Airports In New York: A Comprehensive Overview

New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK and LaGuardia are both located in the borough of Queens, while Newark is in the neighbouring state of New Jersey. These airports form the busiest airport system in the United States and the second busiest in the world, accommodating over 55 million travellers annually.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK Airport opened in 1948 as New York International Airport, although it was commonly known as Idlewild Airport. In 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the airport was renamed in his honour. Today, the airport handles over 56 million passengers annually across its six terminals. The airport features five passenger terminals and four runways, with over 90 airlines operating nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents.

JFK Airport is primarily accessible by car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit via the JFK Expressway or Interstate 678 (Van Wyck Expressway). It is also accessible by train. The airport is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, as well as the primary operating base for JetBlue.

The airport has a wide range of dining, shopping, and service options for travellers. Terminal 4, for example, boasts a mezzanine-level AirTrain station, an expansive check-in hall, and a four-block-long retail area. Terminal 5, operated by JetBlue, features a rooftop lounge that is open to all passengers.

JFK Airport plays a crucial role in connecting New York City to the world, offering a gateway to and from international destinations such as London, Paris, and Toronto, as well as domestic locations like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

There are three major airports in New York City, one of which is LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Here is some detailed information about LaGuardia Airport:

LGA is known for its proximity to Manhattan, which is just 8.6 miles (13.8 km) away. This convenience makes it a popular choice for travellers doing business in or visiting Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs. The airport is easily accessible by car, taxi, or rideshare services via the Grand Central Parkway, which connects to other major highways in the area. Additionally, public transportation options include buses, the New York City subway system, and the Long Island Railroad for those travelling to and from the airport.

LaGuardia Airport is a focus city for several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and Southwest Airlines. These airlines operate numerous domestic flights to destinations across the United States, making LGA a significant hub for domestic travel. The airport features four active passenger terminals (A, B, C, and D) and two runways, handling a significant volume of air traffic each year.

LGA offers a variety of dining and shopping options throughout its terminals. Passengers can find an array of restaurants, cafes, bars, and grab-and-go options to suit their tastes and schedules. The airport also features a range of retail stores, including gift shops, newsstands, and specialty boutiques. For added convenience, there are also banking services, ATMs, and currency exchange facilities available within the airport.

In recent years, LaGuardia Airport has undergone significant redevelopment and modernization projects, aiming to enhance the overall passenger experience. These improvements include expanded terminal facilities, improved transportation access, and upgraded amenities. The ongoing transformation of LGA is part of a larger effort to ensure that New York City's airports can accommodate the growing demand for air travel and provide a world-class experience for visitors and residents alike.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

New York has three main airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Newark Airport is located in New Jersey, across the Hudson River from New York. It is jointly owned by the cities of Newark and Elizabeth and is leased to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Newark Airport was built on 68 acres of marshland in 1928 and was the first major airport to serve the New York metropolitan area. It was also the first commercial airport in the United States with a paved airstrip. The airport has three runways and one helipad and serves 50 carriers.

During 2022, the airport served 43.4 million passengers, making it the 13th busiest airport in the United States and 23rd busiest in the world. The airport's busiest year to date was 2023, when it served 49.1 million passengers. Newark is a major hub for United Airlines, which serves about 63% of passengers at EWR.

The airport is accessible by road, with direct access from U.S. Route 1/9, which connects to Route 81 and Interstate 78. AirTrain Newark connects the airport terminals with the Newark Liberty International Airport Railway Station, served by NJ Transit and Amtrak.

Floyd Bennett Field

New York City has three main airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). However, strictly speaking, there are only two airports in New York: John F. Kennedy Airport and LaGuardia Airport, both located in the New York borough of Queens. Newark Liberty International Airport, located in neighbouring New Jersey, is also considered a New York airport due to its proximity and good connections.

Now, let's delve into the history of Floyd Bennett Field, New York City's first municipal airport.

History of Floyd Bennett Field

Despite its exceptional facilities, Floyd Bennett Field never gained much commercial traffic. During the interwar period, it became a hub for aviation records, with dozens of record-breaking flights originating from or destined for the airfield. The airport hosted famous aviators such as Wiley Post, Jackie Cochran, Laura Ingalls, and Amelia Earhart.

Military Use

Starting in the 1930s, the United States Coast Guard and United States Navy occupied parts of Floyd Bennett Field. With the outbreak of World War II, the airfield became a vital naval air station, officially designated as Naval Air Station New York on June 2, 1941. After the war, the Navy continued to operate the airfield as a Naval Air Reserve installation until 1970. During the Korean War, the Navy utilised Floyd Bennett Field as a support base and training facility for reserve squadrons.

Transition to a National Recreation Area

In 1972, it was decided to integrate Floyd Bennett Field into the Gateway National Recreation Area, and it reopened as a park in 1974. The National Park Service (NPS) manages the area, which includes over 1,300 acres of grassland, salt marshes, tidal mudflats, a marina, and the former airfield. Many of the original structures, including the administration building (now the William Fitts Ryan Visitor Center) and hangars, have been preserved and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, while no longer serving as a commercial, military, or general aviation airfield, a section of Floyd Bennett Field is still utilised as a helicopter base by the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and one runway is reserved for hobbyists flying radio-controlled aircraft. The area offers various recreational opportunities, such as camping, biking, archery, and indoor sports.

Teterboro Airport

The airport is owned and managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and operated by AFCO AvPORTS Management. It is situated 12 miles (19 km) north-northwest of Midtown Manhattan, making it a popular choice for private and corporate aircraft. Teterboro Airport covers 827 acres (335 ha) and has two runways, with the preferred runway for noise abatement being Runway 19.

The airport has a weight limit of 100,000 pounds (45,000 kg) on aircraft, which means it cannot accommodate commercial service. This weight limit was put in place to reduce noise in the surrounding residential areas. Teterboro is home to many private aviation charter companies offering both national and global flights.

In 2019, Teterboro Airport was the second busiest general aviation airport in the region, seeing 173,625 aircraft operations for the year. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the airport experienced a significant drop in traffic, with only 86,465 aircraft operations.

Frequently asked questions