The opening of Delta’s new Terminal C on June 4 marks the substantial completion of the $8 billion whole new LaGuardia Airport and the nation’s first major new airport in more than 25 years.
Combined with the completion of the new Terminal B earlier this year, the opening of Terminal C means every passenger, except those traveling through the historic Marine Air Terminal, will experience new, world-class airport facilities when departing from or arriving to the airport.
At a cost of $4 billion – including a $500 million investment by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for new roadways and supporting infrastructure -- Terminal C represents Delta’s largest ever investment in an airport facility.
"The transformation of a 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," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "The opening of Delta’s $4 billion Terminal C will help provide a state-of-the-art passenger experience, easing connections and creating lasting impressions. Congratulations to all who made today's milestone possible as we finish creating a whole new LaGuardia Airport worthy of New York."
New Terminal Sets Standard for Modern Air Travel
At 1.3 million square feet, Terminal C will be 85 percent larger than the two terminals it is replacing – consolidating access to 37 gates through a single 21st Century arrivals and departures hall.
Terminal C has been designed for optimal efficiency and speed, allowing travelers to navigate to and from their gates quickly and intuitively, utilizing the latest technologies such as hands-free bag drop and digital ID screening capabilities. A curbside check-in building will allow passengers who are already checked in to get to the security screening area more quickly. The departures hall features 36 full-service check-in counters, 49 self-service kiosks and 16 bag-drop counters. A larger and consolidated security area will feature 11 screening lanes with room for five additional lanes in the future, featuring state-of-the art technology to expedite screening while prioritizing the safety of passengers. Dynamic signage in the TSA queue will display passenger wait times and will allow queuing zones to be adjusted based on passenger demand. On the arrivals level, passengers will be able to retrieve their luggage from one of five baggage carousels. There are 13 restrooms within the new terminal, all featuring touch-free entry, sinks and hand dryers.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, "In a word, the new Terminal C is magnificent – an architectural gem that dwarfs the facilities it replaces in size, style and functionality. It represents 21st Century air travel that is world class in every respect – which can now be said of the entire whole new LaGuardia Airport, which six years ago was among the most reviled in the nation. I thank Governor Hochul for her support, the entire Delta team for their indefatigable efforts and the many employees of the Port Authority who collaborated to make this new world-class airport a reality. Today proves what our region can accomplish when we really put our collective will behind such an ambitious goal.”
Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, “Today marks a new beginning for Delta customers and employees at our LaGuardia hub with the opening of this remarkable new terminal. It’s been more than a decade since Delta committed to growing – and winning – in New York, and we’ve been unwavering in our efforts to become New York City’s No. 1 airline. It’s thanks to the 10,000 New York-based Delta people that we’ve been able to invest nearly $7 billion in New York airports since 2010, deliver the products and experiences our New York customers deserve, and become part of the fabric of the New York community that means so much to so many of us.”
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole said, "The Port Authority remains wholly committed to improving its customer experience and its facilities across the region, and here at LaGuardia Airport we are seeing this take shape in a truly remarkable and inspiring fashion. The design of Delta’s new Terminal C creates a bright, welcoming environment for travelers, airline and airport employees. The entire LaGuardia team worked tirelessly toward building a world-class airport, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Inspiring Selection of Concessions
The completed Terminal C will include 80 percent more concession space than Delta’s former terminals with 95 percent of those new concessions located after security, allowing passengers to shop and dine while waiting for their flights. Concessions will include local favorites in partnership with OTG like, Bubby’s, Sunday Supper Trattoria, Chuko Ramen Poppy’s Bagel and Starbucks while Stellar Partners will provide specialty retail stores like Buzzfeed News/, Beekman 1802, MAC, Le Labo, Briggs & Riley, Patricia Nash, Beekman and True to New York. Terminal C will also be home to the newest and largest Delta Sky Club in the system, providing over 34,000 square feet when complete to relax and recharge, with seating for nearly 600 guests.
Art Celebrating the Diversity of Queens and New York
Inspiring public art curated by the Queens Museum to reflect the cultural diversity of Queens will greet passengers as they move through the airport. The six art works are the creations of artists Mariam Ghani, Rashid Johnson, Aliza Nisenbaum, Virginia Overton, Ronny Quevedo, and Fred Wilson. Works include sculptures and painted ceramic murals, that span the building’s multi-floor light-filled entry space, as well as baggage claim and other areas throughout the terminal. Each art work tells a compelling story about the city’s immigrant history, its people, and the importance of celebrating diversity throughout the region.
