Albany International Airport Cell Phone Lot to Temporarily Close for Expansion
Lot will more than double in capacity to accommodate growing use; temporary waiting area available during construction
ALBANY, N.Y. — Albany International Airport’s Cell Phone Lot will temporarily close beginning Wednesday, September 9, as the Airport begins a project to more than double the lot’s capacity and better accommodate its growing use by the public.
The project will expand the Cell Phone Lot from its current 32 spaces to 67 spaces. The newly expanded lot is expected to reopen in early November, ahead of the busy Thanksgiving and year-end holiday travel season.
The Cell Phone Lot provides a free and convenient place for drivers to wait when picking up friends or family members arriving at ALB. It is also a popular location for members of the community who enjoy watching aircraft take off and land.
Demand for the lot has grown as passenger traffic at ALB has increased. The Airport welcomed a record number of travelers in 2025, and passenger traffic through 2026 is on pace to surpass last year’s record. Expanding the lot will provide additional room for drivers and help ensure it can better accommodate demand during busy arrival periods.
“We appreciate the public’s patience while we complete this important upgrade,” said Peter Stuto, Chief Executive Officer of Albany International Airport. “As ALB continues to welcome more travelers, we need to make sure the facilities that serve them, their families and our community grow along with us. Expanding the Cell Phone Lot is another part of our ongoing mission to provide a better, more convenient and accommodating airport experience for everyone who uses ALB.”
Temporary Cell Phone Lot Location
During construction, drivers will be directed to a temporary Cell Phone Lot located in an employee parking area at the corner of Heritage Lane and Albany Shaker Road. Temporary signage will be installed to guide drivers to the lot.
Drivers also have the option of using any of ALB’s paid parking lots or garages. Parking is free for the first hour, providing another convenient option for those waiting to pick up an arriving passenger.
The Airport expects the expanded Cell Phone Lot to reopen in early November and will provide an update when construction is complete.
As a reminder, overnight parking is not permitted in the Cell Phone Lot or the temporary Cell Phone Lot. Unattended vehicles are subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
