Skift Take
A global transformation has taken place at airports turning previously stark hubs into mini-cities with local food and shopping options. The mix of political and commercial stakeholders in charge of New York City airports has slowed its similar progress; however, all parties are now realizing the importance in quickly improving the flyer experience.
New York-area airports became a national mockery earlier this year when Vice President Joe Biden likened LaGuardia Airport to that of a third-world country.
These empty, confusing spaces that bookend trips to New York City have long been a blight on visitors’ and locals’ travel experience.
Biden's comments lit a spark under state officials -- at least their defensive side. New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio defended the airport, praising airport employees' hard work, and Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced a $500,000 design contest for John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs the airports, had recently announced it would spend $8 billion on improvements and construction at the two facilities and Newark-Liberty International over the next 10 years.
Outside of these plans and promises; however, there’s been real transformation slowly spreading from terminal to terminal from LaGuardia to Newark.
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