LaGuardia Airport (LGA), once considered one of the worst airports in the United States, has undergone a remarkable transformation and has recently been honored as the best airport in North America for domestic and short-haul international travel.
This accolade was announced on April 9, 2025, during the Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, Spain, by Skytrax, the leading international airport rating organization.
Edward Plaisted, the CEO of Skytrax, praised LaGuardia Airport’s evolution, stating, “LaGuardia Airport’s evolution over the past decade is nothing short of extraordinary. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work invested in elevating the airport’s standards, and Terminal B, in particular, has become a model for regional airports not just in North America, but globally.”
The recognition comes on the heels of a monumental $8 billion transformation project that catapulted LaGuardia from the bottom ranks to the pinnacle of airport excellence.
The World Airport Awards, presented by Skytrax, are among the most prestigious in the industry and are determined through an extensive global airport customer satisfaction survey.
Rick Cotton, the Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, also commented on the achievement, reflecting on the airport’s drastic shift in reputation over the past decade.
He remarked, “A decade ago, the suggestion that LaGuardia Airport would one day be recognized on the world stage as the best regional airport in North America would have been laughable. But the Port Authority and our private partners have built what we promised – a world-class airport, with inspiring architecture, public art, iconic concessions, and state-of-the-art technology that has propelled LaGuardia from worst to best in the nation in the eyes of the critics and passengers alike.”
LaGuardia Airport’s Journey From Mediocrity to Excellence
LaGuardia’s story began far from its current status. Originally opened as a private seaplane base in April 1929, New York Air Terminals laid the foundation for what would eventually become a vital hub for air travel.
The airport expanded significantly under the direction of New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who recognized its potential for commercial aviation in the late 1930s.
With the backing of American Airlines, construction began to enhance the airport’s capacity, and by December 1939, the airport officially opened its doors as New York Municipal Airport.
The facility continued to grow, featuring four runways and accommodating a multitude of transatlantic flights well into the late 1940s, although international operations later transitioned to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
By the late 1950s, LaGuardia was managing nearly 300 flights per week, with various airlines, including American Airlines, Eastern Air Lines, Northeast, TWA, and United Airlines, operating from its terminals.
However, as demand surged, LaGuardia’s infrastructure struggled to keep pace. This led many general aviation operators to relocate to Teterboro Airport (TEB) due to high landing fees.
Compounding these challenges, by the mid-1980s, LaGuardia implemented a perimeter rule banning nonstop flights beyond 1,500 miles, further impacting its operations.
The airport’s reputation continued to suffer throughout the late 20th century and into the 2010s, marked by overcrowding, outdated facilities, and operational inefficiencies.
It became infamous for its confusing layout, which left travelers feeling overwhelmed, and when then-Vice President Joe Biden likened the airport to “a third-world country,” public criticism reached an all-time high.
This stark critique ultimately prompted the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to initiate an extensive $8 billion redevelopment project.
Progress was made even as the airport remained operational during the construction, a move aimed at preserving the flow of travelers while enhancing the facilities.
The overhaul unfolded in multiple phases, culminating in the grand opening of Terminal B, which has garnered international acclaim for its innovative design and user-friendly experience.
Terminal B was recognized with the UNESCO Prix Versailles award for the best new airport, symbolizing the airport’s remarkable turnaround from its troubled past.
Present Operations at LaGuardia Airport
Today, LaGuardia is a hub of activity, averaging more than 1,000 aircraft movements daily, reflecting its renewed stature among New York City’s airports.
Delta Air Lines has solidified its role as the largest operator at LGA, accounting for approximately 41% of total passenger traffic and offering 260 peak-day departures to nearly 70 destinations.
American Airlines remains a significant player in LaGuardia’s daily operations, providing hundreds of flights each day to key domestic business and leisure destinations such as Miami, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Chicago O’Hare.
Additionally, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines complement the mix, focusing on competitive domestic routes with an emphasis on affordability and excellent customer service.
JetBlue connects LGA to major markets like Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Boston, while Southwest Airlines provides frequent service to popular destinations, including Chicago Midway and Nashville.
Exploring New York City’s Other Airports
While LaGuardia has made impressive strides, New York City is also served by two other major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
JFK serves as the primary international gateway for the city, handling more passenger traffic than either LaGuardia or Newark, particularly for long-haul flights to destinations in Europe, Asia, and beyond.
With over 1,300 daily aircraft movements and more than 30 million enplanements in 2024, JFK is a vital asset in the region’s aviation infrastructure.
On the other hand, Newark Airport plays a crucial role in connecting travelers to the New York metropolitan area from New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, operating as a hub for United Airlines and totaling over 16 million enplanements in 2024.
Why Choose LaGuardia Airport?
Despite the larger scale and international offerings at JFK and EWR, many travelers still opt for LaGuardia, especially those flying domestically or on short-haul routes.
The ease of navigating LaGuardia, devoid of the complications associated with international customs and heavy long-haul aircraft traffic, allows for quicker boarding and deplaning processes.
Business travelers heading to critical destinations like Chicago, Boston, or Atlanta find LaGuardia particularly appealing due to its high-frequency service and many flights throughout the day.
Moreover, its advantageous location, as the closest airport to Manhattan, significantly cuts down commute times, making LaGuardia a popular choice for those in the city.
LaGuardia’s recent upgrades have also enhanced the overall airport experience, offering bright and spacious interiors, ample seating, varied dining options, and smoother security and boarding processes.
These improvements have not only attracted new travelers but also re-engaged those who may have previously shunned the airport due to its historic shortcomings.
In summary, LaGuardia Airport’s journey from a criticized transit point to a celebrated gateway underscores the transformative impact of dedicated redevelopment and commitment to customer satisfaction, establishing it firmly as a leading choice for travelers in the New York metropolitan area.
image source from：simpleflying
