The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced that Skytrax, an international airport rating organization, has named LaGuardia Airport as the best airport in North America for domestic and short-haul international travel. This honor was given at the 2025 World Airport Awards, which took place during the Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, Spain.
Skytrax is known for its global airport customer satisfaction survey, considered a significant benchmark for the airport industry. More than 100 nationalities participated in the survey for the 2025 awards, which ran from August 2024 to February 2025, assessing airport service and facilities across the globe.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton commented, “A decade ago, the suggestion that LaGuardia Airport would one day be recognized on the world stage as the best regional airport in North America would have been laughable.” He added, “But the Port Authority and our private partners have built what we promised – a world-class airport.”
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole stated, “This prestigious award from Skytrax is another affirmation of the hard work and extraordinary vision that the Port Authority and our partners have invested to reimagine what LaGuardia Airport could be.”
Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted noted, “LaGuardia Airport’s evolution over the past decade is nothing short of extraordinary.”
LaGuardia Gateway Partners' Suzette Noble remarked on the recognition, saying, “We are so incredibly honored for LaGuardia to be recognized as the best regional airport in North America at the Skytrax World Airport Awards.”
Delta Air Lines' Ryan Marzullo emphasized, “Delta is proud to have played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of our home at LaGuardia – Terminal C.”
This transformation of LaGuardia Airport is part of a larger $30 billion overhaul of the Port Authority's airports, which includes Newark Liberty International and John F. Kennedy International Airports.
LaGuardia’s Terminal B, along with Newark Liberty’s Terminal A, has received multiple accolades, such as 5-star ratings from Skytrax. Other recognitions include the UNESCO Prix Versailles for Exterior Design and various prestigious awards from different institutions. The redevelopment project of LaGuardia Airport, which began in 2015 and saw major developments completed by 2022, focused on creating a modern passenger experience through innovations in customer amenities, state-of-the-art architecture, and expanded gate areas.
Skytrax commenced its World Airport Awards in 1999, and the LaGuardia recognition confirms the significant improvements achieved through the redevelopment initiative. The project is substantially co-financed through private funding and passenger fees, highlighting a successful public-private collaboration.
