New York City, USA

LaGuardia Airport Terminal B | LGA

As one of the lead members of LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), Vantage spearheaded the $5.1 billion transformation of LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, one of the largest transportation infrastructure projects completed in US history. We completed the complex construction program on time and on budget and are managing and operating Terminal B through a long-term lease with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The Terminal has received prestigious recognition, including Skytrax Best New Airport Terminal in the World in 2023 – making it the first North American terminal to achieve this highest ranking. Terminal B has also maintained Skytrax’s coveted perfect 5 Star Terminal status since opening (2023 – 2025.)

LaGuardia Terminal B is empty of travelers but has a blue mural and art installation.

An overhead view of the Eastern Concourse retail section of the Laguardia Airport terminal.

The exterior of Terminal B at LaGuardia with airplane driving under the pedestrian walkway.

Flight information display board in the eating and shopping area of the terminal

One of the Largest Transportation Infrastructure Projects Completed in US Aviation History

With its proximity to New York City, LaGuardia Airport is a key transportation hub and a critical part of the US airport system.

When it first opened in 1964, LaGuardia’s Central Terminal was a spacious, modern facility. But by 2011, passenger travel had increased by nearly 100%, stressing the original facility.

In 2011, the Port Authority sought private partners to help design, build, finance, and manage a new Terminal B— supporting the extraordinary growth in air travel and New York City’s continued dominance as a top destination.

Visit the LaGuardia Airport Terminal B website

Delivering an Exceptional Experience for Everyone

By devising a creative and enduring terminal design that maximized LaGuardia’s constrained footprint and minimized construction disruption, Vantage integrated critical elements of airport infrastructure and design to create an award-winning travel experience.

Challenge

The 1964 Central Terminal Building was designed to handle eight million passengers. But by 2011, passenger travel had increased be nearly 100%, stressing the original facility. LaGuardia Terminal B needed modernization to meet growing passenger traffic, address aircraft congestion, and improve the experience for both guests and employees.

Solution

Harnessing the expertise from across our network and alongside our partners, Vantage and LGP partners developed an integrated, complex, and comprehensive plan to give New Yorkers an airport terminal deserving of a world-class destination.

Results

Completed in 2023, the new LaGuardia Terminal B features an 850,000 square foot Arrivals & Departures Hall, state-of-the-art centralized passenger screening, NYC-inspired shopping and dining, a collection of commissioned artwork, and two elevated glass passenger skybridges connecting to satellite concourses. Terminal B earned top marks from Skytrax in 2023 with Best New Airport Terminal in the World – making it the first North American terminal to achieve this highest ranking, along with a perfect 5 Star Terminal rating since opening (2023-2025.)

Woman approaching the security checkin point with an overarching digital display with helpful information to plan travel.

Water feature in the terminal food court area

A World-Class Airport for a World-Class City

Record-setting in many ways, the Terminal B transformation is also a catalyst for future airport and transportation development pursuits, harnessing the power of strong partnerships between public and private companies to create best-in-class solutions.

$5.1B

Terminal redevelopment, one of the largest transportation public-private partnerships completed in US aviation history

1.3M

Square footage of new Terminal B

16.7M

Total passengers traveling through Terminal B in 2024

$910M

Value of construction contracts awarded to local, minority and women-owned businesses

Four men in suits pose with a large award that reads "5 star terminal, SkyTrax" awarded to the Terminal B of LaGuardia Airport.

We are delighted to be able to confirm the latest 5-Star Airport Terminal Rating for Terminal B LaGuardia Airport, making it one of 22 airports and terminals worldwide to achieve this highest 5-Star Rating. Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport offers customers an excellent range of facilities, with excellent wayfinding and signage, high standards of staff service and some very nice design and art features. In addition to some excellent airline lounges, the Chase Sapphire Lounge opened in early 2024 delivers an excellent standard to match the 5-Star Rating of Terminal B. Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted

Edward Plaisted

CEO, Skytrax

A Ground-Breaking Terminal Redevelopment Solution

Alongside our partners, Vantage developed a bold vision for Terminal B, integrating design, management and operations, airline engagement, and financing strategies to reduce risk and ensure success.

Designed an iconic and functional terminal

One of the most complex US terminal redevelopments ever undertaken, Vantage conceived of an enduring design featuring a central hall, connected to two satellite concourses by elevated skybridges.

Minimized disruption and optimized transitions

By building behind, over top, and in front of the existing terminal, construction took place without disrupting ongoing airport operations.

Accelerated construction schedules

Vantage’s bold vision accelerated project timing and enhanced operational efficiency, maximizing footprint, and reducing capital and operating costs.

Improved efficiency for airlines

Vantage prioritized airline engagement and built an innovative and deliverable commercial rates and charges strategy that met airline priorities.

Delivered an exceptional experience

Premium NYC-centric dining and shopping, custom artwork, innovative water feature, and spacious light-filled gate areas redefine the guest experience.

Prioritized sustainability in construction and operations

From demolition through construction and management, we prioritized environment and sustainability. Construction material recycling, energy-efficient baggage systems, and a solar hot water system are hallmarks of the Terminal B transformation.

Strand bookstore location in walk through retail

An airport custodian cleans seat at a gate.

An employee smiles at a traveler while they checkout with snacks.

A Place of Pride for All New Yorkers

We know from experience that when our solutions incorporate diverse values and the needs of local partners and the community, we create better outcomes.

Terminal B reflects and celebrates the communities it serves. Through construction, the transformation created thousands of local jobs and awarded nearly $1 billion in contracts to Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise partners. And recently, Terminal B was awarded Gold certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation for terminal accessibility.

An Award-Winning Gateway Worthy of New York City

LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B has established new standards of excellence for US airport transformations. Its many awards and accolades recognize every aspect of the transformation, from design and financing to customer experience and sustainability.