New York LaGuardia Airport presently consists of four passenger terminals, designated with the letters A through to D. Of these, Terminal B is the second-oldest, dating back to 1964. Despite the facility’s heritage, it has recently been the subject of an impressive modernization program. Let’s take a look at some of the things that make it special.
A brief history of Terminal B
With nearly six decades of history behind it, Terminal B at LaGuardia is also known as the airport’s Central Terminal Building (CTB). It began life as a four-concourse facility that cost $36 million ($324 million today) when it opened its doors back in April 1964.
Following the departures of Delta (1983) and US Airways (1992) from the facility, Terminal B underwent a $340 million expansion and renovation project in the 1990s. It is presently operated by a private company known as LaGuardia Gateway Partners. Until 2016, this role fell under the remit of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
In recent years, work has been underway to construct a new Terminal B at LaGuardia. This will eventually see the original four-concourse facility replaced by two new concourses. The airport has used this development as an opportunity to house a world-first architecture project, while also fostering greater connectivity between the airlines that use LaGuardia.
A world first
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced earlier this week that it had completed the construction of the passenger facilities at LaGuardia’s new Terminal B. This marks a significant milestone in the facility’s $4 billion upgrade program. It came about following the completion of Terminal B’s second concourse and western sky bridge.
The latter of these actually represented a world-first in architecture. Its completion has seen LaGuardia become “the world’s first airport with dual pedestrian skybridges.” Named by UNESCO’s Prix Versailles in December as the ‘Best New Airport in the World,’ LaGuardia has a lot to be proud of when it comes to Terminal B. Governor Kathy Hochul stated:
“The transformation of LaGuardia Airport into a world-class destination that is internationally recognized for its beauty is an integral part of our bold vision for a new era in New York.”
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JetBlue’s big move
In October 2021, JetBlue demonstrated a strong commitment o the new Terminal B by transferring most of its LaGuardia-based operations there. The only exceptions are the carrier’s services to and from Boston, which use Terminal A. The move aimed to foster connectivity with American Airlines. Echoing these sentiments, Hochul added:
“The completion of this $4 billion project will help provide a brand new passenger experience for everyone traveling through Terminal B, easing connections and creating lasting impressions.”
As for the old Terminal B/Central Terminal Building, its demolition will likely finish this Spring. Hopefully the new facility will match its impressive six-decade lifespan.
What do you make of LaGuardia’s new Terminal B? Have you ever used it as a passenger? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
