economic impact at more than $864.5 million.
The $28.4 million improvement project added over 4,000 square feet to the North Concourse, which serves around 40% of the airport’s passengers annually. The expansion enhances passenger flow, seating, and concession space. The design incorporates natural ventilation for better air quality, energy-efficient dynamic window panels for natural lighting, and smart lighting controls to reduce energy use during off-peak hours. High-efficiency systems were also installed to improve sustainability.
Upgrades to the Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Station ensure compliance with current standards and preserve the airport’s international designation. The project introduced advanced FIS equipment capable of processing 200 passengers per hour, replaced a jet bridge, installed a new elevator tower and baggage carousel, and created additional boarding space. A new wayfinding lighting system and accessibility features for hearing-impaired passengers were also implemented.
This project builds on a 2018 terminal renovation that expanded the main passenger terminal and added a new exterior façade and canopy over the drop-off area. In 2023, the Department of Transportation also completed bridge deck replacements and structural repairs on the Airport Boulevard bridges over I-81, ensuring long-term safety and accessibility.
The airport’s enhancements align with Micron Technology’s planned $100 billion investment over two decades to build a state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing campus in Onondaga County, further strengthening the region’s economic outlook.
The Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, supports commercial passenger service airports and facilities serving corporate jets. Projects were evaluated based on innovation, passenger experience, operational efficiency, and regional economic impact.
State Senator Rachel May praised the airport upgrades as essential for maintaining high-quality service for Central New York travelers and expressed gratitude for the Governor’s leadership in enabling these improvements.
State Senator Chris Ryan noted that the airport’s expansion reinforces Central New York’s role as a global hub for innovation, business, and tourism, and expressed pride in supporting a project that enhances travel and fuels long-term economic growth.
Assembly Transportation Chair William Magnarelli emphasized that modernizing upstate airports strengthens economic development by attracting tourists and businesses, and praised the Governor’s commitment to improving Syracuse’s airport.
Assemblymember Al Stirpe highlighted the importance of the airport investment in light of Micron’s arrival, which is expected to bring new business, thousands of jobs, and population growth to the region.
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter described the airport upgrades as a milestone for Central New York, noting that the improvements will enhance traveler experience and attract further economic investment.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh praised the Governor’s support and noted that the airport now offers superior amenities and infrastructure, positioning it to support continued regional growth.
Jason Terreri, Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority, expressed appreciation for the state’s investment and noted that the terminal expansion aligns with the airport’s vision of providing a top-tier travel experience as the gateway to Central New York.
The New York State Department of Transportation is committed to delivering a safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation system that connects communities, improves quality of life, and supports economic growth.
— news from Governor Kathy Hochul (.gov)
— News Original —
Governor Hochul Announces Completion of Expansion and Modernization Project at Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work has been completed on a project to enhance the passenger experience at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, creating a world-class travel hub that will benefit the entire Central New York region. The expansion and modernization project, which was awarded $20 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, is part of New York State’s continuing commitment to build out Syracuse’s airport to facilitate increased passenger traffic and accommodate the generational changes taking place in the area’s economic landscape. New features include an expanded North Concourse with additional seating, concession areas and improved passenger flow. The project also renovated the second floor of the terminal building in the location of gate 15 to expand the Federal Inspection Station facility, ensuring the airport retains its international designation. n n“Central New York is on the precipice of a new era of unprecedented growth and economic transformation that will make it a national model and it’s imperative that our transportation infrastructure is ready for the challenge,” Governor Hochul said. “The improvements we have made to Syracuse Hancock International Airport give Central New York the first-class travel hub it deserves and will provide visitors with a wonderful first impression that will keep them coming back again and again, further fueling the region’s historic growth.” n nNew York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York State is making historic investments in our upstate airports — transforming them into modern gateways, welcoming visitors from all over the world and fueling tourism and economic growth. Nowhere is that more evident than in Syracuse, where the Governor is investing in transformative transportation infrastructure — from I-81 to Syracuse Hancock International Airport, where we have created a world-class facility that will welcome the travelers of today and help usher in the exciting future that awaits Central New York.” n nAdditionally, the New York State Department of Transportation has completed a $10.5 million rehabilitation of the Airport Boulevard (Colonel Eileen Collins Boulevard) bridges over Interstate 81, easing travel to and from the airport. n nSyracuse Hancock International Airport was one of nine upstate airports awarded a total of $230 million in the latest round of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition funding announced by Governor Hochul in 2022.The awards are intended to promote, revitalize and accelerate investments in upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21st century. n nBuilt in 1949, Syracuse Hancock serves as a catchment area that stretches from the Canadian border to Pennsylvania and handles several commercial carriers. With continued support from New York State, activity at the airport has continued to grow. The airport handled more than three million passengers in 2024, an increase of 5.2 percent from the prior