New York’s LaGuardia Airport, consistently ranked one of the worst in the US, is to get a major overhaul.
The airport, which was likened to an airport in a third world country by US Vice President Joseph Biden last year, will be pulled down and rebuilt.
Work is due to start next year and the first half of the $4bn (£2.5bn) project is due to be completed in 2019.
The second half of the project will be heavily supported by Delta Airlines.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: "New York had an aggressive, can-do approach to big infrastructure in the past – and today, we’re moving forward with that attitude once again.
"We are transforming LaGuardia into a globally-renowned, 21st century airport that is worthy of the city and state of New York."
The new airport (pictured above) will be designed to help reduce waiting times at passenger security screening ‘taking into account the realities of post-9/11 air travel’.
"The facility – both in its individual terminals and the central hall – will also be built with significant height and openness in order to allow for a superior passenger experience, clearer signage, greater use of natural light and overall aesthetic improvements," said the announcement.
"The central hall will also be designed with space for best-in-class passenger amenities in retail, dining, and business and conference centre capabilities, as well as the option to include a 200-room boutique hotel option convenient for travellers."
