Every year, thousands of travelers in the Rochester-Finger Lakes area bypass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) in favor of flying out of Buffalo, Syracuse, Toronto, or even New York City. On the surface, it might seem like a minor inconvenience—an extra hour or two of driving in exchange for a cheaper fare or a more direct route. But this decision, repeated thousands of times, has far-reaching consequences that go beyond mere preference. Passenger leakage, as it’s called, drains millions of dollars from the local economy, limits ROC’s ability to attract new airlines, and, perhaps most critically, contributes to unnecessary environmental damage.
Passenger leakage is often framed as an economic issue—and it is. Small and mid-sized airports like ROC are vital economic engines for their regions. A 2019 report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) found that regional airports generate billions in local economic impact, supporting jobs, tourism, and business growth. In New York alone, some estimates suggest regional airports contribute more than $50 billion annually to the state’s economy. According to the airport’s data, ROC itself generates over $800 million in annual economic activity, supporting thousands of jobs across aviation, hospitality, and local businesses. But every traveler who opts for one of these other airports takes a piece of that economic pie with them—reducing demand for local airport services, limiting job growth, and making it harder for ROC to compete for new routes and airlines.
This creates a self-perpetuating cycle. When passengers choose other airports, airlines see lower demand at ROC, making them less likely to add flights or maintain competitive pricing. That, in turn, pushes even more travelers to drive elsewhere for their flights, compounding the economic losses. Rochester’s economy suffers, and its standing as a regional transportation hub weakens.
But beyond the financial impact, the environmental cost is even more alarming. Every unnecessary long-distance car trip to another airport adds to our region’s carbon emissions. The cumulative effect of thousands of travelers driving 60, 90, or even 300 miles for a flight results in tens of thousands of tons of unnecessary CO₂ pollution each year. In an era when climate change demands urgent action, every empty seat on a Rochester-bound plane isn’t just a missed economic opportunity—it’s an environmental setback. As Charles W. McMillan put it, “Infrastructure is the backbone of a strong economy.” But in today’s world, infrastructure must also be the backbone of a greener, more sustainable future.
This is where bold leadership matters. Senator Jeremy Cooney has been a strong advocate for regional transportation investment and economic growth in Upstate New York. His efforts to secure funding for infrastructure improvements—particularly in transportation—are essential to making ROC more competitive and sustainable. In his push for state and federal support, Cooney has underscored the need for Rochester to remain a viable hub for business and leisure travel, ensuring that residents and companies don’t feel forced to look elsewhere for reliable air service. By championing initiatives that improve connectivity and sustainability, Cooney is helping to lay the groundwork for an airport that serves not just today’s travelers, but future generations.
ROC has already taken steps in the right direction. As part of its $38.1 million modernization project, the airport has invested in energy-efficient lighting, smarter HVAC systems, and improved public transportation access. More recently, it introduced a smart parking guidance system to cut down on fuel waste from drivers endlessly circling for a spot. These are promising developments, but the airport must go further if it wants to position itself as a leader in sustainable air travel.
Other regional airports have already embraced bold sustainability initiatives. Some have introduced carbon offset programs, invested in biofuels, and transitioned their ground fleets to electric vehicles. ROC has the potential to follow suit by forming partnerships with airlines that prioritize fuel efficiency, expanding waste reduction efforts, and offering incentives for passengers who choose to fly locally rather than drive elsewhere.
This is not just about optics—it’s about economic and environmental survival. With climate change accelerating, the aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Smaller airports like ROC have an opportunity to lead this shift, proving that sustainability and economic competitiveness can go hand in hand.
Geoffrey Canada once said, “The economy is not just a collection of industries; it is the collection of human relationships, and at the center of every human relationship is the ability to communicate.” Airports are more than just places where people catch flights. They are gateways—connecting families, businesses, and communities. In a time when environmental responsibility is no longer optional, a forward-thinking airport must ensure that its connections extend beyond destinations. It must connect to a vision for a cleaner, more sustainable world.
Passenger leakage is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity. By strengthening ROC’s flight offerings, embedding sustainability into its operations, and engaging the community in greener travel choices, Rochester can transform its airport into a leader—not just in convenience, but in environmental and economic resilience. The future of air travel is changing. The only question is whether Rochester will rise to meet the moment or continue watching its passengers—and its potential—take off from somewhere else.
George Cassidy Payne is a Rochester-based nonprofit leader, educator, and advocate for sustainable economic development. With a philosophy and social work background, George has spent over two decades addressing issues of equity, public policy, and crisis intervention. His community development and environmental sustainability expertise informs his commitment to strengthening Rochester’s regional economy.