year. Enplanements have surged from 840,994 in 2021 to nearly 1.5 million in 2024. The latest data from a State Department of Transportation study estimated that the airport’s annual economic impact exceeds $864.5 million. n nThe new improvement project, which had a total estimated cost of $28.4 million, added more than 4,000 square feet to the North Concourse — which serves approximately 40 percent of the passengers traveling through the facility each year — providing room for improved passenger flow, additional seating areas and concession space. The design features optimal natural ventilation for improved air quality, promotes energy efficiency through the use of dynamic window panels to increase natural lighting and new lighting controls and sensors that reduce non-essential lighting during off-times. High efficiency building equipment will also improve the airport’s sustainability. n nUpgrades to the airport’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Federal Inspection Station (FIS) ensure the facility meets the latest CBP standards and preserves the airport’s international designation, including its ability to handle both international passengers and cargo operations. The project installed the latest FIS equipment for international operations that will allow for the processing of 200 passengers per hour, replacement of a jet bridge, installation of a new elevator tower and baggage carousel, and the creation of an additional hold room and boarding space. The project also installed a new wayfinding lighting control system and support for hearing-impaired passengers. n nThis project at Syracuse Hancock builds on the successful terminal renovation project that was completed in 2018 and, among other improvements, expanded the main passenger terminal and constructed a new exterior façade and canopy over the passenger drop-off area. n nIn the spring of 2023, NYSDOT also commenced the rehabilitation of the Airport Boulevard (Colonel Eileen Collins Boulevard) bridges over I-81, which installed new concrete bridge decks, replaced deteriorated steel beams and repaired concrete piers and pedestals to enhance safety and ensure that a vital link to and from the airport continues to serve travelers for decades to come. n nThe latest improvements to the airport will complement plans by Micron, a U.S.-based memory and storage manufacturer and the fourth-largest producer of semiconductors in the world, to invest up to $100 billion over the next 20-plus years to construct a cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing campus in Onondaga County, New York. n nThe Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and was open to upstate commercial passenger service airports and airports providing specialized service for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets. Applicants were encouraged to apply for funding a single project or a program of projects to help meet the demands of the 21st century. Projects submitted for review by eligible airports were evaluated based on established criteria, including but not limited to innovation in design, passenger amenities and experience, operational efficiencies, and economic effectiveness for the airport’s region. n nState Senator Rachel May said, “The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is an important hub for travelers across Central New York. The completion of the expansion and upgrades will ensure the airport continues to provide excellent service in a modern facility for years to come,” said Senator Rachel May. “Thank you to Governor Hochul for her ongoing support, which has made it possible to offer Central New York travelers a world-class airport experience.” n nState Senator Chris Ryan said, “With historic investments and a bold vision for the future, Central New York is becoming a global gateway for innovation, business, and tourism. The completion of this expansion at Syracuse Hancock International Airport sends a clear message: we are ready to welcome visitors from across the state and around the world. I’m proud to support a project that enhances the travel experience for residents and visitors alike while fueling the region’s economic momentum for generations to come.” n nAssembly Transportation Chair William Magnarelli said, “Modernizing our local airports allows upstate cities to continue to be drivers in economic development by drawing tourists and out of town businesses,” said Assemblyman William Magnarelli, Transportation Committee Chair. “The governor’s commitment to improving the Syracuse Hancock International Airport revitalizes the facility to continue to meet growing needs of passengers as the Central New York area prepares for increased economic development in the area.” n nAssemblymember Al Stirpe said, “The investment in Syracuse Hancock Airport comes at a key moment in our region ‘s future development. With Micron ‘s arrival attracting new business opportunities, tens of thousands of jobs, and a significant population boom, Syracuse Hancock will be better equipped to handle an already growing demand for air travel. It ‘s another step in transforming Central New York ‘s economy.” n nAssemblymember Pamela Hunter said, “The completion of this transformative project at Syracuse Hancock International Airport marks a major milestone for Central New York. These critical upgrades will not only improve the experience for travelers but also strengthen our region’s ability to attract economic investment and support long-term growth. I’m proud to see continued investment in infrastructure that helps position our community for a brighter, more connected future.” n nCity of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “With the strong support of Governor Hochul, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is a point of pride for Central New York. People traveling to and through Syracuse experience a facility with outstanding public spaces and amenities and the infrastructure to support safe and convenient travel. Our airport is ready to drive continued regional growth.” n nSyracuse Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Jason Terreri said, “Today ‘s celebration with The Honorable Governor Kathy Hochul and NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez showcases New York State ‘s commitment to supporting the growth and success of not only our airport, but our region. This state-funded Terminal Expansion Project aligns with our team ‘s vision of creating and maintaining a best-in-class airport experience at Syracuse Hancock International Airport — the gateway to Central New York and beyond!” n nAbout the Department of Transportation n nIt is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State. n nLives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers! n nFor more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit our website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.