Syracuse International Airport was the brainchild of Charles Hanna who became mayor of Syracuse, New York in 1927. His idea to bring an airport to Syracuse is what spawned the 1928 purchase of land in the nearby town of Amboy for $50,000.
Syracuse City Airport at Amboy was first used for airmail and in 1949 the airport was renamed the Clarence E. Hancock Airport, after the former New York congressman.
SYR Airport is wrapping up new construction that cost around $63 million and was entirely funded by Passenger Facility Charges. The project connects Terminal A and B and centralizes passenger screenings. It has also brought various new food and concession choices within the improved facility. The airport is also known for its impressive record for snow related closures. Despite holding the highest record for annual snow fall, SYR closes less than 24 hours a year because of these conditions.
Seven airlines including Delta Air Lines and US Airways fly to and from several domestic and international destinations. Syracuse International Airport transports over 2 million passengers annually.
Parking at SYR includes both an open lot and a garage that together can hold about 4,000 vehicles. There are many hotels conveniently located near the airport. Other amenities include restaurants, conference facilities, on site catering and a barbershop.