Ogdensburg International Airport

Connecting the Community to the Region and Beyond

Expanding Connections, Driving Regional Growth

In the far North Country of New York, Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS) is stepping into a new era. Once known primarily as a small regional facility, OGS is now rapidly transforming into a key driver of connectivity and economic development for both American and Canadian travelers.

Passenger numbers have tripled in the past year, fueled by the arrival of Breeze Airways and a wave of infrastructure improvements. With major renovations nearly complete and new partnerships on the horizon, the airport is positioning itself as a regional gateway that supports not only travel but also business, workforce development, and community engagement.

New Routes, New Energy

When Breeze Airways launched service from Ogdensburg, the change was immediate and dramatic. Offering daily flights to Raleigh and Washington Dulles, along with seasonal service to Orlando International beginning in February, Breeze replaced Contour Airlines and quickly revitalized passenger traffic.

“The response has been incredible,” says Charlie Garrelts, Director of Ogdensburg International Airport. “The reliability and connectivity of Breeze Airways has given people confidence in flying from OGS. We’ve seen passenger numbers climb substantially, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The improved service isn’t just about convenience. With its long runway and ownership under the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, OGS is uniquely positioned to serve both American and Canadian passengers. Despite some impact from tariffs on cross-border travel, the airport continues to attract travelers from Ontario and beyond who see OGS as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative.

Terminal Renovations: Building for the Future

To match the growth in traffic, Ogdensburg is in the midst of a multi-phase terminal renovation, funded through New York State’s Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition.

The second phase, currently underway and scheduled for completion in October, will deliver a larger lobby and check-in area, easing congestion, an expanded TSA screening and concession areas, improving passenger experience, a community event space, designed as a flexible “great room” for both airport functions and local gatherings as well as an extended entrance canopy, ensuring travelers stay dry and comfortable in bad weather.

“These improvements are about more than aesthetics,” Garrelts notes. “They’re about functionality, passenger comfort, and ensuring the airport can continue to grow. We want OGS to be a place the community is proud of.”

Economic Development and Regional Impact

Airports are more than transit hubs—they are economic engines. OGS is working closely with local economic development organizations, tourism boards, and the Chamber of Commerce to strengthen its role in the regional economy.

By increasing connectivity, the airport is making the North Country more attractive to businesses, tourists, and investors. Opportunities range from corporate flights and executive aviation to cargo operations that could take advantage of available airport acreage.

“The airport is a gateway,” Garrelts emphasizes. “When we bring people here, they stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and do business with local companies. That’s a direct economic impact.”

Rising Passenger Numbers

The numbers tell the story. Both passenger traffic and general aviation (GA) operations have risen significantly since Breeze Airways took over service. Higher on-time performance and completion rates compared to the previous carrier have also improved passenger satisfaction.

Charlie attributes this growth to reliability and trust. “When people know flights will run on time and get them where they need to go, they choose OGS. That reliability is crucial for us to compete with larger airports in the region.”

Workforce Development: Inspiring the Next Generation

Like the broader aviation industry, OGS faces challenges in staffing and workforce development. The shortage of pilots, mechanics, and ground staff is well-documented, and Garrelts sees education as the solution.

“There aren’t enough schools with aviation degrees nearby, which makes it harder to attract companies to the area,” he explains. “So we’re taking the initiative to engage with local schools and introduce students to aviation careers.”

These outreach efforts highlight not just piloting, but also the many other career paths available in aviation—maintenance, ground handling, security, and operations. Financial assistance programs for flight training are also being explored, making aviation more accessible to young people who might not otherwise consider it.

The goal is clear: build a local talent pipeline that supports both the airport and the region’s economic development.

The Challenges of Regional Aviation

While the growth at OGS is encouraging, Garrelts acknowledges the challenges that remain. The pilot turnover rate at regional airlines continues to be high, as many pilots move on to major carriers once they reach required flight hours.

This dynamic has long shaped the role of regional carriers, serving as both training grounds and stepping stones in the aviation career ladder. To maintain stability, OGS focuses on maintaining strong partnerships and reliable operations, ensuring passengers continue to choose the airport despite industry-wide challenges.

“People have options,” Garrelts says. “We need to make sure that every interaction at OGS—whether it’s boarding a Breeze flight or attending a community event—is a positive one. That’s how we keep them coming back.”

A Vision for the Next 18 Months

Looking ahead, Garrelt’s priorities for OGS are clear. He articulates his priorities as an immediate push to complete the terminal renovation by the October deadline as well as delivering a facility that can meet rising demand.

He also pinpoints the need to strengthen partnerships with Breeze Airways and explore opportunities to add new routes. Garrelt’s goal also remains to position OGS as a regional driver of tourism and commerce, engaging local businesses and development organizations.

In addition, Garrelts highlights the continued need to expand workforce development initiatives, from school outreach to financial assistance for flight training and exploring new uses for airport acreage, including cargo operations and logistics development.

“This is a pivotal time for us,” Garrelts reflects. “The decisions we make now will shape the airport for the next decade.”

A Personal Passion for Aviation

For Garrelts, the work is more than professional—it’s personal. His enthusiasm for aviation combines a fascination with its technical complexities and an appreciation for its human impact.

“Airports connect people. They connect families, businesses, and communities,” he says.

“That’s what excites me about my role—knowing that what we’re building here at OGS makes a difference in people’s lives.”

With passenger traffic surging, renovations nearing completion, and a vision for the future that integrates connectivity, economic development, and workforce growth, Ogdensburg International Airport is proving its value as a cornerstone of the North Country.

By partnering with airlines, businesses, schools, and the community, OGS is creating an airport that is not just a point of departure, but a regional hub for opportunity.

As Garrelts sums it up: “We’re not just building flights—we’re building futures for this community.”

AT A GLANCE:

Name: Ogdensburg International Airport

What: A thriving airport seeing increased aviation traffic and connecting the region to the world

Where: St Lawrence County, Northern New York

Website: https://ogsair.com/