A USD 2 billion plan to build an Air Train connecting New York City Midtown with LaGuardia Airport in Queens has received approval from Federal Authority.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed LaGuardia Airport Access Improvement Project (AirTrain LGA). The agency also opened a 45-day public comment period for the DEIS. It ends on October 5, 2020.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), as the operator of LaGuardia Airport (LGA or Airport), is proposing to construct and operate an automated people mover AirTrain system to provide a time-certain transportation option for air passenger and employee access to LGA. The Port Authority’s proposal would also ensure adequate parking for Airport employees. The proposed project would include passenger stations at LaGuardia Airport that would connect with the Long Island Railroad and the New York City subway system and provide a 30-minute ride from Midtown Manhattan.

LaGuardia airport is the only major East Coast airport lacking the direct rail link. The proposed AirTrain project would provide a convenient, easy-to-use rail connection that offers travelers and employees reliable, predictable travel times to LaGuardia Airport.

If all environmental approvals will be received, the construction of the project could begin in summer 2021 and could be completed by 2025.