There's a major change at a local airport, ahead of schedule.  The new terminal at the Elmira Corning Regional Airport, set to be finished in October, is now open.

The first passengers flew out of the new terminal this morning. The only thing left is finishing the courtyards and cosmetic work.

The first passengers left ELM this morning around 6:00 a.m. Wednesday. It’s handling all airlines out of Elmira including Allegiant and United. The airport features three jetways, four gates and six aircraft parking spaces.

Construction on the new terminal started in late summer last year. The project's price tag was $60 million. The airport received about $40 million in state grants, which put a tight deadline on the project. Most of the remaining cost was covered by federal dollars, about $18 million. The 8,000 foot runway can accommodate all types of planes.

Chemung County executive Tom Santulli says ELM does 50% of the airline business of the Southern Tier, which includes the Binghamton and Ithaca airport.

“It was the first flight last night. She got off the plane and she commented that it smell like a new car. That it smells new which is wonderful you know because it is a brand new terminal, it's a new era. The old terminal served its purpose for you I don’t know I guess close to 60 years," said Bill Hopper, Director of Aviation.

Officials said they are also waiting for new furniture. Some of the tables and chairs are on loan.

The airport offers direct flights to places like Detroit and Newark. The terminal is expected to be finished at the end of October.