Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport Nominated For The 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Award For Best Small Airport

September 8th, 2025

This is the third consecutive year ROC is nominated

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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced today that once again, the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is nominated for the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Small Airport. Each year, an expert panel selects 20 U.S. airports to compete for this recognition. ROC has been in the top 10 for the last two years. Voting for the top 10 begins today, September 8, 2025, and ends October 6, 2025. Online voting is limited to one vote per day per nominee. The link to the survey is here.

"Our hometown airport is again being honored in this national competition for its dedication to delivering the highest-quality passenger experience in the field," said County Executive Bello. "Our continued investment in the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport helps maintain its first-class status, serving as the gateway to the world for residents of Monroe County and the Finger Lakes Region. Recognition like this helps us get new airlines and destinations, so please vote daily and support our airport."

The nominated airports handle fewer passengers than larger airports, but they have superior flights, easy access, and excellent customer service. ROC ranked sixth in the 2024 voting. The top ten picks for this year will be revealed on Wednesday, October 15th, at noon EDT.

ROC handled more than 2.6 million travelers in 2024, a 15-year passenger record. Since the start of 2025, the ROC Airport has added nonstop air service to Fort Myers, FL; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Charleston, SC; Nashville, TN; and Wilmington, NC.

Passenger amenities at ROC include: free video arcade and kids play area in partnership with the Strong Museum of Play, free high-speed Wi-Fi provided by Greenlight Networks, modern lounge furniture, a mix of local and national food concessions, and plug-in charging throughout the airport.

Airport Terminal accessibility features include: hearing loops and a new free live interpreter AIRA ASL app service for deaf or hard-of-hearing passengers, and free Aria Network membership to improve access for blind and low vision passengers.