Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced that work is officially underway on a project to transform the Greater Binghamton Airport into a modern, state-of-the-art gateway for travelers living in and visiting the Southern Tier Region. The project, which was awarded $32 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will reimagine the passenger terminal, construct a new Customs and Border Protection facility, and redevelop the airport’s main approach road to improve passenger flow and better accommodate the needs of travelers. The project also includes the relocation of the general aviation terminal to the main passenger terminal.
“A state-of-the-art airport provides an essential foundation that will enable local communities to grow their economies, create jobs, and improve their quality of life,” Governor Hochul said. “The improvements we are making to the Greater Binghamton Airport will make it the perfect welcome to those visiting the beautiful Southern Tier.”
The Greater Binghamton 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 with conceptual renderings. 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 1945, the Greater Binghamton Airport handles more than 13,000 enplanements each year and is serviced by such commercial carriers as Delta and Avelo. The airport is a vital travel hub for prominent local employers – including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, The Raymond Corporation, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Binghamton University – but the main terminal has not been renovated in more than two decades and its features are outdated.
The modernization project, which has an estimated total cost of $47.8 million, is expected to create more than 500 jobs and be completed by the winter of 2025. Planned improvements include:
- Redevelopment of the Airport Road approach
- Construction of a new canopy and entry portals
- Reconfiguration of the ticketing lobby and outbound baggage area
- Renovation of the departures lobby and lounge
- Renovation of the baggage claim area and relocation of rental car counters
- New parking revenue control system
- Construction of a new 6,400-square-foot Customs and Border Protection Facility
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Governor Hochul is investing in transportation across New York State to enhance mobility, reconnect communities, and foster economic development. These dramatic improvements to the Greater Binghamton Airport will create a modern gateway that will further fuel the region’s economy and help spread the word about how wonderful the Southern Tier is live, work or visit.”
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “Broome County is excited to start this much-needed infrastructure project which will bring our airport into the 21st century. As we add more air service, it’s important we also modernize our airport. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Assemblywoman Lupardo, State Senator Webb, and the rest of our state officials for delivering the much-needed funding to make this important project a reality.”
