Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled a new video rendering that offers viewers their first glimpse of the interior of a reimagined Albany International Airport. The two-minute fly-through video depicts the spacious new passenger waiting areas that will be constructed as part of a recently begun upgrade of the Capital Region travel hub. The project is being funded with $60 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. The video, which was produced by the Airport’s design consultants, is available for viewing here and will be displayed at a November 8 public meeting on the Albany Airport Master Plan Update.
“Airports are gateways to their local communities and important economic engines for Upstate New York – we are doing all we can to ensure they are ready for the challenges of the 21st century,” Governor Hochul said. “This new rendering shows the exciting changes that are in store for the Albany International Airport and demonstrates the great progress we are making in modernizing our transportation infrastructure.”
Albany 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 last year. The awards are intended to promote, revitalize and accelerate investments in upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21st century. In August, the Governor announced that work had begun on the project.
With an existing terminal that was designed more than a quarter century ago, the Albany International Airport handles over a million enplanements a year and is challenged by space limitations. This $100 million revitalization project will support the expansion of the airport’s terminal to provide enhanced passenger amenities pre and post checkpoint and more efficient passenger flow through security.
Additional improvements include:
- Installation of a 30 KW solar array installation on the rooftop and new energy-efficient LED lighting system throughout project area
- Revitalized airline ticketing, baggage claim and concession areas
- Removal of the existing rotunda and pedestrian bridge to construct a new main entrance with glass curtain wall and the installation of lightweight, translucent canopies
- Relocation and expansion of existing security checkpoint and passenger recompositing areas
- Airside marketplace expansion and creation of additional circulation and seating areas
- New children’s play zone
- Updates to the conference facilities, public arts area and writer’s workshop; and installation of multi-sensory calming room
- Expansion of the landside connector between the airport and the parking garage
- Upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
The 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.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The enhancements underway at Albany International Airport will create more a pleasurable experience for travelers as they go about their journeys – something that is easy to see in this new video. It’s further proof of Governor Hochul’s commitment to see every region of New York State thrive and reach its full potential.”
State Senator Jacob Ashby said, “Whether they’re here for a weekend of family fun, a week of important meetings or even to start a new life in the Capital Region, it’s essential that travelers’ first impression is positive. Like any good host, we want them to enter our home with a smile. That’s why I’m thrilled about this project, and that’s why I’m grateful for the strong vision DOT and their partners are unveiling today.”
State Senator Neil D. Breslin said, “Albany International Airport has been a key economic driver here in the Capital Region. These critical enhancements will only further that impact. I applaud Governor Hochul for her ongoing commitment to making sure that Albany International Airport remains a first-class facility.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald, III said, “This new video of the renderings of the reimagined Albany International Airport is an exciting step forward in this project. By enhancing the experience for the travelers, these improvements to the airport will boost economic development by drawing tourists and out of town businesses to the region. I am happy to have been a partner and supporter of this project. I’d like to thank Governor Hochul and the Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of transportation infrastructure investment in New York State.”
Assemblymember Patricia Fahy said, “Albany International Airport continues to reach new heights thanks to long-term investments secured in the state budget and Governor Hochul’s leadership. This video highlights the improvements to passenger amenities as part of the Capital Region Travel Hub and a commitment to modernizing the travel experience for Albany residents and visitors alike. Looking forward to seeing these upgrades take off in the near future!”
Assemblymember Phil Steck said, “I am delighted to see the amazing transformation that is in store for our airport and grateful that Governor Hochul’s investment positions our area for further economic growth. Albany International Airport is the front door to the Capital Region and these improvements will help our continual efforts to make our community a wonderful place to live and visit.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “Our residents and visitors deserve a modern airport of the future, one that prioritizes greater convenience, safety, comfort and accessibility for each and every traveler. With the ongoing terminal expansion project, that’s exactly what they will get, and this fly-through video truly brings it all to life. There is so much to be excited about between the expanded security checkpoint, modern business center and additional amenities, which together will help drive economic growth in our communities. I want to thank Governor Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Schumer for their support of these transformational improvements at Albany International Airport.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “As we continue to attract the best and brightest to the Capital Region, it is important we have a world-class airport to welcome those visiting and serve those who call the City of Albany and our entire region home. I am very excited the Albany Airport is expanding its footprint and adding new amenities to ensure it can continue to be a gateway we can all be proud of, and I commend Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez for working with County Executive McCoy and the Albany Airport Authority to make this investment possible.”
Capital Region Chamber and the Center for Economic Growth President and CEO Mark Eagan said, “I was pleased to participate in Albany International Airport’s mater plan process. While plans like this can sometimes simply outline long-term aspirations, in this case, the plan has already become the to-do list for our airport. The expansion and renovation currently underway due to funding from Governor Hochel’s Upstate Airport Competition and federal funds will not only transform the entrance to the airport, but it will also greatly enhance the customer experience. The airport is essential to our regional economy, and the new master plan ensures we leverage this asset for our citizens and our economy. Due to the airport’s leadership, I’m confident that mid- and longer-term projects identified in the comprehensive plan will also become a reality.”
