A trip back in time: LaGuardia Airport

In the 1930’s, current Mayor of New York City, Fiorello H. La Guardia knew New York City needed a large airport of it’s own. At the time, people flying to New York had to go to Newark Airport then travel on to New York. Since the 1920’s a small private airport was built in an area known as North Beach. It wasn’t large enough to accommodate larger planes. La Guardia knew that a large airport would mean more tourists to the city. But he needed to raise money. He convinced the city and federal government to give him money by getting the people of New York City behind him. One tactic he used was, once on a flight from Chicago he refused to get off the plane in Newark. He claimed the ticket said “Chicago to New York” and he was not in New York. So he stayed on the plane surrounded by reporters who would later write about it in their newspapers. With his enthusiasm and tireless efforts Mayor La Guardia was able to transform the small North Beach Airport to a spectacular airport known as La Guardia.

Connecting Airlines

The following links and phone numbers are based on the most current information available. Please confirm terminals with airline.

You may link to airlines appearing in blue by clicking on them.