NY Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the opening of the new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall at LaGuardia Airport that includes new security and safety initiatives.
The 850,000-square-foot, four-story Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall includes local concessions, large, modern restrooms and a New York-inspired shopping district. By virtue of its size, says a release, terminal presents greater opportunities to move passengers more safely and efficiently with improved distancing during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, including more space for check-in, security and baggage claim, along with new innovations in contactless technology and an increased focus on cleanliness and disinfection.
"The opening of the new Arrivals and Departures Hall at Terminal B is the biggest milestone to date in the transformation of LaGuardia Airport into a world-class transportation hub that is worthy of New York State," Governor Cuomo said. "As we continue to upgrade and modernize this airport for the 21st century, this new state-of-the-art hall will offer passengers a unique travel experience with new concessions, traveler amenities and art installations by four of the world's leading artists, while increasing space for passengers to move more safely and efficiently during and after the COVID-19 pandemic."
The new Terminal B departures level is dramatically larger and offers four check-in islands with 75 individual check-in kiosks and a central oversize bag check-in station. There are 16 designated security lanes – three times the space for security checks. Signage in the TSA queue displays passenger wait times and allows queue zones to be adjusted based on passenger demand.
Security screening at LaGuardia's new Terminal B now includes three technology systems to expedite screening while prioritizing the safety of passengers. Checked baggage is screened using an Artificial Intelligence-based, robotic assisted convenience system that quickly troubleshoots and diverts high-risk baggage for deeper inspection. Passengers with carry-on baggage will notice a new automated bin sequencing and retrieval system as they go through the TSA check point. New body screening and metal detecting equipment is user friendly, has larger screening areas that eliminate the need to raise arms overhead and features the most advanced imaging technology, says the release.
Rick Cotton, Executive Director, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said, "The opening of the first new Arrivals and Departure Hall is a major milestone in delivering on Governor Cuomo's vision for a brand new, world-class, 21st century LaGuardia Airport that the region deserves. We thank the contractors, subcontractors, and union construction workers who worked thorough the pandemic to deliver this extraordinary building on time and on budget. Today's opening should be a shining symbol of the region's potential for a strong economic recovery with the vitality of New York before COVID-19."
