Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a public airport located in Cheektowaga, New York, serving the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area and Western New York. Owned and operated by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, it is the third-busiest airport in the State of New York by passenger traffic. The facility serves as a focus city for Southwest Airlines and a base for operations by several other major carriers, connecting the region to destinations across North America.

History

The airport's origins trace to the 1926 opening of the Buffalo Municipal Airport on the site, which was a major stop for early airmail routes operated by companies like Transcontinental Air Transport. During World War II, the site was requisitioned by the United States Army Air Forces and operated as a training base. Following the war, control reverted to the city, and significant expansion began in the 1950s with the construction of a new terminal designed by the firm of Minoru Yamasaki. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority assumed ownership in 1994 and oversaw a complete reconstruction, culminating in the opening of a new, larger terminal building in 1997, which replaced the aging Yamasaki-designed structure.

Facilities

The airport sits on 1,000 acres and features a single, modern passenger terminal with two concourses and 14 gates. The main terminal houses ticketing, baggage claim, and security checkpoints, while Concourse A and Concourse B serve all commercial flights. The airfield has two asphalt runways, the primary being Runway 5/23, which is 8,829 feet long. Other facilities include a Federal Inspection Services facility for international arrivals, a United States Customs and Border Protection preclearance location for flights from Canada, and a general aviation area operated by Prior Aviation Service. The terminal offers a variety of dining and retail options, including local favorites like Anchor Bar.

Airlines and destinations

The airport is a focus city for Southwest Airlines, which operates numerous flights to cities like Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, and Orlando. Other major carriers include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and JetBlue. Air Canada and its regional partner Air Canada Express provide service to Toronto Pearson International Airport. Seasonal and year-round destinations cover a broad network, including hubs like Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport, as well as leisure spots such as Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport and Tampa International Airport.

Statistics

In 2023, the airport handled over 5.2 million passengers, making it one of the busiest in the state. Southwest Airlines consistently carries the largest share of passengers, followed by Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. The top domestic destinations historically include Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Cargo operations are served by carriers like FedEx Express and UPS Airlines. The airport has experienced significant growth since the terminal expansion, recovering robustly from the downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ground transportation

The airport is accessible via the New York State Thruway and Interstate 90, with direct connections to Downtown Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Public bus service is provided by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority on several routes, including direct service to the University at Buffalo. Numerous rental car agencies operate on-site facilities, and taxi, Uber, and Lyft services are readily available. The airport also features extensive short-term and long-term parking options, including a covered parking garage adjacent to the terminal.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record. One notable incident occurred in 2009 when Colgan Air Flight 3407, operating as a Continental Connection flight from Newark Liberty International Airport, crashed in Clarence Center, New York, during its approach, tragically claiming 50 lives. This accident led to significant changes in Federal Aviation Administration regulations regarding pilot training and fatigue. In 2013, a Southwest Airlines flight made an emergency landing due to a cracked windshield, with no injuries reported.