Owais Crawford
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest airports in the world. Located in Queens, New York City, it is known for its iconic architecture and rich history. The airport has been a major hub for international travel since its opening in 1948 and has played a significant role in shaping the city's cultural and economic landscape. With a wide range of airlines operating from its terminals, JFK continues to be a vital gateway to the United States, offering connections to destinations worldwide. The airport has also witnessed significant events, such as the historic Concorde supersonic flights and the infamous Lufthansa heist, which was one of the largest cash robberies in American history at the time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Construction | Ongoing construction at JFK, causing congestion on roadways leading to Terminal 4 |
| Delays | General arrival and departure delays of 15 minutes or less as of May 12, 2025 |
| Transportation | AirTrain JFK provides complimentary travel within airport property; external transfers at Howard Beach and Jamaica stations are paid via OMNY or MetroCard |
| Terminals | Terminal 1 served by SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and Oneworld carriers; Terminal 4 has an expanded Arts & Culture program with digital and static photography exhibits, murals, and holograms |
| Security | Passengers can use Reserve powered by CLEAR to save time and avoid long lines at security checkpoints |
| History | Site of the largest cash robbery on American soil at the time, masterminded by James Burke, an associate of the Lucchese crime family |
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What You'll Learn
Construction and expansion at JFK
John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly known as JFK Airport, has undergone significant construction and expansion over the years to accommodate increasing air traffic and improve passenger experience. One of the most notable construction projects at JFK Airport is the AirTrain JFK, a dedicated rail network that began construction in 1998. The system links each airport terminal to the New York City Subway and the Long Island Rail Road at Howard Beach and Jamaica, providing convenient transportation options for passengers and employees.
In addition to the AirTrain, JFK Airport has also expanded its terminals to enhance capacity and functionality. Terminal 4 is currently undergoing an expansion of its Arts & Culture program, introducing various exhibitions and artistic collaborations. Terminal 5, which opened in 2008 for JetBlue as the primary tenant, features an International Arrivals Concourse (T5i) that was redesigned by Gensler and constructed by Turner Construction. The new structure is connected to the preserved Eero Saarinen-designed terminal, originally known as the TWA Flight Center.
The construction activities at JFK Airport have led to some congestion on the roadways leading to Terminal 4. Passengers are advised to allow extra time to reach the terminal and are encouraged to use public transportation whenever possible. The recommended route involves taking the subway or LIRR to Howard Beach or Jamaica and then transferring to the AirTrain for a short ride to the terminal.
Looking ahead, there are plans for adjustments to bus services serving the airport. The B15, Q3, and Q10 buses are expected to return to Terminal 5 in 2026 due to construction projects. JFK Airport continues to strive to balance the challenges of construction with efficient transportation options for travellers.
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Transport to and from the airport
There are several transport options to and from JFK Airport. The GO Airlink NYC shuttle service offers a shared ride shuttle with curbside pickup directly at your terminal. This service allows for same-day reservations for shuttle rides departing from the airport. Groups of three or more can pay $25 each to get from JFK to Manhattan. GO Airlink NYC also offers a private car service for those who want a direct, non-stop ride.
You can also take the AirTrain to and from JFK Airport. This journey costs $8.50 on top of your subway or railroad fare. You can use OMNY or a MetroCard to pay at the AirTrain turnstiles. Make sure your train is headed to Far Rockaway, as Lefferts Boulevard-bound trains do not connect to the airport. You can board any AirTrain that arrives and check which terminal you need on JFK's website.
Additionally, you can take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) trains at Penn Station or Grand Central in Manhattan or Atlantic Terminal in Downtown Brooklyn. All LIRR services, except the Port Washington branch, go through Jamaica, though not all trains stop there. If you take an LIRR train, sit near the front of an eastbound train to be closer to the AirTrain when you disembark at Jamaica.
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Airport security and passenger screening
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has recently announced a partnership with K2 Security Screening to build a state-of-the-art passenger security checkpoint at the airport's new Terminal One. K2, a Bethesda, Maryland-based company, is a leader in the planning, management, installation, and integration of airport passenger and checked baggage security screening systems. The new terminal is part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $19 billion transformation plan, which includes modernising and expanding existing terminals and constructing two new terminals.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the new terminal will feature advanced security checkpoints with Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray scanners that produce three-dimensional images, streamlining the baggage check process and minimising physical contact. Additionally, the checkpoint will incorporate Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), which will enhance identity verification and flag individuals requiring additional screening.
The CAT-2 units will be able to scan and verify over 2,500 types of IDs, including passports, military common access cards, and driver's licenses. The system will also confirm a passenger's flight status by verifying that the individual is ticketed to fly out of the airport on that day. This touchless technology will increase efficiency and enhance the detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs.
