Numerous large cities have several airports. This can complicate travel and connections, but there is usually a reason why they exist – and continue to do so. New York has three main commercial airports –\u00a0Newark-Liberty\u00a0(EWR),\u00a0LaGuardia\u00a0(LGA), and\u00a0John F. Kennedy International\u00a0(JFK). These all opened at different times and for different purposes and continue to serve distinct roles today.<\/p>\n
It is not unusual for a large city to have several airports. Other major cities in the United States also have multiple major airports – including Chicago, Houston, and Washington, DC. Elsewhere, London, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, Moscow, and Istanbul are examples.<\/p>\n
New York’s story is partly historical and partly functional. LaGuardia opened in 1929. At this time, it was a private airfield built at the site of a former amusement park close to the city.<\/p>\n