Booming airport needed to complement air base
US&J; editorial
Monday, October 04, 2026

We have two concerns about Niagara Falls International Airport.

One is that the long-dormant airport finally get the investment it needs to help move area tourism along. The commercial half of the airport has basically sat Ñ unused Ñ for the past 30 years.

ThatÕs a terrible waste when you consider the needs of our underdeveloped tourist industry, especially when the Seneca Nation of Indians is building a magnet that will help the natural wonder of Niagara Falls draw tourists from around the world.

A first-class local airport will help drive the local economy.

WeÕre also concerned about the other half of the facility Ñ the Air Reserve Station. Each time the defense department considers closing military facilities, we worry that our base might make the hit list. So far it hasnÕt.

But guess what?

ThereÕs no guarantee it will be here forever.

Sure, weÕll argue that it serves an essential part in the defense of the United States. So will the military and reasonable members of Congress.

But you never know.

The fact that there will always be a degree of uncertainty about the air base makes it even more imperative to develop the rest of the facility. A booming commercial airport could help offset any possible damage caused if the base would ever close.

Hopefully, that wonÕt happen.

Instead, both the airport and the air base will be two strong cogs that help drive the regionÕs economic engine. But for that to happen, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and our local politicians need to make development of that airport a priority.

Nothing else is acceptable.
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