SUMMARY
Syracuse International has a plethora of upgrades that are either conceptual, or happening right now. Spokesperson, Jason Mehl
“Our current baggage system is from the 1980s. It’s old, it’s archaic, it’s not keeping up with the amount of bags that we need to process in the morning, or in the evening for that matter.”
The baggage upgrade is in it’s conceptual stages, but right now the airport is building a new home for rental cars. Mehl says this will improve passenger’s airport experience.
We, as the airport authority, get to put all 446 spaces on the first floor of the parking deck back into public circulation”
The Airport saw a record setting 3 million passengers in 2024, with these upgrades looking to improve these passenger’s experiences.
Syracuse International has received over 20 million dollars in a grant, with that money going towards North and South concourse expansion, and an improved international inspection station.
Whether flying domestic, or international, Syracuse Hancock is bringing lots of changes, to better your experience.
Drew Zundell, NCC News.
Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — Syracuse Hancock International Airport has new upgrades in the works for passengers. Jason Mehl, an airport spokesperson, said the airport is relocating its rental car operations to a new consolidated facility. The move will open about 450 parking spots for public use.
The airport has also received grants that are being used to upgrade concourses. Officials have outlined a 20-year development plan aimed at modernizing the travel experience.
Mehl said the airport’s 1980s-era baggage system is outdated and in early stages of being replaced. The goal is to make the passenger experience more efficient.
Mehl said the airport is actively seeking funding for the new baggage system to ensure it meets passenger expectations.
In September 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced more than $200 million in funding for nine upstate airports, including Syracuse. The airport received $20 million, which is being used to upgrade U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection stations and two concourses.
Mehl said the airport has several upgrades planned and recently began construction on the consolidated rental car facility.
He said these improvements will also bring economic benefits to the Syracuse area, including jobs tied to design, construction and long-term operations.
Mehl also said the community played an important role during recent government shutdowns.
“The airport authority ran a food drive for three days. And it was just the outpouring of support from the community members that was just overwhelming,” Mehl said. “It helped the families, the men and women of TSA, just get through another day and feed their families, put gas in their car, and buy all of the day-to-day things that a paycheck typically supports.”
Syracuse Hancock International Airport served a record 3 million passengers in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. That growth came despite Southwest Airlines exiting the market, which previously accounted for more than 10% of passengers.
With passenger traffic at record levels, airport officials say they plan to continue investing in upgrades to accommodate future demand.