New York Governor Kathy Hochul this week joined officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and LaGuardia Gateway Partners to celebrate the completion of LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Terminal B, marking a major milestone in the terminal’s $4 billion transformation.
The opening of LaGuardia Terminal B’s western skybridge and the opening in December of Terminal B’s second concourse mean 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 will now be taken out of service by the end of January.
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,” Governor Hochul said at the ceremony “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.”
The new terminal includes 1.35 million square feet of new space and features 35 gates, a 3,000-car parking garage, and new covered, convenient pickup facilities for both taxis and ride-sharing vehicles. With the interior work at Terminal B now complete, 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.
“From a passenger point of view, the old LaGuardia is no more,” said Rick Cotton, PANYNJ executive director. “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.”
