Jfk Airport Expansion: Adding A Runway, Possible?

John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly referred to as JFK, is one of the world's most renowned airports. It is the largest and busiest airport in the New York City metropolitan area and the sixth-busiest airport in the United States. The airport covers 5,200 acres and has four runways.

JFK Airport is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City, and is primarily accessible via car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit. Over 90 airlines operate from JFK Airport, with nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents.

Due to its location adjacent to Jamaica Bay, runway switches at JFK Airport are not unusual, as the airport is prone to sudden changes in wind direction. The airport's runway usage depends on wind direction, with parallel runway systems typically being used for takeoffs and landings.

While JFK Airport currently has four runways, there have been proposals to expand the airport's infrastructure, including the construction of new terminals and the reconfiguration of highway ramps. These proposals aim to address the airport's capacity constraints and increase efficiency.

Runway usage and safety

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is a major international airport serving New York City and its metropolitan area. It is the busiest of the seven airports in the New York airport system, the sixth-busiest airport in the United States, and the busiest international commercial airport in North America.

JFK Airport covers 5,200 acres and is the largest airport in the New York metropolitan area. The airport features five passenger terminals and four runways.

JFK's four runways are set up in two parallel systems, and the approach and takeoff patterns are set up for the usage of only parallel runways. Usually, only parallel runways are active. The proximity of LaGuardia Airport (LGA) limits the variety of approach and takeoff procedures.

The runway usage at JFK depends on the wind direction. As the airport is located adjacent to the waters of Jamaica Bay, a runway switch is not unusual. The wind direction can change suddenly, and sometimes several times a day.

When 04L/04R are active, runway 04L is mainly used for departures, and 04R is mainly used for arrivals. Takeoffs and landings can happen simultaneously. Traffic approaching from the North and West will fly across Long Island north of the airport and then make a turn over the ocean to line up for final approach.

When 22L/22R are active, runway 22L is mainly used for arrivals, and 22R is mainly used for departures. Takeoffs and landings can happen simultaneously. Traffic approaching from the East and Northeast will come along the southern coast of Long Island and then cut back towards the northern side, where it will make a 180-degree turn to line up for final approach. Traffic from the North and West will come across Brooklyn/Staten Island/Lower Bay and pass the airport on the south side over the ocean before circling back towards Long Island to merge with all other approaching traffic.

When 13L/13R are active, runway 13L is mainly used for arrivals, and 13R is mainly used for departures. In rare cases, 13L is also used for takeoffs, and 13R is occasionally used for arrivals.

When 31L/31R are active, runway 31L is mainly used for departures, and 31R is used for arrivals only. Departing traffic will perform the so-called Canarsie Climb and Breezy Point Climb procedures, both of which are sharp left turns shortly after takeoff. Traffic on the Canarsie Climb will make those well-known banking shots. During peaks, this runway is also used for arrivals, especially for Delta as the Delta terminals are adjacent to 13L.

JFK's runways have excellent and good conditions, with bituminous concrete or asphalt surfaces. The runways have excellent and good precision and instrument conditions.

JFK Airport has had some close calls involving multiple planes. For example, in April 2024, a Swiss Air flight was moments away from takeoff when the pilot spotted other planes crossing the same runway. The aircraft aborted the takeoff procedure, and a potential disaster was averted. The Federal Aviation Administration investigated the incident to ensure that proper safety procedures were followed and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Runway length and weight-bearing capacity

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has four runways, each with a different length and weight-bearing capacity. The longest runway, 13R/31L, is 14,511 feet long and 200 feet wide. It is made of bituminous concrete and is in excellent condition. This runway can handle aircraft with a maximum weight of 300,000 pounds.

The second longest runway, 4L/22R, is 12,079 feet long and 200 feet wide. It is also made of bituminous concrete and is in excellent condition. This runway can handle aircraft with a maximum weight of 140,000 kilograms.

The third longest runway, 4R/22L, is 10,000 feet long and 200 feet wide. It is made of bituminous concrete and is in excellent condition. This runway can handle aircraft with a maximum weight of 300,000 pounds.

The shortest runway, 13L/31R, is 8,400 feet long and 200 feet wide. It is made of asphalt and is in excellent condition. This runway can handle aircraft with a maximum weight of 747,000 pounds.

Runway conditions and maintenance

Runway maintenance is crucial in aviation because runways are the most critical component of any airport. They are essential for the safe takeoff, landing, and ground handling of aircraft. If runways are not maintained properly, it can lead to safety issues like runway excursions, veering off the runway, flight diversion, delays, cancellations, and other disruptions to airport operations.

Runway Maintenance

The term "runway maintenance" refers to the activities required to ensure a runway is safe for aircraft use. This includes making sure the top surface is intact and that it meets minimum surface friction requirements. Runway maintenance includes:

• Runway markings
• Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL)
• Runway surface
• Obstacle removal around the runway

Runway Inspections

Regular runway inspections are essential to identify any defects, damage, or other issues that need to be addressed. Some common issues include:

• Faded runway markings that need to be repainted for better visibility.
• Defects in the runway lighting system.
• Obstacles like trees or buildings that can impact safe aircraft operations.

Runway Cleaning

Regular cleaning of the runway is necessary to remove debris, rubber build-up from aircraft landings, and other foreign objects that can affect the runway surface.

Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)

It is important to issue all necessary Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to inform pilots of any maintenance or repair work that may impact aircraft operations.

