New York's Airports: An Overview Of The City's Aviation Hub

New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). These airports are known for their variety of dining options, unique features, and convenient locations. In addition to these, New York also has several smaller commercial and private airports. With its busy airspace, New York's airport landscape is ever-evolving, accommodating the travel needs of millions of people each year.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

New York City has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island in Queens, New York City, bordering Jamaica Bay. It is the busiest airport in the New York airport system and the sixth-busiest airport in the United States. The airport covers 5,200 acres and features five passenger terminals and four runways. Over 90 airlines operate from JFK, offering nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents.

The airport opened in 1948 as New York International Airport, commonly known as Idlewild Airport, and was built to relieve LaGuardia Field, which had become overcrowded. In 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the airport was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport in tribute to him. JFK became the primary operating base for JetBlue and a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

JFK is accessible by car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit via the JFK Expressway or Interstate 678 (Van Wyck Expressway). The airport is known for its tall air traffic control tower, which stands at 320 feet and was the world's tallest when it was completed in 1994. Terminal B at JFK, which reopened in 2020, was named the best new airport in the world at the UNESCO Prix Versailles awards. The terminal features popular New York restaurants such as Shake Shack, Bubby's, and Dos Toros Taqueria.

JFK is also known for its unique amenities, including a speakeasy bar and a fine-dining restaurant. The airport has a variety of transportation options, including public transit and cab services. With its busy airspace, JFK plays a crucial role in serving New York City and its metropolitan area.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

New York City has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located on the waterfront of Flushing and Bowery Bays in East Elmhurst, bordering the neighbourhoods of Astoria and Jackson Heights. The airport's unique regulations include a curfew, a slot system, and a "perimeter rule" that prohibits most non-stop flights to or from destinations greater than 1,500 miles (2,400 km).

To get to LaGuardia Airport via public transportation, you'll need to take a bus as there is no direct subway or train connection. You can take the E, F, M, or R train to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue or the 7 train to 74th St-Broadway, and then transfer to the free Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link bus, which stops at Terminals B and C. Terminal B, which reopened in 2020, was named the best new airport terminal in the world by UNESCO's Prix Versailles awards. It features popular New York restaurants such as Shake Shack, Bubby's, and Dos Toros Taqueria.

The history of LaGuardia Airport dates back to the 1920s and 1930s when Fiorello La Guardia, the mayor of New York City from 1934 to 1945, advocated for the development of municipal airports in the city. La Guardia pushed for the transformation of Governors Island into a combined airport and seaplane base, but military and shipping concerns prevented this proposal from coming to fruition. Instead, LaGuardia and industry leaders agreed on the need for a central "express" airport to complement the existing Floyd Bennett Field, which opened in 1930. Construction of LaGuardia Airport began in 1937 with backing from the Works Progress Administration.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Newark Liberty International Airport is located in the US state of New Jersey, approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) south of downtown Newark and 9 miles (14 km) west-southwest of Manhattan. The airport is jointly owned by the cities of Newark and Elizabeth and is leased to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Newark Liberty International Airport is a major gateway to destinations in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. It served 43.4 million passengers in 2022, making it the 13th-busiest airport in the US and the 23rd-busiest in the world. The airport's busiest year to date was 2023, when it served 49.1 million passengers. EWR serves 50 carriers and is the largest hub for United Airlines, which serves about 63% of passengers and is the largest tenant at the airport.

The airport has a substantial cargo operation, with almost 1 million square feet of cargo facility space and 290 acres dedicated to cargo operations. The FedEx Cargo Complex is a $60 million sort facility that includes three buildings. United Airlines also has a designated cargo facility that was constructed in 2001.

Newark Liberty International Airport has three terminals (A, B, and C) and two sets of runways. Terminal B was named the best new airport in the world by UNESCO's Prix Versailles awards in 2020. In 2019, Terminal C was named 'Best for Foodies' in the nation by Fodor's Travel Awards.

Transportation options to and from NYC airports

New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). While getting to and from New York's airports can be challenging, there are several transportation options available.

Public Transport

All of New York's international airports are accessible by some form of public transport. The NYC subway and bus systems offer the cheapest option for travelling to and from LaGuardia and JFK airports. To get to LaGuardia Airport, you can take the E, F, M, or R train to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue or the 7 to 74th St-Broadway, and then take the free Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link bus to the airport. The subway takes around 50-60 minutes to get to Manhattan and costs around $3. The JFK AirTrain provides a free and convenient way to navigate the airport's eight terminals and connects to hotel shuttle pick-up areas, airport parking lots, and the rental car centre. There is a fee of $8.25 for AirTrain journeys that start or end at Jamaica or Howard Beach stations, which connect to New York's public transportation network.

Shuttle Services

Shuttle services, such as ETS Airport Shuttle, provide shared and private ride services between NYC airports, hotels, and other locations. These services offer a convenient and cost-effective way to travel to and from the airports, with the added benefit of door-to-door service.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis are also available at New York's airports, although they can be more expensive. Rideshare cars can cost $50 or more for a trip to or from the airport. Newark Liberty Airport cabs charge fixed fares ranging from $60 to $80, depending on the destination in New York City.

Smaller commercial airports in New York

New York City has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). However, there are also several smaller commercial airports in the New York metropolitan area.

One such airport is Teterboro Airport, which is located in the borough of Teterboro, New Jersey. The airport is known for its use by private and corporate aircraft, and it does not offer commercial passenger flights. Another airport is the West 30th Street Heliport, which opened in 1956 and was the first to host scheduled passenger flights by New York Airways. This heliport operated until the 1990s when it was shut down due to noise and safety concerns.

In addition to these, there are several reliever airports designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce congestion at larger airports. These include Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), Bradley International Airport (BDL), and Tweed New Haven Regional Airport (HVN). These reliever airports provide commercial air carrier service on a smaller scale, offering an alternative for travellers looking for a less busy airport experience.

While not an airport per se, it is worth mentioning the history of Wall Street Skyport, which served as a seaplane base from the 1930s to the mid-1980s. This unique transportation hub was primarily used by suburban commuters working in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan.

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