Why Does The New York Area Have So Many Airports?

Summary Many large cities have multiple major airports or hubs. Each of the three main airports in New York serves a specific purpose. Newark recently opened a new terminal, and JFK is undergoing a $19 billion renovation.

Many large cities are served by several different airports, including the likes of London, Beijing, and Tokyo, to name just a few. While this could complicate travel and connections for some travelers, there is a reason why they exist. The New York area has three primary commercial airports: LaGuardia (LGA), John F.

Kennedy International (JFK), and Newark Liberty International (EWR). All three airports opened at different times and for various reasons, but they continue to serve specific roles for the city that never sleeps. With this in mind, let's take a closer look into why exactly the New York area has so many airports.

Multiple airports in one city New York is far from alone in having multiple airports, as, in the US, cities such as Washington DC, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles also have more than one significant hub. The reason for the numerous facilities in New York is somewhat historical and functional. New York Municipal Airport opened in 1929 as a private airfield, but in 1939, due to its proximity to the city, it became a commercial airport.

Love aviation history ? Discover more of our stories here. In 1953, the airport was renamed LaGuardia Airport after the mayor of New York at the time, Fiorello La Guardia. Meanwhile, Newark Liberty Internat.