LaGuardia Airport Goes from “Third World” to Top-Notch North American Airport

By Olivia Land

Published March 12, 2024, 2:05 p.m. ET

Overview

LaGuardia Airport, once famously compared to a “third world country” by President Biden, has made a remarkable transformation to become one of the top North American airports, according to the Airport Service Quality survey.

Renovations and Improvements

The extensive $8 billion renovations completed last year played a key role in the revitalization of the airport. LaGuardia, now considered one of the best midsize airports, received an impressive overall satisfaction score of 4.25 out of 5, marking a remarkable 20% increase from 2018 when it was branded as the worst airport on the continent.

Remaining Challenges

Although the renovations have significantly upgraded the airport, some passengers feel that certain essential amenities are still lacking. For instance, LaGuardia Airport still doesn’t have subway or commuter rail lines, and the only mass transit option is buses, which can create anxiety and chaos for both locals and out-of-towners.

Public Opinion

Several passengers, while acknowledging the improvements, have expressed their dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the upgraded airport. One passenger tweeted, “Yes, the new LaGuardia airport is better. But who designed ultra-long hikes to the far-flung Terminal C gates with only one short moving sidewalk?” Others have shared negative experiences, including lost baggage, leading some to maintain that the airport still falls short of being truly world-class.

Image Caption: Some passengers claim LaGuardia is still the pits despite the costly upgrades.

From Infamy to Excellence

The notoriety surrounding LaGuardia Airport reached its peak when then-Vice President Biden famously used it as an example to illustrate the urgent need for the U.S. to update its infrastructure. Distinguishing between airports, Biden highlighted the disparity between the modern facility in Hong Kong and the perception of LaGuardia as belonging to a “third-world country.”

The rejuvenation efforts culminated in the completion of the $8 billion renovation, a moment of pride for former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who championed the project. Cuomo celebrated LaGuardia’s newfound status, emphasizing the tremendous achievement of the government in managing a project of this scale.

Positive Perspectives

The recognition bestowed by the Airport Service Quality survey is a testament to the successful revitalization of LaGuardia Airport. Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton expressed his delight, stating that the days of LaGuardia being the subject of late-night jokes are finally over. Undoubtedly, the airport’s transformation reflects a significant stride forward in providing passengers with a more positive travel experience.