The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport has made some big changes recently! We’ve expanded, modernized, and upgraded our amenities to maximize customer experience. Our $34.8 million project, which more than doubled the size of the terminal, was completed in December of 2019. With millions of dollars invested into the project, you may ask, what’s new? Read below and check out the photos to find out!

New Gate Area

A major part of the renovation was the addition of a new gate area, which was added onto the existing terminal. This area includes a large ramp/walkway, more seating, numerous charging ports, new restrooms, a living wall, and a full-service bar. Other features of this space include the Tommy model plane suspended from the ceiling and a runway-facing glass wall that allows passengers to view air traffic on the runway. This new area brings the total number of gates to six.

Jet Bridges

An important addition to our airport is three new passenger jet bridges, bringing our total up to four. These bridges will completely eliminate the need for passengers to walk outside to get from their gate to the jet or vice versa. In our cold and snowy Upstate NY winters, our passengers will always stay warm, safe, and covered.

Conference Rooms

Two conference rooms were included in the renovation; one large and one small, both directly across from the non-secure Café. They are equipped with the latest technology to accommodate all user needs. These conference rooms will be available for anyone in the community to reserve and utilize. Rates and availability coming soon!

Catering for your meeting can be provided by The Flying Rooster Kitchen. Order fresh, made from scratch sandwiches and meals prepared directly on site. Locally roasted specialty coffee and espresso supplied from Ithaca Coffee Company also available.

Indoor Playground / Play Area

On the non-secure side of our airport we’ve installed a playground for our little travelers and visitors. The structure sits on a padded floor and is surrounded by seating for parents and guardians to comfortably observe. There are also several touchscreens in this area equipped with fun, interactive activities.

Military Courtesy Room

A Military Courtesy Room has been installed so that ITH can provide servicemen and women and veterans with a comfortable space to wait and rest for flights or transportation. The space includes couches, cable TV, a sink, microwave and more.

Pet Relief Area

A new pet relief room has been added to the secure side of our airport for travelers to take their pets before or after flights, complete with green turf and a red fire hydrant.

Security Enhancements

Major security enhancements were also part of the renovation project, including the relocation and update of TSA baggage screening so that it is now compliant with post-9/11 security requirements. An additional lane has also been added for passenger security to alleviate wait times. TSA Pre-Check is also an option at ITH now in the form of a blended lane. Using standard lanes to screen both TSA Pre-Check and non-TSA Pre-Check travelers, blended lanes increase the number of locations where TSA Pre-Check travelers receive full benefits of the program.

Canopy

We’ve Installed a new, translucent, curved top canopy structure along the front entrance of our airport, along with new lettering that illuminates at night.

Café

Enjoy fresh, made from scratch meals and locally roasted specialty coffee and espresso at The Flying Rooster Kitchen. Open to the public as well as airport guests. Let us cater your meeting!

 

 

Other updates include:

• Construction of a new 5,000-square-foot Federal Customs Facility
• Solar canopy covered parking system for the terminal parking lot
• Installation of new plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, mechanical and electrical systems
• Installation of a new geothermal water-source heat pump system to reduce natural gas usage for the terminal and Customs facility
• Outdoor seating area and more!

 

All photos by Robert A. Stanton of Streeter Associates.