North Country officials celebrated the unveiling of a newly renovated Ogdensburg International Airport on March 5, 2024, a project aimed at attracting more Canadian travelers to the region. The $25 million upgrade, largely funded by $18 million from New York state, introduces modern amenities designed to enhance the travel experience.
Airport Renovations Enhance Visitor Experience
The renovations at the Ogdensburg facility include a redesigned entrance, updated ticketing counters, improved security, and enhanced waiting areas. Charlie Garrelts, the airport manager, emphasized that these changes focus on convenience and comfort for travelers. “It’s everything from check-in, all the way to getting on the plane,” he noted.
Garrelts expressed his vision for the airport as a standout feature of the North Country, stating, “This space, I think, it’s a true gem in the North Country. It’s the idea I want people to see when they come in to see this airport, it’s ‘wow, this is in the North Country.’” The renovations are part of a broader initiative known as the $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, which aims to improve rural airports throughout New York.
Janet Ho, Assistant Commissioner of Finance and Integrated Modal Services at the state Transportation Department, highlighted the initiative’s objectives. “The goal was to try to bring attention, to invest in these communities so that, when people are flying in, it’s a great experience.” This effort aims to showcase the impact smaller airports can have on local economies.
Reviving Cross-Border Travel
Ogdensburg’s location near the Canadian border positions it as a potential hub for cross-border travel. Garrelts pointed out the importance of Canadian visitors, stating, “Canadians are always our partners and our friends. Getting them in here, using our facility and traveling in the U.S., spending local dollars in the U.S., that’s the very benefits for this community.”
Despite the optimism surrounding the airport’s renovations, officials have noted a decline in Canadian bookings this year, attributed to economic factors, including tariffs. Revenue has seen a downturn as a result, and airport officials hope that the airport’s redesign will encourage Canadians to return.
Currently, through Breeze Airways, travelers from Ogdensburg can fly to destinations such as Washington, D.C., and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Starting in February and continuing through spring break in April, the airline will also offer flights to Orlando. Steve Lawrence, Executive Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, affirmed the airport’s commitment to Canadian travelers, stating, “We really appreciate Canadians and we appreciate their business.”
The improvements at Ogdensburg International Airport represent an investment in the future of travel in the North Country, aiming to foster economic ties and enhance the visitor experience. With modernized facilities and a focus on customer service, local officials hope to reignite interest among Canadian travelers and promote the region as a welcoming destination.
