Delta and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey will partner to replace Terminals C and D at New York’s LaGuardia Airport with a state-of-the-art facility.

The project, which was approved earlier by PANYNJ, is part of a new lease agreement to be negotiated at the airport through 2050.

The authority has committed, as part of the agreement, $600 million to facilitate construction of the terminal and other supporting infrastructure.

“Replacing these outmoded terminals is a major step forward in our reimagining of LaGuardia into a 21st-century, world-class airport worthy of the Empire State,” said New York governor Andrew Cuomo.

“I thank Delta for their partnership and welcome the many visitors who will enter through their new terminals.”

US vice president Joe Biden and governor Cuomo last year introduced a plan to redesign and rebuild New York-LGA to include a new $4 billion central terminal building and a grand central hall unifying the airport’s terminals.

Delta has been a partner in that plan since the beginning.

Like the new central terminal building, Delta’s new facility will be located closer to the Grand Central Parkway, allowing for additional taxiway space and a more efficient airfield.

“Today marks another proud moment in Delta’s ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional experience for New Yorkers,” said Delta chief executive Ed Bastian.

“Our participation in this historic project builds on the more than $2 billion Delta has invested in New York over the past seven years.”

Delta’s new terminal at LGA will consist of 37 gates located on four concourses connected by a centralised check-in lobby, security checkpoint, and baggage claim.

Of the 37 gates, 33 will have access to dual taxi lanes, which will greatly improve airfield efficiency, resulting in reduced taxi time to and from the gate before take-off and after landing.

The construction will commence as soon as possible, following regulatory approvals and final lease negotiations.

Delta today operates a major hub at LGA, with about 275 daily departures from Terminals A, C and D.

In addition to its history of investments at LGA, Delta also opened a new, $1.2 billion Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2013 featuring a 24,000-square-foot flagship Delta Sky Club.

This was followed by an additional $200 million investment in 2015 to add 11 more gates and 75,000 additional square feet in Terminal 4 along with a new bus station and a renovated check-in hall and concourse holdrooms at Terminal 2.