Starting Monday, crews at Syracuse’s Hancock Airport will begin removing the canopy between the parking garage and terminal. It’s the first phase of a $49 million project to upgrade the airport’s appearance and functionality. Airport Authority Executive Director Christina Callahan says the canopy project will force the closure of the roadway in front of the airport’s entrances.
"We're going to be redirecting passenger drop-off and pick-ups to the north and south terminals. The open lot and the garage will still be accessible, as well as rental car return."
She says signage will in place along Eileen Collins Blvd. leading to the airport. Airport Authority Board Chair Patrick Mannion noted during Friday’s annual meeting that the canopy is just the beginning.
"Over the next 12 months, you'll notice a lot of changes. We'll redo the outside of the airport itself, and everything from what we like to call curb to security will be changed quite significantly."
While they improve the facility and passenger experience, Christina Callahan says they’re constantly seeking additional, affordable air service.
"We are in active discussions with United about direct service to Denver. We're talking to American about restoring Dallas service. We're in front of Southwest as often as we can to talk about this market as an opportunity for them."
She says the reaction is always the same…the airlines want to know what makes Syracuse and Central New York stand out. Callahan says that’s where their collaboration with business, travel, and tourism groups comes into play.
"We are always thinking about and trying to find the best way to elevate our region amongst all the other airports who are vying for the same service when you have a limited number of assets...aircraft."
She says, though, the time is right because the airlines are investing more today in aircraft and facilities than they were several years ago.
