LaGuardia Airport officially opened to the public as New York City's primary airport, transforming the region's air travel landscape. Situated in East Elmhurst, Queens, it was named after the influential mayor of New York City, Fiorello LaGuardia, who played a crucial role in its development. The intent behind the construction of LaGuardia was to create a modern airport to accommodate the growing demand for air travel during the late 1930s, replacing the smaller and less efficient Newark and Floyd Bennett Fields, which could not effectively handle the rapid proliferation of commercial flights.

Designed by the firm of D.O. and T.A. LeFevre, the airport initially featured a single terminal that offered essential services for passengers while promoting an efficient layout for arriving and departing flights. The design emphasized modernity, blending functionality with aesthetics to improve the overall travel experience. Its strategic location provided convenient access for travelers coming from Manhattan and surrounding boroughs, significantly enhancing commercial aviation in the United States and helping to usher in the golden age of air travel.

In its early years, LaGuardia struggled with harsh weather conditions, particularly during winter months due to its relatively short runways. Nonetheless, it quickly adapted and expanded to accommodate increasing passenger loads and advancements in aviation technology. Over the years, LaGuardia Airport evolved into one of the busiest airports in the United States, facilitating millions of passenger journeys and contributing substantially to the economy and tourism industry.