
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the leading international gateways in the United States. Located in the borough of Queens in New York City, JFK is the busiest international airport in North America and the sixth busiest airport in the United States. In this article, we will be exploring the history of JFK Airport, its terminals, and its impact on the region's economy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | John F. Kennedy International Airport |
| Colloquial Name | JFK Airport, JFK or Kennedy |
| Location | Queens, New York, USA |
| Distance from Manhattan | 12 miles |
| Bordered by | Jamaica Bay to the south and urban sprawl to the north |
| Transport Connections | Road, rail, AirTrain, taxi, car hire |
| Number of Terminals | 6 |
| Number of Gates | 128 |
| Number of Runways | 5 |
| Airlines | Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, British Airways, American Airlines, Aer Lingus, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Qantas, Icelandair, Aerolineas Argentinas, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Air France, Japan Airlines, Northeast Airlines, Braniff, Northwest Airlines, and more |
| Cargo Airlines | ABX, China Airlines, FedEx Express, Korean Air Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, and more |
| Number of Employees | 37,000 |
| Economic Impact | $37.3 billion in economic activity in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, leading to about 256,000 jobs in the region |
Explore related products
$13.2 $14.95
$0.99
What You'll Learn

JFK is in the borough of Queens, New York City
John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, is located in the borough of Queens, New York City. It is one of the leading international gateways in the United States, serving as the primary international airport for New York City. The airport is situated 12 miles from Lower Manhattan, with Jamaica Bay bordering its southern side and urban sprawl to the north.
JFK is the busiest international airport in North America and the 21st busiest airport worldwide. It is also the sixth busiest airport in the US and the busiest in the New York airport system, handling over 61 million passengers in 2018. More than ninety airlines operate out of JFK, serving five inhabited continents with nonstop or direct flights. The airport has six operating airline terminals, including 128 gates, with Terminal 1 hosting key international airlines such as Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Lufthansa. Terminal 2 is now solely used by Delta Air Lines, while Terminal 4 serves as a major international hub for the airline and is the primary gateway for international arrivals at JFK.
The airport is well-connected to the city, offering access to both the road and rail networks. The AirTrain JFK, completed in 2003, links the airport's terminals to the New York City subway system. Additionally, taxis and car hire services are available, although they tend to be more expensive options.
JFK is owned by the City of New York and managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey under a long-term lease. The Port Authority has invested heavily in the airport, contributing to the economic activity of the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, leading to approximately 256,000 jobs in the region. Queens itself is the largest borough in New York City, both geographically and in terms of population, known for its ethnic diversity and hosting a mix of residential and industrial areas.
Turo at Airports: How Does It Work?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It was known as Idlewild Airport until 1963
John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, is located in the borough of Queens, New York City. It is one of the leading international gateways in the nation and is the busiest international airport in the country.
The airport was known as Idlewild Airport until 1963 when it was renamed after John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. The dedication occurred just after Kennedy's assassination in November 1963. The airport had been constructed to reduce the volume of traffic at LaGuardia Airport, which is also located in Queens.
JFK started serving jet aircraft in 1958, five years before its renaming. It quickly became New York's busiest airline airport, handling more airlines than LaGuardia and Newark combined. By 1967, it was peaking at 403,981 airline operations per year.
Today, JFK remains one of the busiest airports in the world, handling just over 61 million passengers in 2018. It is a hub for international travel, with nonstop or direct flights to destinations on five inhabited continents. More than ninety airlines operate out of JFK, and it is a primary gateway for international arrivals.
Johor Bahru's Airport Count: How Many Exactly?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is one of the busiest airports in the US
John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, is located in the borough of Queens, New York City. It is one of the busiest airports in the US, serving as a leading international gateway to the nation. With its six operating airline terminals, JFK is the busiest international airport in North America, the 21st busiest airport globally, and the sixth busiest in the US. In 2018, it handled just over 61 million passengers, with more than 90 airlines operating from the airport.
JFK's role as an international gateway is underscored by its diverse range of airlines. In addition to carriers from Europe and Asia, JFK is a hub for South American and Caribbean flights, serving as a base for airlines like Aeromexico, Avianca, and TAM. The airport also accommodates around 100 cargo carriers, including major players such as China Airlines, FedEx Express, and Korean Air Cargo. The sheer variety of aircraft at JFK attracts enthusiasts, or 'spotters', who can observe everything from US carriers to cargo giants and international airlines.
JFK's status as one of the busiest airports in the US is further evidenced by its economic impact. The airport contributes approximately $37.3 billion in economic activity to the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, supporting about 256,000 jobs in the region. Terminal 8, which handles American Airlines and Oneworld partners, exemplifies the airport's bustling nature, processing 12.9 million passengers annually.
JFK's position as a key international gateway is also due to its accessibility. The airport is 12 miles from Lower Manhattan and is well-connected to the road and rail network. The AirTrain, which links the airport to New York City subways, provides convenient access to and from Manhattan. Additionally, taxis and car hire services are available, albeit at a higher cost.
Airport Metroplexes: Air Traffic Congestion or Solution?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$64.99

