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.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major New York Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
There are 1 International Airport in Onondaga County, New York. Syracuse Hancock International Airport - SYR is one of the busiest international airports in the Onondaga County and in the state of New York.
Syracuse Hancock International Airport - Syr
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Onondaga County, New York.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Onondaga County, New York.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Onondaga County, New York.
Local Airports
There are 5 Local Airport in Onondaga County, New York.