Buffalo Niagara International Airport — Attraction in Town of Cheektowaga

At Buffalo Niagara International Airport, architectural expression and regional identity converge through design language celebrating flight while honoring Western New York's heritage. The 1997 terminal building—a $56 million replacement for two aging predecessors—demonstrates how thoughtful architectural metaphor can transcend cliché to create genuinely uplifting public space.

Designed by the GBIA Design Group (Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, CannonDesign, and William Nicholas Bodouva), the terminal's avian-inspired form initially struck critics as potentially trite. Yet principal architect William Pedersen's deft handling transformed this concept into what Buffalo News architecture critic termed "a marvelous piece of architecture"—where theoretical flight metaphors manifest through soaring interior spaces rather than merely mimicking bird anatomy.

The terminal's tripartite composition reflects the passenger journey through what Pedersen described as "the process of spatial compression and expansion inherent to jet travel." This conceptual framework organizes the building through fundamental architectural dualities: heavy versus light, static versus dynamic, solid versus void. Each spatial sequence shifts from earthbound materiality to airier volumes, reinforcing the psychological transition between ground and sky.

The terminal's most distinctive design feature is its 13,000-square-foot terrazzo floor artwork by Robert E. Calvo. This sprawling composition depicts the region's geological and sociological history through multicolored patterns, with a central woven motif symbolizing the diverse influences that shaped Buffalo's development—transforming utilitarian circulation space into meaningful civic statement.

Regional influences permeate the architectural expression. The design team acknowledged two local inspirations: Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural legacy in Buffalo and the region's historic relationship with aviation. These contextual references appear through compatible sensibilities—horizontal planes, natural materials, and thoughtful proportioning echoing Wright's Prairie School principles without direct imitation.

Following its initial construction with 15 gates, the facility has expanded to 25 gates serving approximately 5.2 million annual passengers. The terminal's adaptability speaks to its original planning, accommodating post-9/11 security modifications and capacity increases without compromising architectural integrity.

For travelers, the airport offers a distinctly Buffalo experience through its amenities. An outpost of the legendary Anchor Bar—birthplace of the original Buffalo chicken wing in 1964—provides visitors an authentic taste of the city's culinary contribution. The food court offers additional local flavors, including Bocce's Pizza (established 1946) and Tim Hortons.

The passenger experience balances efficiency with comfort through thoughtful amenities. Free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and varied dining options accommodate different traveler needs. The celebrated rocking chairs provide comfortable seating—a humanizing touch in an environment often dominated by utilitarian concerns. TSA PreCheck availability helps expedite processing, with the airport monitoring wait times to keep them under 15 minutes.

Ground transportation options include major rental car agencies housed within the terminal complex, complemented by a 1,300-space short-term garage. Electric vehicle charging stations are available free in the Daily/Hourly Parking Garage.

The airport maintains strong connections to the region's artistic community through a bronze book installation—produced by University at Buffalo faculty and students—offering travelers insights into local history.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport exemplifies how regional airports can balance operational efficiency with genuine placemaking—creating a gateway that reflects community character while efficiently fulfilling...

My husband and I flew out of Buffalo on Friday, September 4th. We arrived at the economy lot approximately 70 minutes before our domestic flight was scheduled to depart...and then things went downhill fast. We waited 29 MINUTES for a shuttle to ARRIVE (this does not include the trip from the lot to the airport...just from the time we pushed the button until we physically stepped onto the shuttle. How can I be so sure? I took a picture of the shelter number right after I pushed the button so we wouldn't forget where we parked...hence we had a time stamp). Around the 20 minute mark, I contacted the folks who run the shuttles (their number is on the shelter) and asked what was going on. I was rudely informed that it was "rush hour," and they only run 3 shuttles per lot, one was on its way, and it would get there when it got there. I told her that the wait was completely unacceptable, and she blew me off. I then asked for her supervisor (I had time, since there was still no shuttle to be seen). He was more courteous, agreeing that the wait was too long and ensuring me that they would look into traffic patterns, but none of that helped our current situation. On the positive side, our driver (I think her name was Mary), was lovely. We dropped off our checked bag 25 minutes before the flight was scheduled to depart, and we were scolded for arriving late, as our bag may not arrive. Awesome. The line to security was long (but moved quickly - another positive - way to go, TSA), and then we RAN to our gate. We made it with 2 minutes to spare. The agents at the gate called us by name when we ran up...they were waiting for us...we were the last to board...they looked at us with disapproval...we were 'those' people...it was embarrassing. Did I mention we also paid extra for early boarding privileges? Icing on the cake. So, PLEASE BE AWARE - if you are planning to park in the economy lot near rush hour and then take a shuttle to the airport, get there early - or better yet, get a ride! And to the folks at the Buffalo Airport, perhaps you should put up a sign in the economy lot letting folks know how significantly rush hour can delay your shuttles so people can adjust their plans if need be, instead of missing their flights (or nearly missing their flights and arriving sweaty and out of breath - really, that's not fun for anyone). Or add another shuttle. Either way would be an improvement. For us, we will be going through Rochester...

Buffalo Airport for the most part is smooth running laid back small town airport. As of late I have been flying in and out about once a month. Other highlights is the security is always a breeze, parking is CHEAP and so are the food vendors inside. I did experience a minor snafu on my last trip. My flight in was delayed and I guess the airport must reduce staff significantly after midnight. My plane (will not mention airline) was late which whatever it happens. What upset me was it took nearly 1 hour for my luggage. The airline rep made an announcement stating " We are aware the bags for flight #* have not come out yet. 2 planes came in at the same time and there were a lot of bags". Basically saying don't bother me about your bags, we know. I realize this is not the airports fault. So I finally get my bag and head to Long Term parking shuttle at about 1:30AM or so. Economy lot shuttle leaves and returns, preferred lot shuttle is parked 100ft away. It is about 1:50 in the morning now, a women with 2 young children literally walked to her car in the long term lot. Meanwhile preferred and economy shuttles idle nearby. It did not help that it was 18 degrees out . Finally I call the number on the card, a man answers something like "JP Industries" and I had to ask, is this the shuttle service for the buffalo airport and it took a sec for the guy to acknowledge, at this point I was fairly upset as he tries to interrupt me to explain that I need to go downstairs that the bus does not pic up in departures.... I was finally able to convince the guy that myself and others waiting are NOT upstairs in departures, we are indeed downstairs at the stop for Long Term. He said he would get somebody right over. Around 2AM the shuttle finally came, driver stated he was leaving when his boss stopped him to come get us. The shuttle ride was normal, I tipped the guy as it clearly was not his fault but it was sad, as we pulled into the lot we passed the lady with her 2 kids, she was just getting into her car. The reason I wrote all this is that I do not understand why economy, who saw us 1st or even preferred lot shuttle drivers did not make a call on the radio to the dispatch or whatever and have a shuttle sent, instead they just let us shiver at the shuttle stop. Again this one trip was very disappointing, others have been fine. The next time I have a positive experience as I have every other time I will post a 5...