Planning and Scheduling Maintenance

Proper planning and scheduling of maintenance work can help minimize disruptions to aircraft operations. Work should be scheduled during off-peak hours, and alternative runways should be available if needed.

Risk Management

There is a history of accidents and serious incidents, including runway excursions, occurring during takeoff or attempted takeoff due to a lack of flight crew awareness of temporary runway closures for maintenance. This highlights the importance of proper pre-flight briefings on runway availability and positive runway identification.

Runway configuration and wind direction

The runway configuration and usage at JFK Airport depend on several factors, including wind direction, air traffic, and noise abatement. The airport has four runways set up in two parallel systems, and the approach and takeoff patterns are designed for the usage of only parallel runways. Typically, only parallel runways are active, and the proximity of LaGuardia Airport (LGA) limits the variety of approach and takeoff procedures.

When 04L/04R are active, runway 04L is primarily used for departures, while 04R is mainly used for arrivals. Takeoffs and landings can occur simultaneously on these runways. Traffic approaching from the North and West will fly across Long Island, north of the airport, then turn over the ocean to line up for the final approach.

When 22L/22R are active, runway 22L is mainly used for arrivals, and 22R is primarily used for departures. Takeoffs and landings can happen simultaneously. Traffic approaching from the East and Northeast will come along the southern coast of Long Island and then cut back towards the northern side. Traffic from the North and West will come across Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Lower Bay, passing the airport on the south side over the ocean before circling back towards Long Island to merge with other approaching traffic.

When 13L/13R are active, runway 13L is mainly used for arrivals, while 13R is primarily used for departures. In rare cases, 13L can also be used for takeoffs, and 13R can be used for arrivals.

When 31L/31R are active, runway 31L is mainly used for departures, and 31R is used only for arrivals. Departing traffic will perform the Canarsie Climb and Breezy Point Climb procedures, which involve sharp left turns shortly after takeoff. During peak times, 31L can also be used for arrivals, especially for Delta as their terminals are adjacent to this runway.

The usage of specific runways can change suddenly and sometimes several times a day due to the airport's location on the Atlantic coast of Long Island, which makes it prone to sudden changes in wind direction. Additionally, runway configurations are coordinated with the other two major airports in the area, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Airport (EWR), to ensure efficient air traffic management in the region.

Runway spotting locations

JFK Airport is a major international airport serving New York City and is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City. The airport has four runways and six terminals.

• Howard Beach/Frank M Charles Park: Located near Belt Parkway, this spot is good for runway 13R arrivals or 31L departures. It is accessible by car or public transport (AirTrain to Howard Beach, then subway line A to Far Rockaway, and walk down Beach 67th Street). The best time for spotting is after mid-morning.
• North Woodmere Park: A public park in the northeast of the airport, offering a nice view of runway 22L and 31R arrivals. It is accessible by car (take Rockaway Blvd south to Peninsula Blvd, then left onto Branch Blvd, and follow the road until you reach Hungry Harbor Rd). The best time for spotting is early morning for 31R arrivals and around sunrise until 1:30 pm for 22L arrivals.
• Inwood Park: Located near Bayview Avenue, this spot is good for 31L arrivals and some 13R departures. It is accessible by car (take Rockaway Blvd to Nassau Expressway, then turn right onto Burnside Avenue, and follow the road until you reach Bayview Avenue). The best time for spotting is after mid-morning.
• Brookville Park: A large public park in South Queens, offering various spotting opportunities. It is accessible by car or public transport. This spot is good for runway 22L arrivals. The best time for spotting is from early afternoon until sunset.
• Rockaway Blvd: The sidewalk along Rockaway Blvd offers views of runway 22L arrivals and 4L departures. It is accessible by car or bus (Q113/Q114). The best time for spotting is all day, depending on where you position yourself along the road.
• The Mounds in Brookville Park: An elevated mound near a school football field, offering a view of runway 22L arrivals or 04R departures. It is accessible by car (head for 230th Place) or public transport (take the E or J train or the Long Island Railroad to Jamaica Center, then take the Q111/113 bus). A 100-400mm lens is recommended.
• Bayswater Park: Located at the edge of Jamaica Bay, this spot is good for arrivals and departures on runways 04L, 04R, and 31L. It is accessible by car (head for Mott Avenue in the residential district to the south of the airport) or public transport (take the tube Line A to Far Rockaway – Mott Av Station, then walk down Mott Av to the park). The best time for spotting is from mid-morning until sunset.
• Terminal 5 Parking Garage: The top deck of the Terminal 5 parking garage offers views of runway 13L/31R and 04L/22R, adjacent taxiways, and gates at T7, T5, and T4. It is accessible by car (follow the JFK Expressway or Van Wyck Expressway into the airport, then follow signs for Terminal 5 parking) or public transport (take the AirTrain to Terminal 5). A 70-300mm lens is recommended.
• AVIS Car Rental: Located underneath the Federal Circle AirTrain station near Terminal 8, this spot is good for runway 13L arrivals. It is accessible by public transport (take the subway to Jamaica or Howard Beach station, then transfer to the AirTrain). A 70-300mm lens is recommended.
• Costco: The parking lot next to a Costco Wholesale store, offering views of 31R arrivals. It is accessible by car or public transport (take the E or J train or the Long Island Railroad to Jamaica Center, then take the Q113 bus). A 100-300mm lens is recommended.

Frequently asked questions