Imagine being Proud of American airports. Crazy, right?
Airports are the gateways to nations, and the state of American airports is a national embarrassment. Once the envy of the world, our airports now lag behind their international counterparts in efficiency, aesthetics, and technological advancement. Despite being the world's largest economy, the United States has allowed its airport infrastructure to decay into a state of disrepair that belies its global standing.
A report by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) underscores the need for comprehensive investment in infrastructure, grading the nation's aviation system at a dismal "D+" in their 2021 Infrastructure Report Card. This grade reflects outdated facilities, frequent delays, and congestion that hampers both domestic and international travel. The U.S. Travel Association highlights how these inefficiencies contribute to a $24 billion annual economic loss due to delays and cancellations, further straining an already underperforming system.
Meanwhile, nations like Singapore and Qatar continue to set the standard with airports like Changi and Hamad International, which combine efficiency with luxury, creating not just transit points but destinations in themselves. These airports exemplify how investment in infrastructure can drive economic growth, tourism, and national prestige. In stark contrast, New York's LaGuardia Airport, once described by Vice President Joe Biden as akin to a "third-world country," is emblematic of the neglect that has plagued U.S. airports for decades.
The Biden administration's recent infrastructure plan, which allocates $25 billion for airport improvements, is a step in the right direction. However, the real test lies in execution. As Forbes reports, sustained investment and a commitment to modernizing the entire system are essential if the U.S. is to compete on the global stage and adequately serve its citizens.
Our airports are more than just transit hubs; they are the first and last impressions of the nation. To neglect them is to neglect the image of America itself.
American Society of Civil Engineers, 2021 Infrastructure Report Card. U.S. Travel Association, Economic Impact of Delays. Forbes, "The Biden Administration's Infrastructure Plan." Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden on LaGuardia Airport.
