Work begins on Binghamton airport-modernization project

MAINE, N.Y. — Work is officially underway at the Greater Binghamton Airport on a $47.8 million modernization project, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced.

The project received $32 million from the $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. Work includes reimagining the passenger terminal, building a new 6,400-square-foot U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, redeveloping the airport’s main approach road to improve flow, and relocating 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,” Gov. Hochul said in a release. “The improvements we are making to the Greater Binghamton Airport will make it the perfect welcome to those visiting the beautiful Southern Tier.”

The airport, built in 1945 and located in the town of Maine, handles more than 13,000 enplanements annually and is serviced by commercial carriers including Delta and Avelo. While serving as a vital travel hub, especially for local employers, the main terminal has not been updated in more than 20 years, the release stated.

“Broome County is excited to start this much needed infrastructure project which will bring our airport into the 21st century,” Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said. “As we add more air service, it’s important we also modernize our airport.”

Other work planned for the modernization project includes construction of a new canopy and entry portals, reconfiguring the ticketing lobby and outbound baggage area, renovating the departures lobby and lounge, renovating the baggage claim area, relocating rental car counters, and installing a new parking revenue-control system.

The project is expected to create more than 500 jobs and be completed by the winter of 2025.

The Greater Binghamton Airport is one of nine upstate airports awarded a total of $230 million as part of the competition. The awards are intended to promote, revitalize, and accelerate investments in upstate commercial passenger service airports. Other award recipients are Albany International Airport, Watertown International Airport, Saratoga County Airport, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Sullvan County International Airport, Odgensburg International Airport, Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, and Adirondack Regional Airport.

The New York State Department of Transportation administers the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, which was open to upstate commercial passenger service airports and airports providing specialized service for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets. Projects were evaluated based on criteria including innovation in design, passenger amenities and experience, operational efficiencies, and economic effectiveness for the airport’s region.