Historic LaGuardia Airport terminal deserted after Spirit Airlines shutdown
Gothamist • • general
Key Points:
- Spirit Airlines' sudden shutdown led to the closure of LaGuardia Airport's Marine Air Terminal, leaving the historic terminal largely deserted with gates and services shut down.
- The Marine Air Terminal, a landmarked Art Deco building opened in 1940 and originally serving Pan American Airlines, now remains open only for a private aviation lounge, with no current plans for a new airline tenant.
- The terminal holds historical significance, featuring a restored WPA mural and memorabilia honoring American aviation, and was once a hub for international flights and wartime security innovations.
- Spirit Airlines' collapse was influenced by rising energy costs linked to the Iran war and unsuccessful restructuring efforts, with a failed last-minute purchase attempt by former President Donald Trump.
- The Port Authority plans to renovate the terminal's 1980s concourse while preserving its historic elements, aiming to maintain the terminal's legacy and functionality amid ongoing airport upgrades.
