We’re continuing our theme week on Stories You Might Have Missed in 2024! In 2024, LaGuardia Airport went from worst to best. For years, its had the reputation of being one of the worst airports in the country, due to its outdated facilities, inefficient air operations, and poor customer service. But last year, an $8 billion renovation project was completed. It expanded 2 of the terminals, added more modern amenities, and increased the number of check-in kiosks and security lanes. In October 2024, Forbes Travel Guide named LaGuardia the top airport in the U.S., based off a survey of hospitality and travel experts, as well as secret inspections. And that’s not the only list it topped last year. A survey of thousands of airline passengers named LaGuardia as number one among midsized airports in the U.S. It received an overall satisfaction score of 4.25 out of 5, which is a 20% jump from 2018, when passengers called it the worst airport in North America.
LaGuardia started operating as a public airport in 1939. It was named after former New York City mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, who advocated for its development. It was the first commercial airport in New York City and at the time it opened, its 6 hangars were the largest in the world. Today, the airport is the 19th-busiest in the country, serving over 32 million passengers in 2023. Learn more in the audio below.