Alerts Sign-up
New York City, a major hub for air travel, is home to several large airports. Among them is LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which has recently gained recognition as one of the most underrated airports in the country. Earlier this year, LaGuardia was named the best airport in North America for domestic and short-haul international travel by Skytrax. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, remarked on LaGuardia's transformation: "LaGuardia Airport’s evolution over the past decade is nothing short of extraordinary."
This accolade follows an $8 billion renovation project that significantly improved the airport's facilities. Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, stated: "A decade ago, the suggestion that LaGuardia Airport would one day be recognized on the world stage as the best regional airport in North America would have been laughable."
LaGuardia began as a private seaplane base in 1929 and grew significantly under Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. The airport was officially opened in December 1939 and became a state-of-the-art facility with four runways. Despite facing challenges like overcrowding and outdated infrastructure throughout much of its history, recent renovations have turned it into a popular choice among travelers.
