Ithaca airport director to retire at end of September

LANSING, N.Y. — Mike Hall, director of Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, has announced his plan to retire on Sept. 30 after seven years in the position.

Hall will continue working with the airport in a consulting role on strategic initiatives over the next year. That work will include maintaining and securing additional air-service opportunities for Ithaca Tompkins and overseeing the continuation of sustainability initiatives for the airport.

Ithaca Tompkins will have a “special focus” on completing and securing state and federal grant funding for capital projects. Hall will also be focusing on his leadership positions in the New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA).

“It has been a pleasure serving in this role,” Hall said in making the announcement. “Thank you to our fantastic airport team for its support and continuing to provide exceptional service to our traveling community.”

Hall is a Cornell University graduate with a 27-year career in the U.S. Air Force, the airport noted.

Activity during Hall’s tenure

During his seven years as airport director, Hall has been “instrumental” in numerous airport initiatives, the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport said.

They include expanding airline-passenger service with new non-stop service to the Charlotte, North Carolina and Washington–Dulles airports.

Hall also helped in transitioning Ithaca Tompkins to an “updated state-of-the-art” facility by successfully securing state and federal grants that helped pay for the renovation of the airport terminal, doubling the size of the passenger area, and adding new gates and passenger boarding bridges.

In addition, Hall assisted in securing the state funding to move the New York State Department of Transportation site to airport property from the downtown waterfront.

He also helped develop the new customs facility, allowing the airport to accommodate international flights and transition to the title of “Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.”

The initiatives also included upgrading the airport’s fuel farm and expanding its services to other users, and overcoming the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining air service from American Airlines, United, and Delta, the airport said.