The terminal at Stewart, truly an international airport with the startup of service to europe last June
ALBANY – Despite including a name change for Stewart International
Airport to New York International at Stewart Field in his recent state
of the state message, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday it was not
his idea. In fact, he told Mid-Hudson News he would be open to any
change.
“It was part of the airport’s plan to expand and go from beyond a regional airport to a New York City-related airport, but I would be open to any name. I mean, it wasn’t my decision.”
A new release from Cuomo’s office in December read: “The governor’s proposal to change the name to New York International at Stewart Field will help attract additional flight service to the region and increase name recognition among residents and visitors.”
The Stewart family is opposed to that proposed name, noting that the contract that handed the airport to the Port Authority over 10 years ago included a clause that the name would remain Stewart International Airport for the entire 93-year length of the agreement with the state Department of Transportation, the landlord of the airport.
The governor’s proposed $34 million investment in Stewart would include a US Customs and Border Protection inspection station for incoming international travelers.
