Albany International Airport $100 Million Renovation To Be Completed by Early 2025

Aug. 10—ALBANY — State officials expect the $100 million renovations to Albany International Airport, which include expansion of the main terminal, to be completed by early 2025.

"It will be transformational," Gov. Kathy Hochul said at a groundbreaking for the infrastructure project on Thursday at the airport.

The work, which is to be completed through union labor, is funded by a $60 million grant from the state and a $40 million grant from the federal government. The state funding is the largest-ever investment in the Albany airport, which is known to be the oldest municipal airport in the nation.

"It's going to give us a modern airport with modern technologies," Albany airport CEO Philip Calderone said.

The renovations are primarily focused on updating check-in for passengers through the Transportation Security Administration's security line. The airport's current system was built prior to increases in security that were put in place after Sept. 11, 2001.

The change are intended to reduce the length of the line that has been known to extend toward the covered walkway that connects to the airport's parking garage.

"While the airport is vibrant and growing, it was built long before modern TSA security screening, and for years has been in desperate need of expansion," U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer said in a news release. "A smoother trip through Albany International Airport isn't far behind and the long desired expansion can takeoff to help the Capital Region economy reach new heights."

The current rotunda and pedestrian bridge that connects the garage and the terminal are to be removed. It will be replaced by the new main entrance, according to the governor's office and as seen in the published renderings of the project.

The updates are also to include additional space for concessions, new air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, conference areas and a children's play zone.

Solar panels are to be installed on the rooftop, too.

Hochul said the airport will reflect the quality of the new businesses, such as the semi-conductor industry, that the state and federal government have been recruiting to the Capital Region.

"When they come and see what we're going to do with the facade and all of the amenities, they'll see this region really punches above its weight," Hochul said.

The state is investing $230 million for airport revitalization across the state, with the most money going to Albany's airport.

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