Airports Serving Schenectady County, New York
Schenectady County, home to 158,061 residents and anchored by the City of Schenectady with a population of 67,047, benefits from exceptional air travel access through two airports: Albany International Airport (ALB), the region's primary commercial hub just 10 miles away, and Schenectady County Airport (SCH), a full-service general aviation facility located 3 miles north of downtown Schenectady. Whether you're a business traveler connecting to major U.S. cities or a private pilot operating out of a locally owned facility, Schenectady County's airport infrastructure delivers reliable options for every type of traveler.
Albany International Airport (ALB) — Primary Commercial Gateway
Albany International Airport, located at 737 Albany Shaker Road in neighboring Albany County, serves as the chief commercial airport for all of the Capital Region, including Schenectady County. With IATA code ALB and ICAO code KALB, the airport sits just 10 miles and approximately 16 minutes by road from the heart of Schenectady — making it one of the most accessible major airports in upstate New York.
In 2025, Albany International set a record with just under 1.6 million departing passengers, surpassing its previous record of 1.56 million set in 2004. This growth reflects the airport's expanding route network and rising demand from the Capital Region's population base. The airport operates a single passenger terminal with four concourses — A, B, C, and the Main Terminal — offering more than 25 nonstop domestic destinations.
Airlines serving ALB include Southwest Airlines (which holds roughly one-third of the airport's market share), American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Allegiant Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and Breeze Airways. Nonstop routes connect Schenectady County travelers to major hubs including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago O'Hare, Charlotte Douglas, Philadelphia, Orlando, Denver, and New York metro area airports.
Albany International is currently undergoing significant capital investment. Concourse A's six gates are receiving a $13.36 million upgrade scheduled for 2026, and a $100 million main terminal expansion project is also slated for completion in 2026. These improvements will enhance passenger capacity and modernize the facility serving Schenectady County residents for decades to come.
Schenectady County Airport (SCH) — General Aviation and Military Hub
Schenectady County Airport (IATA: SCH, ICAO: KSCH) is a county-owned, public-use airport established in 1927 and situated on 680 acres, 3 nautical miles north of downtown Schenectady at an elevation of 378 feet above sea level. While it does not offer scheduled commercial airline service, SCH is a vital general aviation reliever airport that handles an average of 163 flight operations daily.
The airport features two primary runways: Runway 4/22 at 7,001 feet by 150 feet, and Runway 10/28 at 4,850 feet by 150 feet, both surfaced in asphalt. Operations are split approximately 90% general aviation, 8% military, and 2% air taxi. Major tenants at SCH include Stratton Air National Guard Base (home of the 109th Airlift Wing), Richmor Aviation, Fortune Air, the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, the Armed Forces Reserve Center, and Schenectady County Community College's aviation and air traffic controller training programs. The airport also hosts the Schenectady County Airport Business Park, making it a key economic driver within the county.
Ground Transportation: Schenectady County to Albany Airport
Residents of Schenectady County traveling to Albany International Airport have multiple transportation options. By car, the 10-mile drive typically takes about 16 minutes. Public transit options include a combination of Capital District Transportation Authority bus routes (Line 905 and Line 117), with a transit time of approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes at fares starting from $2. Taxi, rideshare, and private shuttle services are also widely available. Schenectady's Amtrak station, located 10 miles from ALB, provides an additional regional connection for travelers combining rail and air travel.
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.
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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady County, New York.
Local Airports
There are 7 Local Airport in Schenectady County, New York.