ALB’s Newly Expanded Cell Phone and Observation Lot Reopens to the Public
Project completed ahead of schedule, more than doubling capacity and improving traffic flow for drivers
ALBANY, N.Y. – Albany International Airport (ALB) has reopened its newly expanded Cell Phone and Observation Lot following the completion of a project that more than doubled the lot’s capacity and improved traffic flow for drivers picking up arriving passengers and guests. The project was completed ahead of schedule, with the expanded lot originally expected to reopen in early November.
The expanded lot now provides nearly 70 spaces, more than double its previous capacity of 32, providing significantly more room for drivers waiting to pick up friends and family. The $495,000 project also included improvements to traffic flow through the lot, with vehicles now exiting onto Jetway Drive rather than returning directly onto Albany Shaker Road.
The project also reconfigured traffic flow through the lot. Vehicles now enter from Albany Shaker Road and exit onto Jetway Drive, rather than returning directly onto Albany Shaker Road.
“More than doubling the size of our Cell Phone Lot will make picking up friends and family at ALB easier and more convenient,” said Stephen Clark, CEO of Albany International Airport. “This is another improvement that helps us provide a better experience for our passengers and guests. We appreciate everyone’s patience during construction and are excited to have the lot back open ahead of schedule.”
The Cell Phone Lot expansion comes as ALB continues to experience strong passenger demand. The airport welcomed a record number of travelers in 2025, and passenger traffic in 2026 continues to outpace last year’s record-setting levels.
The Cell Phone Lot is free to use for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. Vehicles may not be left unattended and overnight parking is prohibited.
Drivers can also use ALB’s paid parking lots and garages while waiting for arriving passengers, with the first hour of parking free.