Port Authority plans improvements for Stewart airport

The US state of New York could become more accessible over the coming years with the improvement of Stewart International Airport.

One year after taking control of the airport, which is an hour north of New York City, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reaffirmed its commitment to the hub.

The Port Authority said that its "key goal" is to expand the airport to help meet the region's growing economic and aviation needs and reduce congestion at the metropolitan area's three major hubs - John F Kennedy Airport, Newark and La Guardia.

Chris Ward, executive director of the Port Authority, said: "We need to imagine what we want Stewart to be 30 years from now and how it will serve as an engine of jobs and economic growth in the Hudson Valley.

"The development plan will take advantage of Stewart Airport's unique size and location while taking into account the sensitive community and environmental concerns of the surrounding area."

Over the next ten years, some $500 million (£312 million) will be invested in improving Stewart International Airport, which will help to improve customer access to the hub and reduce its environmental impact.

Stewart International will see its flight network boosted this week when US Airways launches a new flight from the airport.

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