Albany International Airport began construction on September 9, 2026, after temporarily closing its cell‑phone parking lot. The work marks the start of a project designed to increase the lot’s capacity from the existing 32 spaces to a total of 67 spaces.
The cell‑phone lot provides a short‑term waiting area for drivers whose passengers are on incoming flights. By allowing vehicles to park temporarily rather than drive around the airfield, the lot helps reduce congestion on airport roadways and on the runway‑access roads while travelers await baggage claim.
The airport’s announcement indicated that the construction will proceed while the lot remains closed, with no alternative parking designated for the affected drivers. Airport officials have not provided a specific completion date, but they expect the expanded facility to become operational once the additional 35 spaces are finished.
The increase to 67 spaces is intended to accommodate a larger number of drivers as passenger traffic grows at Albany International Airport. The expansion reflects the airport’s effort to improve the flow of vehicles during peak arrival periods and to reduce the likelihood of vehicles queuing on nearby streets.
During the construction phase, airport operations and other parking areas continue to function as usual. The project represents the most significant change to the cell‑phone lot since its original installation, aiming to better serve motorists waiting for arriving flights at the regional hub.