The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has received the Forbes Travel Guide’s Verified Air Travel Award, naming LaGuardia Airport as the best airport in the United States. This recognition is based on a survey conducted among 5,000 hospitality and travel experts and frequent fliers. The award marks a significant milestone in LaGuardia's $8 billion transformation from one of the nation's worst airports to its best.
Forbes Travel Guide CEO Hermann Elger presented the award to Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority, during a ceremony held at Terminal C. Suzette Noble, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, and Adam Ryan, Vice President of Airport Operations for Delta Air Lines, were also present. Terminal C was officially completed with a new connector and eight new gates opened ahead of schedule.
Hermann Elger stated, "Being named best U.S. airport in the 2024 Verified Air Travel Awards is especially meaningful because LaGuardia was selected by a panel of thousands of the most discerning travelers in the hospitality industry." He congratulated LaGuardia on setting a new standard for air travel.
Rick Cotton expressed that their mission was to transform LaGuardia into an airport that rivals the best globally. "Accepting this award from Forbes Travel Guide is further proof that with our private partners, Delta Air Lines and LaGuardia Gateway Partners, we have created a new LaGuardia Airport that is no longer a national laughingstock," he said.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole remarked on realizing their goal to create world-class airports across the region: "This award from Forbes Travel Guide...is affirmation of all the hard work."
Ryan Marzullo from Delta Air Lines highlighted their role in rebuilding Terminal C: "At Delta, we’re proud to have played an important role...as this world-class airport plays a vital role in our long-standing commitment to New York."
Suzette Noble praised Forbes Travel Guide for recognizing their efforts: "We are grateful...and we will continue to be an industry leader."
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. noted local contributions: "This incredible achievement would not have been accomplished without...local Queens residents and businesses."
Tom Grech from Queens Chamber of Commerce emphasized aviation's importance: "The transformation...is a testament to the Port Authority’s vision and investment in world-class infrastructure."
Julie Coker from New York City Tourism + Conventions celebrated this milestone: "LaGuardia’s remarkable transformation into a world-class airport is a true milestone."
In addition to being named best airport by Forbes Travel Guide for 2024, LaGuardia received several other accolades over recent years including Skytrax ratings and UNESCO awards. The redevelopment project began in 2015 with substantial completion achieved by 2022.
