The 'Airport City': Outdated or Futuristic?

Back in the 60s NYC airports led the way in luxury and comfort...

Fifty years ago, New York’s airports were the height of fashion, luxury and technology.  In fact LaGuardia was voted ‘the greatest airport in the world’ in 1960 by the worldwide aviation community.  The airports typified the notion of the Golden Age of Flying. 

JFK Airport. Photo credit: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Time Magazine published an article in 1960 which referred to New York International Airport at Idlewild (JFK) as ‘the most glittering airport showcase.’  The article, entitled “Airport Cities: Gateways to the Jet Age,” discussed the growing demand for aerotropolises – new urban spaces located on airport property which supplied travelers with a full range of services and amenities, including hotels, bars and restaurants.   

Fifty years later, Time Magazine has completely reversed the position of our airports.  Writing once again on the subject of airport cities, New York’s JFK is described as ‘hopelessly lost in the past.’[1] 

JFK Terminal 4. Photo credit: wikipedia.com

While the Golden Age of Flying may have ended, the airport city is not a thing of the past.  Other cities are attracting both business and leisure travelers by providing resort-like facilities to accommodate their visitors in a Golden Age Revival of sorts.  

Manchester, a growing metropolis in North West England, is a prime example.  The British Government has welcomed Chinese investment in the hopes that a new and improved airport will attract both domestic and foreign business.  The investment will take the form of hotels, offices, manufacturing firms, logistics and warehouses among other amenities.

Manchester Airport. Photo credit: macdonaldandcompany.com

Although the investment structure may be somewhat unusual, airport development is not.  In fact, some global airports have gone even further to ensure that the passenger experience is the best it can be.  For example, Incheon International Airport in South Korea is home to an ice rink, a movie theater, and a casino as well as six themed gardens among other exotic and entertaining facilities.[2] 

The ice rink, known at the Ice Forest, at Incheon International Airport. Photo credit: airport.kr

In order to remain a competitive global player, New York must endeavor to create a more hospitable airport environment.  It’s time to raise the bar and set the standard and for New York area airports to foster the same excitement and opportunity that they were once known for.   

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[1] Time Magazine, “Think of Your Airport asa City – but Nicer,” 2011.  
[2] Global Gateway Alliance, “Top Airport Amenities: Top Amenities at Global Airports,” 2014.