See It: New LaGuardia Terminal Unveiled As Airport Revamp Wraps Up

ELMHURST, QUEENS — Eight years after then-Vice President Joe Biden derided it as a "third-world country," LaGuardia Airport has unveiled its second brand-new terminal, marking the last major step in the airport's $8 billion redesign.

The new Terminal C, serving Delta Air Lines, was presented by state officials on Wednesday ahead of its official opening on Sunday.

"This forever will be a point of pride for all New Yorkers, because it's a symbol of our resiliency," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news conference at the new terminal. "Come see this, President Biden, because your jaw is going to drop."

Terminal C cost $4 billion to construct and spans 1.3 million square feet — 85 percent larger than the existing terminals C and D that it is replacing.

The airy, 37-gate building includes floor-to-ceiling windows, new technologies like hands-free bag drop and digital ID screening, and an 11-lane security area. The terminals 13 restrooms all have touch-free entry, sinks and hand dryers.

It also features a distinctive collection of artworks by New York-based artists, part of a $12 million partnership with the Queens Museum that aims to establish the terminal as an "art destination," as the New York Times reported Wednesday.

Hochul, standing alongside Port Authority executive director Rick Cotton and Delta CEO Ed Bastian, also gave a rare shoutout to her predecessor, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who presided over the start of LaGuardia's transformation in 2015.

"I want to give recognition where it is due," Hochul said.

Concessions at the new terminal include local brands like Bubby's, Chuko Ramen and Poppy's Bagel, with retailers including Buzzfeed News, Beekman 1802 and MAC.

Terminal C joins the newly-built Terminal B, a multi-airline hub whose $4 billion reconstruction was completed in January. With both new buildings standing complete, the airport renovations are largely finished.