Syracuse aiport posts record passenger numbers

Also plans two new eateries

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) had the “busiest year in the airport’s history” in 2023 with nearly 3 million air travelers passing through the facility.  The 2.86 million passenger figure at SYR surpasses 2019 traffic levels, which produced a 30-year record for the airport, by 11 percent. The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) on Feb. 2 announced the data in its annual report, which it discussed during its State of the Airport event.  That same day, SRAA and Gideon Toal Management Services (GTMS) also announced plans for two new eateries at the airport. 

“Busiest year”

The number of people flying is “surging” at airports across the U.S., but data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) indicates SYR is one of the “fastest growing” airports in the nation, SRAA said.  “Multiple” factors have contributed to this 11 percent growth at SYR, which is more than double the national average for commercial airports. Hub routes previously served by smaller, regional aircraft (50 to 70 seats) are now served by larger, mainline aircraft (about 109 to 240 seats).  Additionally, the airport continues announcing new routes and “increased frequencies” on existing flights. Another significant growth factor is the changing makeup of the airport’s catchment area, which is described as the geographic area from which SYR draws passengers.  Emerging from the pandemic, airlines began to question the economic viability of running smaller, regional aircraft to surrounding, smaller regional airports such as Watertown, Ithaca, Elmira, and Binghamton, the SRAA said. The Syracuse airport’s airline partners are instead choosing to funnel this demand from surrounding communities through SYR by running more frequent, larger mainline aircraft, the authority explained. The reduction in traffic observed at the nearby, smaller regional airports is a “direct correlation” with the “dramatic uptick” in passengers at SYR. “We are uniquely aware of and sensitive to the changing traffic patterns within our catchment area,” Jason Terreri, SRAA executive director, said in a release. “Planning for the future is now done through the lens of regional responsibility, ensuring our team and facilities can meet the demand of the entire population residing within the Central New York service area.”

Two new eateries

Gideon Toal Management Services (GTMS) is a U.S. Department of Transportation-certified Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) that currently operates the Escape Lounge at SYR. The SRAA and GTMS have finalized an agreement for GTMS to open and operate a Qdoba Mexican Eats and Einstein Bros Bagels at SYR.  Qdoba will operate in the post-security checkpoint hallway leading to concourse A gates, near the Escape Lounge. Additionally, Einstein Bros. Bagels will occupy a newly planned extension at the end of concourse B.  The project was secured through a successful bid last fall, SRAA said. The addition to the airport’s concessions is made possible, in part, by the $20 million grant awarded to SYR in September through the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, it added. Both restaurants are anticipated to begin operations at different points throughout 2024.  The quick-serve nature of each will help the airport “meet the demand” for more grab-and-go options, especially during peak travel hours, SRAA said. The Syracuse airport draws most of its traffic in three distinct “banks” — or clusters of outgoing flights — most days from 4-6 a.m.; 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; and 4-6 p.m., per the authority.