Turner kicks off $100M Albany airport revamp

Turner Construction has broken ground on a $100 million renovation at Albany International Airport in upstate New York, according to an Aug. 11 news release.

The project is part of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $230 million push to revitalize nine airports across the state. The renovation will receive $60 million from that program.

The additional $40 million will come from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a news release from Hochul’s office.

Originally opened in 1928, the renovation will alleviate congestion at the nation’s oldest municipal airport and enhance passenger flow. According to Hochul’s office, improvements will include:

• Installation of a 30 KW solar array on the rooftop and new energy-efficient LED lighting system throughout the project area.
• Revitalized airline ticketing, baggage claim and concession areas.
• Removal of the existing rotunda and pedestrian bridge to construct a new main entrance with glass curtainwall and the installation of lightweight, translucent canopies.
• Relocation and expansion of existing security checkpoint and passenger recomposing areas.
• Airside marketplace expansion and creation of additional circulation and seating areas.
• New children’s play zone.
• Updates to the conference facilities and public arts area.
• Installation of multisensory calming room.
• Expansion of the landside connector between the airport and the parking garage.
• Upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

The project will also help prevent passenger backups from the security screening area.

“Ask anyone who has flown out of Albany International Airport during peak hours and they will tell you the line for security can often back up into the pedestrian walkway and even all the way to the parking garage,” Schumer said in the release. “While the airport is vibrant and growing, it was built long before modern TSA security screening, and for years has been in desperate need of expansion.”

Work is expected to be completed in early 2025.