Airports in Onondaga County, New York: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Airports in Onondaga County, New York

Onondaga County, New York, is home to Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), the region's primary commercial aviation hub and one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. Located just 5 miles northeast of downtown Syracuse along Colonel Eileen Collins Boulevard in the Town of DeWitt, SYR serves millions of travelers each year with connections to major hubs across the country. In 2024, the airport recorded 3,004,747 passengers — the busiest year in its 75-year history, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 and growing at more than double the national average for commercial airports.

Syracuse Hancock International Airport sits at an elevation of 421 feet above mean sea level and spans approximately 2,000 acres across the towns of DeWitt, Salina, and Cicero. The airport operates under the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority and functions as a joint civil-military facility. Its ICAO identifier is KSYR, and it features two modern asphalt runways capable of handling full-size commercial jet aircraft: Runway 10/28 at 9,014 feet long and Runway 15/33 at 7,500 feet long, both 150 feet wide. Runway 28 is equipped with a Category II Instrument Landing System, while Runway 10 supports a Category I ILS, enabling reliable operations in low-visibility conditions common to central New York winters.

The airport terminal complex includes a main terminal and two concourses — Terminal A and Terminal B — serving regional and mainline routes. Current airline partners include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Allegiant Air, Breeze Airways, and Frontier Airlines. These carriers provide nonstop and connecting service to key destinations including New York–JFK, New York–LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, Boston, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale, among others. The diversity of carriers ensures competitive fares for Onondaga County residents and business travelers alike.

Originally opened on September 17, 1949, the airport was named in honor of Congressman Clarence E. Hancock and replaced an earlier facility at Amboy. Since its founding, it has evolved from a small regional field into a major upstate New York gateway, reflecting the growth of Syracuse as a center for higher education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The 2024 passenger milestone — achieved even after Southwest Airlines exited the airport in August of that year — underscores the airport's strong fundamentals and loyal regional catchment area that spans not just Onondaga County but neighboring Oswego, Madison, Cayuga, and Cortland counties.

Beyond SYR, Onondaga County also hosts several general aviation facilities. These include Camillus Airport (NY2) and Skaneateles Aero Drome (6B9), which serve private pilots, flight training, and light aircraft operations. Private fields such as Woodford Airfield (4NK4) in the Fabius area — a seasonal grass-strip airfield at 1,280 feet elevation with a 2,900-foot runway — cater to ultralight and small-plane operators. The county also has helipad facilities operated by Onondaga County Sheriff's Department (NK55) and SUNY Health Science Center (3NY8), supporting law enforcement and medical aviation needs.

For residents of Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cicero, Manlius, Fayetteville, and other Onondaga County communities, Syracuse Hancock International Airport remains the gateway of choice for domestic travel. Its proximity to Interstate 81, ample short- and long-term parking, and expanding route network make it a practical and competitive alternative to driving to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) or Albany International Airport (ALB). With ongoing infrastructure investments and record passenger volumes, SYR is central to Onondaga County's transportation identity and economic vitality.

Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 6 Airports locations in Onondaga County, New York.

County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.

Residents of Onondaga County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.

You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including Onondaga, Madison, Cortland.

Frequently Asked Questions: Airports in Onondaga County, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How early should I arrive at the airport?

Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.

2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.

3. What is clear at the airport?

Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.

Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.

To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.

4. Are masks required in airports?

The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.

5. Can you bring food through airport security?

Yes, you can bring food through airport security.

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.

Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.

6. How much is airport parking?

The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.

On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.

7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?

Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.

8. Can I sleep in an airport?

Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.

Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.