SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Construction has started on a $28.5 million project to expand the north concourse at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) to provide additional seating and concession areas while also improving passenger flow. The project will also include the renovation of the terminal building’s second floor,near gate 15, to expand the federal-inspection station facility […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Construction has started on a $28.5 million project to expand the north concourse at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) to provide additional seating and concession areas while also improving passenger flow. The project will also include the renovation of the terminal building’s second floor,near gate 15, to expand the federal-inspection station facility — ensuring the airport retains its international designation.
The effort is meant to “enhance the passenger experience” and provide Central New York with a “world-class travel hub,” the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.
The state awarded the project $20 million from the governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. New York Department of Transportation officials announced the funding at a press conference at SYR on Thursday afternoon.
The Syracuse airport was one of nine upstate New York airports awarded a total of $230 million in the latest round of the competition that Hochul announced 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,”Hochul’s office said.
Project details
The new improvement project will add about 4,700 square feet to the north concourse, which serves about 40 percent of the passengers traveling through the facility each year.The expansion will 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 nonessential lighting during off-times.
High-efficiency building equipment will also “improve the airport’s sustainability,”Hochul’s office noted.
Besides the concourse expansion, the plan also calls for upgrades to the airport’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) federal inspection station (FIS).
That project seeks 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.