Lois Larson
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in New York City and was renamed after the fallen president a month after his assassination in 1963. The airport was previously known as Idlewild, and its code was IDL. The new code, JFK, was chosen as the president's initials, although there was some debate as the letter J is reserved for heliports. JFK has five terminals and was New York's busiest airport from 1962 to 1967.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | John F. Kennedy International Airport |
| Former Name | Idlewild Airport |
| Location | New York |
| Number of Terminals | 5 |
| Terminal Numbers | 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 |
| Number of Gates | 130 |
| Terminal 1 Gates | 11 |
| Terminal 4 Gates | 48 |
| Terminal 4 Airlines | Lufthansa, Korean Air, Delta Air Lines |
| Terminal 5 Airlines | JetBlue, Cape Air |
| Terminal 7 Airlines | United Airlines |
| Terminal 8 Airlines | American Airlines |
| Terminal 8 Other Name | Oneworld hub |
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What You'll Learn
- John F. Kennedy International Airport was renamed after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated
- The airport's former name was Idlewild, and its code was IDL
- The new code, JFK, was chosen to represent John F. Kennedy's initials
- JFK has five terminals in total, numbered 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8
- Terminal 4 features art, including a mural, photographs, and a hologram exhibit
John F. Kennedy International Airport was renamed after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated
John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly known as JFK Airport, is located in Queens, New York City. It is one of the three major airports serving New York City and its metropolitan area, and it is the busiest airport in North America in terms of international passenger traffic.
The airport was originally named New York International Airport, but it was commonly known as Idlewild Airport, owing to its construction on the site of the Idlewild Golf Course.
On November 22, 1963, US President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. A month and two days later, on December 24, 1963, the airport was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport in honour of the fallen president. The idea to rename the airport was proposed by Mayor Robert F. Wagner Jr., and it was approved by the New York City Council, with the president's younger brother, Edward Kennedy, in attendance at the ceremony.
The airport's new codes, JFK and KJFK, were chosen as they are the initials of the late president, and the previous codes, IDL and KIDL, were reassigned to Indianola Municipal Airport in Mississippi. The choice of the new codes was considered a "natural and logical" decision by an FAA spokesman, despite the letter "J" being reserved for heliports.
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The airport's former name was Idlewild, and its code was IDL
John F. Kennedy International Airport, often known as JFK Airport, was initially called Idlewild Airport. The airport was dedicated on July 31, 1948, and was renamed in honour of the late President John F. Kennedy in December 1963, a month after his assassination.
The airport in New York was previously known as Idlewild, and its code was IDL. Idlewild was a developer's name for a resort and later a golf club on Jamaica Bay. It was the unofficial name given to the airport while it was being planned in the 1940s. The IDL code has now been reassigned to Indianola Municipal Airport in Mississippi.
Idlewild Airport was a significant aviation hub, witnessing the arrival of the jet plane and the rise and fall of Concorde. It has served as a gateway for many notable figures, including royalty, politicians, and celebrities. The airport has five terminals and 130 gates in total. It was the second-busiest airport in the country during its peak, handling 403,981 airline operations in 1967.
The renaming of the airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport, with the code JFK, was a way to honour the slain president. Some locals expressed a desire to retain the original name, Idlewild, or to combine it with the new name as a compromise, such as "John F. Kennedy/Idlewild International Airport."
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The new code, JFK, was chosen to represent John F. Kennedy's initials
The John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly known as JFK Airport, is located in New York City. The airport was renamed on December 24, 1963, a month and two days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The new code, JFK, was chosen to represent John F. Kennedy's initials, honouring the fallen president.
Prior to the renaming, the airport was known as Idlewild, with the code IDL. The decision to change the code to JFK was made by the Federal Aviation Agency, considering the standard three-letter code assigned to airports. While the letter 'J' was typically reserved for heliports, the FAA and airlines agreed to use JFK as a natural and logical choice, reflecting the president's initials.
The choice of the new code, JFK, carried significant meaning and was a thoughtful way to commemorate President Kennedy's legacy. The airport's new code served as a constant reminder of the respect and admiration the nation had for the late president. This decision also ensured that John F. Kennedy's name and memory would be forever intertwined with the airport's identity.
