Leave JFK Behind: Discover New York's Hidden Airport Gem

Overview of New York City Airports

New York City is one of the most densely populated cities globally, and it holds the distinction of being the most populous city in the United States. With nearly nine million residents, the city has become a major hub for air travel. Its strategic location on the East Coast makes it an ideal transfer point for transatlantic flights, which is why it hosts multiple large public airports. Among these, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) stands out as one of the busiest in the U.S., with over 30 million enplanements recorded in 2024.

However, travelers often find JFK to be crowded and challenging to navigate. This has led many to consider other nearby airports, particularly LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which has recently gained recognition for its improvements and efficiency.

LaGuardia Airport Receives Prestigious Recognition

In early 2025, LaGuardia Airport was honored as the best airport in North America for domestic and short-haul international travel by Skytrax, a leading global airport rating organization. The award was announced at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, Spain. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, praised the airport’s transformation, noting that the past decade had seen remarkable progress. He highlighted Terminal B as a model for regional airports worldwide, emphasizing the dedication and effort put into improving the airport's standards.

This recognition follows a significant $8 billion redevelopment project that transformed LaGuardia from one of the worst-ranked airports in the country to a top performer. The World Airport Awards, voted on by customers in the largest annual global survey, are among the most prestigious in the industry.

Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, also celebrated the achievement, reflecting on how far the airport has come. He noted that just a decade ago, the idea of LaGuardia being recognized as a world-class airport would have seemed unlikely. Now, the airport boasts modern facilities, innovative architecture, and advanced technology that have enhanced the passenger experience.

A Historical Perspective on LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport did not start as the premier airport it is today. Originally established as a private seaplane base in April 1929, it was later developed by New York Air Terminals. The airport saw significant growth under New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who pushed for commercial flight expansion. By the late 1930s, construction began to expand the facility, with American Airlines providing support and opening the first Admirals Club at the airport in 1939.

The airport, initially called New York Municipal Airport, officially opened in December 1939 as a state-of-the-art 550-acre facility. It operated four runways and hosted transatlantic flights until they were eventually moved to JFK. In the 1950s, the airport handled nearly 300 flights per week, but by the mid-1980s, it implemented a perimeter rule to restrict nonstop flights beyond 1,500 miles due to overcrowding and operational challenges.

Recent Developments and Improvements

For much of the 20th century, LaGuardia struggled with overcrowding, outdated infrastructure, and inefficient layouts. Public criticism reached a peak in the 2010s, with former Vice President Joe Biden famously comparing the airport to "a third-world country." This led to a massive $8 billion redevelopment project, which was completed in phases between 2020 and 2022. Terminal B, now considered a state-of-the-art hub, received international acclaim, including the UNESCO Prix Versailles award for best new airport.

These upgrades have significantly improved the traveler experience, making LaGuardia a popular choice for domestic and short-haul flights.

Popular Routes and Airlines at LaGuardia

Today, LaGuardia remains a key airport in the New York area, handling over 1,000 aircraft movements daily. Delta Air Lines currently operates the largest share of traffic, accounting for about 41% of total passenger volume. It offers numerous flights to destinations across the U.S., including Miami, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Chicago O’Hare.

American Airlines is the second-largest carrier at LGA, operating hundreds of daily flights. JetBlue and Southwest Airlines also maintain strong operations, offering affordable and customer-focused services. JetBlue connects LGA to markets like Fort Lauderdale and Boston, while Southwest provides high-frequency service to cities such as Chicago Midway and Nashville.

Other Major Airports in the New York Area

In addition to LaGuardia, New York City is served by two other major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK is the primary international gateway, handling the highest volume of passenger traffic and serving as a hub for Delta and JetBlue. EWR, located on Manhattan’s West Side, serves as another key entry point, with United Airlines as its primary hub.

Why Choose LaGuardia Over Other Airports?

Despite being smaller than JFK and EWR, LaGuardia offers several advantages for travelers. It is the closest airport to Manhattan, reducing commute times and making it ideal for business travelers. For domestic or short-haul flights, the airport offers faster boarding and deplaning processes, along with more efficient gate turnaround times. Additionally, its recent upgrades have created a more pleasant and streamlined travel experience, making it a preferred choice for many.