What Does ‘International’ in Albany International Airport Mean?

I flew out of Albany International Airport for vacation, and I still wonder why it's called an 'international' airport. I don't believe there are overseas flights, so why?

There has always been some confusion about the name Albany International Airport. Many people assume “international” means there are regular flights to other countries. That is not exactly true.

Albany earns its “international��� title because it has the facilities to handle flights arriving from or departing to other countries. Most of the time, the airport serves domestic routes.

A big reason for the name is the Customs and Border Protection facility on site. This allows the airport to process passengers from international destinations whenever needed.

Private and charter flights use these services regularly. Business travelers and private jet owners often fly directly to and from other countries, clearing customs in Albany.

Cargo operations also play a part. Shipments coming from or heading to other countries pass through customs here before moving on to their next stop.

In the past, Albany has offered international passenger routes, such as flights to Canada. These are not part of the regular schedule but appear when demand is high enough.

This setup is not unusual in the United States. Having “international” in an airport’s name does not always mean constant overseas service. It means the airport is equipped and ready when the opportunity comes.

Albany International Airport is a great example. It may not send travelers abroad every day, but it can, and does, connect people and goods from the Capital Region to destinations around the world when needed.