New York State is a big state. While most people hear “New York” and think of New York City and its three area airports, upstate New York has a lot to offer. But “upstate” is a broad term, and even those traveling from one part of New York to another may consider flying. Below is a list of airports servicing popular areas of upstate New York.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport
4200 Genesee Street
Cheektowaga, New York
As its name implies, Buffalo Niagara International Airport services the Buffalo/Niagara region of upstate New York.
The city of Buffalo is a bit isolated. It is approximately 400 miles from New York City, 500 miles from Boston and 550 miles from Chicago. As such, those traveling domestically in the US to Buffalo from a distant major city will very likely fly and not drive. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a midsized airport and is the gateway to those wishing to visit Niagara falls, the Great Lakes of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario (Buffalo sits between both) and, at times, nearby Toronto. Other area locations are the Buffalo Zoo, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park and Martin’s Fantasy Island.
Its website says that Buffalo Niagara International Airport averages 100 daily flights with nonstop service to eighteen cities. Thirteen airlines fly in and out of the airport, including major carriers such as United, US Airways, American, Continental and Jet Blue.
Adirondack Regional Airport
96 Airport Road
Saranac Lake, New York
As its name implies, the Adirondack Regional Airport provides the easiest access to New York’s Adirondack Mountains and all the attractions that go with that, including Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Lake Placid and the Whiteface Region.
Adirondack Regional Airport is the main airport for the Tri-Lakes area of Upstate New York. As with most smaller regional airports, flying into Adirondack Regional Airport is generally more expensive and there are fewer options. However, the closest major airport to the Adirondack Regional Airport is the Albany International Airport, which is nearly 300 miles away.
CapeAir is the main airline flying into Adirondack Regional Airport, with three arrivals and departures each day from the Boston area. Adirondack Regional Airport caters to private planes and has the standard types of services one would expect at a small airport such as this.
Adirondack Regional Airport offers two car rental services: Hertz and Enterprise.
Albany International Airport
737 Albany Shaker Road
Albany, New York
Albany International Airport is a major airport in the capital region of upstate New York. In addition to Albany’s status as a political and business center, nearby attractions include Saratoga Springs, with its colleges and racetrack, dozens of great golf courses and cultural and entertainment events ranging from rock concerts at the Albany Civic theatre to the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
Albany International Airport reflects the diversity and offerings of the area itself; there are a wide range of restaurant options and upscale shops located right in the airport. The airport in 2008 is in the midst of a major renovation that will further modernize the facilities and bring about a number of improvement for travelers and the airlines themselves.
Albany International Airport offers non-stop service to approximately 17 cities and connecting flights to another 20. Air Canada, American Eagle, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways are the major airlines flying in and out of Albany International Airport.
Syracuse Hancock International Airport
1000 Colonel Eileen Collins Boulevard
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse Hancock International Airport services the Syracuse region of upstate New York. Major carriers such as American Eagle, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, United Express and US Airways fly in and out of this mid-sized upstate New York airport.
Syracuse is well known for Syracuse University and much of the traffic in and out of this airport is related to the school.
Rochester International Airport
1200 Brooks Avenue
Rochester, NY
Rochester International Airport provides service in and out of the Rochester region of upstate New York. Smaller than Buffalo and Albany, but conveniently located for those flying to Rochester, American Airlines and Northwest fly each day in and out of this northern upstate New York airport. All flights go to one of three Midwestern cities, including Detroit, Michigan; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Chicago, Illinois.
Saratoga County Airport
410 Greenfield Avenue
Ballston Spa, New York
Saratoga County Airport, in the Saratoga region of upstate New York, is a general aviation airport, meaning that no military or scheduled airline flights fly into it. If you are flying on a private plane, this is a small airport suited to chartered flights only. It is not far from Albany and nearby to Saratoga Springs.
Sullivan County International Airport
County Road 183A
White Lake, New York
Located about 90 miles from New York City, in Bethel, New York Sullivan County International Airport is a small general aviation airport with no scheduled commercial flights. This upstate New York airport is nearby to the popular destination of Monticell, New York and the Catskill mountains.
Stewart International Airport
1035 1st Street #138
New Windsor, New York
Stewart International Airport, run by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is one of the best ways to fly to the Catskills and Hudson Valley regions of upstate New York. Direct flights to and from Atlanta, Georgia; Detroit, Michigan; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Tampa, Florida and West Palm Beach, Florida are available. This is a convenient mid-sized airport with reasonable food options and amenities, including popular chains and spacious terminals. Major airlines such as AirTran, Delta, jetBlue, Northwest Airline and US Airways fly in to Stewart International Airport.
Tompkins County Airport
72 Brown Road
Ithaca, New York
Serving the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York, The Tompkins Regional Airport in Ithaca is a small regional airport. Northwest Airlines, US Airways Express and United Airlines provide service to and from Philadelpha, Pennslyvania; Laguardia airport in New York City; and Detroit, Michigan.
Plattsburgh International Airport
7061 Route 9
Plattsburgh, New York
Billing itself as “Montreal’s US Airport” on its website, Plattsburgh International Airport provides access to one of the more beautiful areas of upstate New York. Nearby attractions include Montreal, Lake Champlain and Lake Placid. The airport itself is modern and convenient. Flights are available to and from Boston, Massachusetts; Orlando Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Greater Binghamton Regional Airport
2534 Airport Road
Johnson City, New York
US Airways, Northwest and United Express fly into this small airport servicing the Binghamton area of upstate New York. Direct flights are available to Detroit, Michigan; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.
Elmira Corning Regional Airport
276 Sing Sing Road
Horseheads, New York
Elmira Corning Regional Airport services the central and western regions of upstate New York, and through Northwest and US Airways, offers direct flights into Philadelphia and Detroit. This upstate New York airport is near to the Watkins Glen racetrack, a popular destination for Nascar fans, particularly for the Watkins Glen Grand Prix.
