Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport Nominated For The 2026 Usa Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award For Best Small Airport

September 8th, 2026

Fourth consecutive year ROC nominated

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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced that for the fourth consecutive year, the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is nominated for the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Small Airport. The nomination comes from an expert panel that annually selects twenty U.S. airports to compete for this distinction. ROC has secured a spot in the top 10 for three consecutive years. Voting for the top 10 begins today, September 7, 2026, and ends Monday, October 5, 2026. Users can cast a single online vote per nominee per day. The voting form linked here.

"ROC finished at #6 in voting last year - it's time to go to number one," said County Executive Bello. "Being nominated four years in a row shows just how consistently our airport delivers excellent service. Through the constant pursuit of new nonstop routes, new airlines, and new terminal amenities such as the Strong Museum of Play areas, the airport provides families and travelers with an exceptional user-experience. The continuous national recognition for the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport gives airlines another reason to invest here with lucrative business and leisure destinations. I urge everyone to vote daily and support our airport."

The nomination committee selects finalists based on great flights, accessibility, terminal features, and top-notch customer service. ROC's ranking has improved annually upon each nomination. ROC placed 10th, 7th, and 6th in the top ten finishes over the past three years.

Last year ROC handled more than 2.6 million travelers on 8 airlines and boasted 28 destinations, filling some 33,033 seats per week.

Travelers passing through ROC can enjoy a range of passenger amenities, including free video arcades and children's play areas in both the A and B Concourse rotundas - created in partnership with the Strong Museum of Play - along with free high-speed Wi-Fi courtesy of Greenlight Networks, comfortable modern lounge seating, a mix of local and national dining options, and charging stations available throughout the terminal.

The airport strives to ensure accessibility for all travelers. Features include hearing loops and free access to the Aira live interpreter app for deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers, as well as complimentary Aira Network membership to support blind and low-vision passengers.