Governor Hochul Announces Start of Project to Enhance Passenger Experience at Syracuse Hancock International Airport

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that major construction has begun on a project to enhance the passenger experience at Syracuse Hancock International Airport and provide Central New York with a world-class travel hub. The expansion and modernization project, which was awarded $20 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will expand the airport’s North Concourse to provide additional seating and concession areas while also improving passenger flow. The project will also include the renovation of 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.

“Central New York is on the cusp of an unprecedented transformation that will bring new energy and economic opportunities to the region and we are ensuring that our vital transportation infrastructure is ready,” Governor Hochul said. “The improvements we are making to Syracuse Hancock International Airport will create a more welcoming experience for residents and visitors to the Salt City and will fuel the generational growth and advancement that is occurring right now.”

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “This major investment means Syracuse Hancock International Airport can break ground on critical renovations and finally takeoff on long-awaited construction to transform the airport into a major hub for all residents, visitor, and travelers. These funds will modernize and expand Hancock to meet the needs of one of the fastest growing airports in the nation and support the increased demand for air service spurred by historic levels of federal and state investment across the region. A modern and well-maintained airport attracts customers, grows the airport, and creates continued success of the entire region. I have been a longtime advocate for delivering much-needed federal dollars to our Upstate NY airports to boost the region’s tourist economy and send our communities to new heights and thank Governor Hochul for her work to get started on much-needed modernization and infrastructure upgrades to help Central NY soar for years to come.”

Syracuse 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.

Built in 1949, Syracuse Hancock serves a catchment area that stretches from the Canadian border to Pennsylvania and handles several commercial carriers.

The new improvement project, which has a total estimated cost of $28.5 million, will add approximately 4,700 square feet to the North Concourse, which serves approximately 40 percent of the passengers traveling through the facility each year, and provide room for improved passenger flow, additional seating areas and concession space. The design supports optimal natural ventilation for improved air quality, promotes energy efficiency through the installation 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.

Also planned are upgrades to the airport’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Federal Inspection Station (FIS) to ensure the facility meets the latest CBP standards and preserve the airport’s international designation, including its ability to handle both international passengers and cargo operations. The project will install 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 includes the installation of a wayfinding lighting control system and support for hearing-impaired passengers.

The new 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.

The latest improvements to the airport will compliment 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.

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, “Governor Hochul understands that our upstate airports are gateways that open the door to new opportunities for tourism and economic growth. The investments we are making at Syracuse Hancock International Airport will help take the airport to the next level – improving the passenger experience – allowing for more natural light, ease of passenger movement through the facility and enhanced airport operations – all of which create a positive and lasting impression of Central New York as a great place to live, work and visit.”

State Senator John Mannion said, “I’ve championed major new investments at Syracuse Hancock International Airport – including creating a dedicated police force – because our region needs a world class airport to meet the demands of today and facilitate the growth of tomorrow. Expanding the North Concourse and modernizing the Federal Inspection Station will enhance the passenger experience, boost our local economy, create jobs, and make Syracuse an even more attractive destination for businesses and travelers. I applaud Governor Hochul’s leadership and continued focus on the needs of Upstate New York, and I look forward to seeing the completion of these significant upgrades to the airport.”

Assembly Transportation Chair Bill Magnarelli said, “Modernizing Syracuse Hancock International Airport allows our upstate cities to continue to be a driver in economic development by drawing tourists and out of town businesses. The Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition will provide the funds needed for our airports to meet the ever-changing infrastructure, technology, security, and safety standards of today.”

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “Governor Hochul’s $20 million investment in the Syracuse Hancock International Airport from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition signifies her commitment to enhancing our region’s transportation infrastructure and improving the passenger experience. This development is pivotal for Central New York’s burgeoning role in the semiconductor industry and the impending growth of our region. As construction begins, we mark a significant step toward modernizing upstate New York airports.”

Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said, “The upgrades at Hancock International Airport are part of a greater series of infrastructure upgrades happening throughout Central New York and across the state. I am happy to continue to work with Governor Hochul on these historic investments and welcome the new opportunities these investments provide in our communities.”

State Senator Rachel May said, “The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is a vital hub for travelers across Central New York. Therefore, it is crucial that the airport is easy to navigate, comfortable, and equipped with the latest technology that travelers expect. The $20 million expansion project will ensure that the airport continues to offer excellent service in a modern building for years to come. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her continued support, which has made it possible to provide Central New York travelers with a world-class airport experience.”

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “There is no better example of the undeniable growth and progress our community is experiencing than the Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). As one of the fastest growing airports in the country, Executive Director Jason Terreri and his team knew that critical and substantial investments would have to be made in order to continue providing the high-quality passenger experience that SYR has become known for. Today marks the beginning of those enhancements with construction underway to expand the North Concourse and the expansion of the Federal Inspection Station Facility. This project required multiple partners, across multiple sectors, to come together and I want to thank everyone who helped make this a reality.”

Mayor Ben Walsh said, “As Syracuse and Central New York continue to grow as a destination, continued investment in our transportation infrastructure is crucial. The Syracuse Hancock International Airport reflects the resurgence happening across our region, and I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to making investments that enhance the travel experience and protect Hancock’s designation as an international airport.”