Sachin Walls
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) are two of the world's largest and busiest airports. In 2017, New York's Governor Cuomo and the Port Authority proposed a $10 billion overhaul of JFK, which is one of the US's most important business hubs. Heathrow, on the other hand, is the busiest airport in Europe and the seventh busiest in the world, with 78 million passengers in 2017. While JFK is the fifth busiest airport in the US, with over 59 million passengers in 2016, Heathrow boasts 81 airlines and serves 204 destinations in 85 countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): New York, USA |
| Heathrow Airport (LHR): London, UK | |
| Size | JFK: 5,200 acres |
| LHR: 12.27 square kilometres | |
| Number of Terminals | JFK: 6 |
| LHR: 4 | |
| Number of Runways | JFK: 4 |
| LHR: 2 | |
| Renovation Plans | JFK: $10 billion renovation proposed in 2017 |
| LHR: Third runway and rail link to Gatwick Airport proposed | |
| Passenger Traffic | JFK: 59 million (2016) |
| LHR: 78 million (2017), 3.6 million seats annually | |
| Onward Travel | JFK: Limited options, no direct train to New York City |
| LHR: Network of buses, trains, and underground system |
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What You'll Learn
Heathrow has better onward travel options
Heathrow Airport has better onward travel options than JFK. Heathrow is well-connected to central London and other terminals via a network of buses, trains, and an underground system. The Heathrow Express, although expensive, takes just 15 minutes to reach Paddington Rail Station in West London. In comparison, JFK has limited onward travel options and no direct train to New York City, which can make the journey longer and less convenient.
Heathrow's clear and abundant signage ensures that passengers can easily navigate their way through the airport. The immigration process for UK residents with e-passports is also quick and efficient, with passport scanning and facial recognition technology. On the other hand, JFK's immigration process can be time-consuming due to a lack of officers, resulting in long queues.
The differences in onward travel options are notable, especially when considering the return leg of the journey between Heathrow and JFK. The standards of the British Airways terminals, in particular, differ significantly between the two airports. Heathrow's Terminal 3 is considered superior to JFK's Terminal 7, which has been described as "dingy and dated."
In terms of scale and passenger traffic, Heathrow and JFK are both significant airports. Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport and the seventh busiest globally, serving 78 million passengers annually. JFK, while not among the top five largest airports in the US, still handles a substantial passenger volume, with over 59 million passengers in 2016.
While Heathrow currently excels in onward travel options, there are plans for further improvements. A proposed third runway near the north end of the airport could significantly increase passenger capacity. Additionally, a potential rail link between Heathrow and Gatwick Airport is on the horizon, enhancing connectivity between two of London's largest airports.
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JFK's immigration process is slower
Heathrow Airport in London is one of the busiest airports in the world, with 49,795,202 passengers departing in 2019. Heathrow is the busiest airport in Europe and the seventh busiest in the world, with 78,012,825 passengers in 2017. Heathrow Airport covers 12.27 square kilometres and has two parallel east-west runways and four operational terminals.
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York is the fifth busiest airport in the US in terms of customer traffic, with over 59 million passengers in 2016. JFK Airport spans 5,200 acres and has six terminals containing 128 gates.
While Heathrow is busier and bigger than JFK, JFK's immigration process is slower. Wait times at US immigration and customs vary significantly by airport, time of day, and season, with peak travel times generally resulting in longer waits. In 2024, JFK was ranked as the third worst airport in terms of immigration and customs wait times, with an average wait time of 23.58 minutes. This is despite the fact that JFK sees about ten fewer passengers per booth every hour than Miami International Airport, which has the second-worst wait times.
Several factors can affect the length of the immigration process at JFK, such as the number of immigration desks open and the number of flights arriving simultaneously. Travellers have reported wait times ranging from a few seconds to over two hours at JFK's immigration. To avoid lengthy delays, it is recommended to budget a few extra hours when passing through JFK's immigration and customs.
To expedite the immigration process at JFK, travellers can take advantage of programs like Global Entry and Mobile Passport, which offer expedited processing through designated lanes. Additionally, checking the average wait times on websites like cbp.gov/awt can help travellers make more informed decisions about their flight bookings.
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Heathrow is the busiest airport in Europe
Heathrow Airport in London is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a hub for British Airways, one of the world's largest and most influential airlines. Heathrow is also Europe's busiest airport, with 78,012,825 passengers in 2017, and 83 million passengers in 2024. Heathrow has two parallel east-west runways, four operational terminals, and 81 airlines serving 204 destinations in 85 countries. The airport covers 12.27 square kilometres and has an annual capacity of 480,000 flights.
In 2024, Heathrow retained its title as Europe's busiest airport, with over eight million passengers travelling through its terminals in July. However, the introduction of mandatory electronic travel authorisation charges resulted in a loss of 90,000 transfer passengers for the airport. Heathrow also surpassed 1.8 million passengers in a single week in July 2024, achieving this milestone three weeks in a row.
Heathrow's position as Europe's busiest airport was threatened in 2025, as Istanbul Airport (IST) rose to prominence, with Turkish Airlines controlling over 80% of departing seats. Istanbul's airport is not just a hub but a launchpad, connecting continents with an unrivalled reach. Heathrow, however, remains a critical crossroads for global carriers, balancing legacy dominance with international diversity.
While Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport, it faces challenges from other airports in Europe, such as Istanbul, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Frankfurt, and Barcelona, which are controlled by a few powerful airline groups. These groups, including International Airlines Group (IAG), Air France-KLM, and Lufthansa Group, have a vast reach, influencing eight of the top ten airports in Europe.
In comparison, JFK Airport in New York, the fifth busiest airport in the US, had over 59 million passengers in 2016. The US has been criticised for its infrastructure, including airports, and there have been proposals for a $10 billion renovation of JFK Airport to address these concerns. Despite these efforts, Heathrow has been rated higher than JFK in terms of the flying experience, showcasing the need for continued improvement in American airports.
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JFK is the fifth busiest airport in the US
John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, is the fifth busiest airport in the US, serving New York City and its metropolitan area. With over 59 million passengers in 2016, it is also the busiest of the seven airports in the New York airport system.
JFK Airport is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City, bordering Jamaica Bay. It is the largest airport in the New York metropolitan area, covering 5,200 acres, and featuring five passenger terminals and four runways. Over 90 airlines operate from JFK, with nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents.
The airport is accessible primarily by road, via the JFK Expressway or Interstate 678 (Van Wyck Expressway), or by bus or shuttle. A direct rail link to the airport, the AirTrain JFK people-mover system, opened in 2003 after decades of planning.
JFK has been the subject of several redevelopment plans over the years. In 2018, New York's Governor Cuomo and the Port Authority proposed a $10 billion plan to overhaul the airport, which is currently being negotiated. British Airways is also currently refurbishing terminal 7, investing $65 million in the project.
In terms of size, JFK is dwarfed by DFW Airport, which is almost bigger than the island of Manhattan and could contain JFK, O'Hare, and Los Angeles International airports with room to spare. Heathrow Airport in London, UK, is also larger than JFK, covering 12.27 square kilometres compared to JFK's 5,200 acres. Heathrow is also one of the busiest airports in the world, serving 78,012,825 passengers in 2017.
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Heathrow has better food options
Heathrow Airport in London is one of the busiest airports in the world, with 78 million passengers annually. JFK, or John F. Kennedy International Airport, in New York is also one of the busiest airports, with over 59 million passengers in 2016. While both airports are large and busy, Heathrow has been described as having better food options.
In 2015, chef Gordon Ramsay, who operated a British Airways terminal at Heathrow, commented on the poor quality of airline food. He acknowledged that it had often been dismissed as "disappointing, flavorless crap". However, he aimed to change this perception by offering multi-course meals within 25 minutes, as well as takeaway cool boxes designed for flights. This improvement in food quality at Heathrow, initiated by a renowned chef, sets it apart from JFK.
The food options at Heathrow have been further emphasised by its annual breakfast statistics. The airport serves almost five million eggs, 6.4 million croissants, and 4.5 million slices of bacon each year. This equates to enough pastries to line a runway in both directions 350 times. Such numbers demonstrate the vast quantity of food consumed at Heathrow, indicating a robust demand for these culinary offerings.
In contrast, JFK's food options have not received similar acclaim. While there is limited information on the specific food choices available at the airport, the overall experience of travelling through JFK has been described as disappointing. This includes issues with long immigration queues due to insufficient officers, as well as limited onward travel options to and from the airport. These factors may detract from the dining experience, suggesting that JFK could offer more in terms of food variety and accessibility.
Additionally, Heathrow benefits from a comprehensive transport network, including buses, trains, and an underground system, providing easy access to central London and other terminals. This well-connected transport system can enhance the overall experience for travellers, potentially increasing their satisfaction with the airport's food and beverage offerings.
In summary, Heathrow Airport has been praised for its food options, with efforts made to enhance the quality and convenience of meals. The high demand for food at Heathrow, as evidenced by its substantial breakfast statistics, indicates a preference among travellers for its culinary offerings. Meanwhile, JFK Airport has faced criticism for its dated facilities and limited travel options, which may extend to its food choices. Heathrow's efficient transport connections further contribute to a positive overall experience, making it a clear winner in terms of food options when compared to JFK.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Heathrow Airport is bigger than JFK. Heathrow Airport in London, UK, covers 12.27 square kilometres, while JFK Airport in New York covers 5,200 acres. Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, with 78 million passengers annually. JFK, on the other hand, had 59 million passengers in 2016.
Heathrow Airport has plans for a third runway near its north end, which will increase passenger capacity. A rail link between Heathrow and Gatwick Airport has also been proposed.
In 2017, a $10 billion renovation of JFK Airport was proposed by New York Governor Cuomo and the Port Authority. The plan includes a $1 billion budget from the Port Authority, with the remaining $9 billion expected from the private sector.
The experience of departing from JFK Terminal 7 and arriving at Heathrow Terminal 3 is similar. However, the return journey reveals significant differences in the standards of British Airways terminals. Heathrow is considered the clear winner due to its efficient immigration process and better onward travel options.
Some of the busiest airports in the world include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, which has consistently ranked as the busiest since 1998, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Heathrow Airport in London is also one of the busiest, with London having the busiest city airport system by passenger count. Other busy airports include O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Beijing Capital International Airport in China.
