Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the opening of a new terminal at Watertown International Airport. The 25,000-square-foot terminal includes a large lobby, updated ticketing areas, a modern baggage claim section, and a jet bridge, which will provide covered access for passengers during boarding and deplaning—a first for the airport.
The new terminal is part of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, a $230 million initiative aimed at revitalizing nine upstate airports. The terminal is one of the first projects to be completed under this program. Established in 1928, Watertown International Airport handles over 23,000 enplanements annually and serves as an access point to destinations such as the Thousand Islands, as well as a support hub for Fort Drum.
The Governor’s office stated that the new terminal is designed to serve as a key and functional facility for the airport. New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "When it comes to visiting and experiencing new places, first impressions are everything."
Development at Watertown International Airport will continue beyond the new terminal’s completion. The former terminal, built in 1947, is scheduled for renovation starting this winter. The plan is to repurpose the building to include dining options, offices, and event spaces, while connecting it to the new terminal. The project is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.