It has six operating airline terminals
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in the borough of Queens in New York City. It is one of the leading international gateways in the nation and is the busiest international airport in North America.
JFK Airport has six operating airline terminals, including 128 gates numbered 1 to 8, but without Terminals 3 and 6. The terminals are located in a central area, surrounded by runways. The cargo and maintenance areas are in the western part of the airport, largely hidden among a sea of hangars and service buildings.
Terminal 1 was opened in 1998 with a partnership with four key operating airlines: Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Lufthansa. Asian and European carriers use this terminal, and it is A380 equipped. Terminal 2 opened in 1962 as the home of Northeast Airlines, Braniff, and Northwest Airlines. Now, it is solely used by Delta Air Lines.
Terminal 4 is a major international hub for Delta Air Lines and the primary gateway for international arrivals at JFK. This terminal serves Middle Eastern, Asian, European, and South African carriers and is also A380 equipped. Terminal 5 opened in 2008 and serves as the base for JetBlue Airways, along with Aer Lingus and Hawaiian Airlines. Terminal 7 was initially built for BOASC and Air Canada in 1970 and is now managed by British Airways. Along with British Airways, Terminal 7 is also used by ANA, United Airlines, Qantas, Icelandair, Aerolineas Argentinas, and Oneworld partners.
Terminal 8 was designed by American Airlines to be the largest terminal at JFK. It contains U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities, 84 ticket counters, and 10 security checkpoint lanes. Terminal 8 handles 12.9 million passengers annually and serves American Airlines and Oneworld partners.
Explore the Spacious Layout of Courtyard Airport Hotel Rooms
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The airport is owned by the City of New York
John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, is owned by the City of New York and is located in the borough of Queens. It is one of the leading international gateways in the nation and is the busiest international airport in North America. The airport is managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey under a long-term operating lease. The Port Authority has been leasing the JFK property from the City of New York since 1947.
JFK Airport is a major hub for international travel, serving as the primary international airport for New York City. It is one of the three busiest airports serving the New York metropolitan area, along with LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. JFK is located on Long Island, 12 miles from Lower Manhattan. The airport is easily accessible by road and rail, with the AirTrain providing a direct connection to the New York City subway system.
As one of the busiest airports in the world, JFK handles a significant volume of passenger and cargo traffic. In 2018, the airport accommodated over 61 million passengers, with more than ninety airlines operating nonstop or direct flights to destinations on five inhabited continents. The airport also serves as a major freight gateway, ranking third in the United States in terms of the value of shipments.
JFK has six operating airline terminals, with 128 gates numbered 1 to 8, excluding Terminals 3 and 6. Terminal 4 is a significant international hub, serving as the primary gateway for international arrivals. Terminal 5, which opened in 2008, is the base for JetBlue Airways. Terminal 8, designed by American Airlines, is the largest terminal at JFK and can handle 12.9 million passengers annually.
The airport is a significant contributor to the regional economy, generating about $37.3 billion in economic activity in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. This economic impact has led to the creation of approximately 256,000 jobs in the region. JFK's role as a vital transportation hub and its ownership by the City of New York underscore its importance to the region's infrastructure and economic development.
MLM Airport: Money Exchange Availability and Services
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
JFK airport is located in the borough of Queens, New York City.
JFK airport was formerly known as Idlewild Airport. It was renamed in 1963, a month after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
JFK airport is owned by the City of New York and managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.


















![Airport Terminal Pack [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tMG0fiDyL._AC_UY218_.jpg)


















