Syracuse Regional Airport Authority

Presented by Solvay Bank

This feature of CEO Insights spotlights local companies that are “Economic Champions” because of their success in adding jobs; expanding their products or services; advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; gaining national recognition or contributing to the success of the region in special ways.

The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA), operator of Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), celebrated a record number of travelers in 2024. The small hub international airport saw more than 3 million travelers, an increase of 5% over 2023, and the busiest year in the airport’s 75-year existence. The SRAA’s eight airline partners added an airport industry-leading number of flights in 2024, more than reconciling the capacity gap left after Southwest Airlines exited the market in August 2024. Also of note, this traffic uptick has occurred before any semiconductor industry travel demand begins.

The airport is a major economic engine for the region, with over $1.8 billion in economic impact. To continue to support economic growth in the region, the SRAA initiated several terminal expansion projects in 2024, including constructing a new, state of the art U.S. Customs Federal Inspection Station (FIS), expanding terminal space, and introducing three new food and beverage options, Qdoba Mexican Eats, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Central New York’s own Miss Prissy's southern cooking. The new FIS, capable of processing 200 passengers per hour, will enable SYR to handle international passenger flights and support international cargo operations upon its completion in early 2025.

The transformation of SYR continues in 2025 with the construction of a new rental car facility, an expanded aircraft deicing pad, taxiway improvements, and other essential infrastructure upgrades. The SRAA team remains committed to serving the region with the highest levels of customer service at our world-class facility.