John F. Kennedy International Airport
New York · United States
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the busiest international airport in North America, located in Queens, New York City, serving the New York metropolitan area. It handles the most international passengers and air cargo entering or leaving the United States. Operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, it is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and the base for JetBlue Airways.[1][2]
JFK Airport spans 5,200 acres on the southwestern shore of Long Island in Queens, bordering Jamaica Bay, and is about 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. It features five passenger terminals and four runways, accommodating nearly 100 airlines with nonstop flights to all six inhabited continents. As the largest airport in the New York area and sixth-busiest in the US, it processed 62.6 million passengers in 2019. The airport is undergoing major redevelopment, including new terminals like New Terminal One and Terminal 6. It connects via AirTrain JFK, a driverless people mover system.[2][6][7]
Interesting facts
- JFK is the primary U.S. gateway for international passengers and air cargo, making it busier for these than any other American airport.[1]
- The iconic TWA Flight Center, designed by Eero Saarinen and opened in 1962, operated as a terminal for decades and is now a historic landmark at the airport.[5]
- The airport covers 5,200 acres, the largest in the New York metropolitan area, with ongoing $13 billion redevelopment adding new terminals and security enhancements.[2][8]
- AirTrain JFK, an 8.1-mile elevated rail link, operates 24/7 connecting terminals to NYC subway, LIRR, and parking.[6]
- Terminal 8, built by American Airlines starting in 1999, is the largest passenger terminal at JFK with 55 gates and capacity for over 13 million passengers annually.[3]
Tips for travelers
- Use AirTrain JFK for free intra-airport transfers and connections to Jamaica or Howard Beach stations for subway or LIRR access.
- Allow extra time for security; Terminal 4 and 5 often have dedicated international lanes.
- Pre-book ground transport or use official taxi stands to avoid scams; rideshares like Uber/Lyft pick up at designated areas.
- Dining and retail are abundant in Terminals 4, 5, and 8; JetBlue's Terminal 5 offers New York-inspired options.
- For connections, check airline lounges in Terminals 4 (international) and 8 (American/Delta).
- Download the JFK app for real-time flight info, maps, and parking.