The process of updating the airport's code to conform to the new initials incurred significant costs. It is estimated that making the necessary changes to align with the new code, JFK, cost approximately half a million dollars. This included updates to signage, documentation, and various other airport-related materials.
Today, JFK Airport is a bustling transportation hub, with five active terminals and 130 gates in total. It is known for its unique, deformed U-shaped wavy pattern, with terminal buildings arranged around a central area containing parking, a power plant, and other essential airport facilities. The airport has also invested in arts and culture, with Terminal 4 showcasing various exhibitions, murals, and even a freestanding hologram device.
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JFK has five terminals in total, numbered 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8
The John F. Kennedy International Airport (IATA: JFK, ICAO: KJFK, FAA LID: JFK) is a major international airport serving New York City and its metropolitan area. It is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City, bordering Jamaica Bay. The airport features five terminals in total, numbered 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. These terminals are arranged in a deformed U-shaped pattern around a central area containing parking, a power plant, and other airport facilities.
Terminal 1, designed by William Nicholas Bodouva + Associates, is one of the oldest airport terminals, constructed about 50 years ago. It has 11 gates and is located on the airport's southeast side. Terminal 1 is capable of handling the Airbus A380 aircraft, which is operated by Korean Air and Lufthansa. Terminal 4, developed by LCOR, Inc., is managed by a subsidiary of the Schiphol Group and was the first in the United States to be managed by a foreign airport operator. It currently contains 48 gates across two concourses and functions as the hub for Delta Air Lines at JFK. Terminal 5 opened in 2008 for JetBlue, the manager and primary tenant of the building, and is also used by Cape Air. It is connected to the TWA Hotel, and passengers can park in the yellow parking garage for easy access. Terminal 7, which came into existence in 1970, is used for both domestic and international flights operated by various airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Icelandair, and Frontier. Terminal 8 has 31 gates across two concourses and is a major Oneworld hub, with airlines such as British Airways, Iberia, and American Airlines operating from this terminal.
The terminals at JFK are well-equipped with various facilities and services. These include lounges, smoking areas, baggage claim, check-in counters, shops, restaurants, and currency exchange services. The airport also offers ground transportation options, such as taxi pick-up and rental car services, and access to public transport connections.
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Terminal 4 features art, including a mural, photographs, and a hologram exhibit
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, commonly known as JFK Airport, features art installations in Terminal 4 as part of its T4 Arts & Culture program. The program was expanded in 2024 to include a range of exhibits, including a mural, photographs, and a hologram exhibit.
The mural, located at Gate B25, was created by local artist Zeehan Wazed and represents the borough of Queens. It depicts a vibrant and intricate design, reflecting the diverse communities of New York City and the heritage of Queens as a gathering place for these communities. Wazed's artwork includes cultural elements such as henna on the streets of Hillside and boomboxes on Jamaica Avenue, capturing the hustle and bustle of the borough.
The photography exhibit in Terminal 4 features a collaboration with the Cradle of Aviation Museum, showcasing historical photos of New York City neighbourhoods and digital and static displays. The exhibit also includes photographs taken by Terminal 4 employees, capturing their passion for aviation and inspiring young travellers.
The hologram exhibit is a unique experience in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society and Proto hologram. It brings animals from the Bronx Zoo to life through immersive holographic technology, including a live hologram of comedian Howie Mandel. The exhibit also features extensive video elements about wildlife and wild places, showcasing the work of the Wildlife Conservation Society globally.
The T4 Arts & Culture program aims to provide enriching experiences for travellers, reflecting the diverse communities of New York City and offering a glimpse into its local art, food, and culture. The program includes installations, exhibits, and performances throughout the year, making Terminal 4 a vibrant and welcoming gateway to New York City for travellers from around the world.
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Frequently asked questions
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
The airport is named after former President John F. Kennedy, whose initials were JFK.
The airport was renamed on December 24, 1963, a month and two days after the assassination of President Kennedy.
The airport was previously known as Idlewild.
JFK Airport has five active terminals, numbered 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. It was the second-busiest airport in the country in terms of airline takeoffs and landings between 1962 and 1967. In 2024, Terminal 4 expanded its Arts & Culture program with a photography exhibit, a mural, and the first-ever freestanding hologram device in an airport.