To ensure a smooth security screening process, passengers are advised to follow certain guidelines. Liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and placed in a single quart-sized zip-top plastic bag. Laptops and other electronic devices should be placed in a screening bin, along with shoes, jackets, and belts. Metal objects, such as coins and keys, should be placed in a carry-on bag. Passengers travelling with pets should keep them in their carriers at all times, except for service animals. JFK also offers programs like Reserve powered by CLEAR and Mobile Passport to help passengers save time during the security and entry processes.
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Facilities and amenities at Terminal 4
Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is a 1.5-million-square-foot facility that opened in 2001. It was built to replace the airport's old International Arrivals Building, which opened in 1957. Terminal 4 has seen multiple expansions over the years, including a $1.4 billion project completed in 2013 that added mechanized checked-bag screening, a centralised security checkpoint, nine international gates, and improved U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities. The terminal currently contains 48 gates across two concourses and functions as the hub for Delta Air Lines.
Concourse A (gates A2–A12, A14–A17, A19, and A21) serves primarily Asian and some European airlines, along with Delta Connection flights. Concourse B (gates B20, B22-B55) primarily serves both domestic and international flights of Delta and its SkyTeam partners. Terminal 4 is managed by the Schiphol Group and can handle international arrivals that are not pre-cleared.
The terminal offers a range of facilities and amenities for passengers, including lounges, dining options, and retail areas. There are two Priority Pass lounges accessible to passengers: the Air India Maharaja Lounge and the Primeclass Lounge. Both lounges offer comfortable seating, refreshments, snacks, and free Wi-Fi. The Air India Maharaja Lounge also offers expansive views of airside operations, while the Primeclass Lounge provides newspapers, magazines, and televisions. Both lounges are wheelchair accessible and welcome guests with disabilities.
In addition to the lounges, Terminal 4 features a variety of dining options, including a Central Diner and a Dunkin' Donuts. For travellers who want to grab food on the go, there is also a four-block-long retail area with various options. The terminal also has flower kiosks, lottery ticket sellers, an AT&T counter, and vending machines.
To enhance the travel experience, Terminal 4 provides convenient services such as Reserve powered by CLEAR, which allows passengers to save their spot ahead of time and avoid long lines at security. Additionally, passengers can utilise the Mobile Passport feature, which enables U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to expedite the entry process.
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Historical events at JFK
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), located in Queens, New York City, has been the site of several notable historical events.
The airport was originally known as New York International Airport or Idlewild Airport when it was dedicated on July 31, 1948. President Harry S. Truman marked the occasion with a speech, accompanied by a squadron of U.S. Air Force and Navy planes flying overhead.
Over the years, the airport has witnessed significant aviation milestones, including the arrival of the jet plane and the rise and fall of the Concorde. It has also played host to numerous notable figures, including political leaders, royalty, and celebrities. For instance, in 1959, Winston Churchill, then 84, gave a speech at the airport before boarding a flight to London. In the same year, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev spoke at the airport before departing for Los Angeles.
JFK Airport has also undergone several expansions and renovations. In 1999, American Airlines embarked on an eight-year project to build the largest passenger terminal at JFK, which opened in 2007. The airport has also seen the construction and demolition of various terminals to accommodate changing needs, such as Terminal 6, which was demolished in 2011, and the new Terminal 6, planned to be completed by 2027.
Additionally, the former Ramada Plaza JFK Hotel, also known as the "Heartbreak Hotel", played a role in housing the friends and relatives of aircraft crash victims in the 1990s and 2000s. The hotel closed in 2009 due to declining aviation activity and the need for renovations.
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Frequently asked questions
The roadways leading to Terminal 4 may be congested due to construction, so it is recommended that travellers use public transportation. The subway system through Howard Beach or the LIRR at Jamaica, followed by the AirTrain, will get you to the terminal in 10-15 minutes.
Terminal 1 is served by SkyTeam carriers Air France, China Eastern Airlines, Korean Air, Saudia, and Scandinavian Airlines. Star Alliance carriers include Air China, Air New Zealand, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Egyptair, EVA Air, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, and Turkish Airlines. Terminal 1's sole Oneworld carrier is Royal Air Maroc. Other airlines operating from Terminal 1 include Air Serbia, Azores Airlines, Cayman Airways, Flair Airlines, ITA Airways, Neos, Philippine Airlines, Viva, and Volaris.
Terminal 4 has an Arts & Culture programme that includes a digital and static photography exhibit in collaboration with the Cradle of Aviation Museum, a mural representing Queens, a series of photographs by Terminal 4 employees, and the airport's first freestanding hologram device, which showcases animals from the Bronx Zoo.
The AirTrain JFK people-mover system, which began in 1998, links each airport terminal to the New York City Subway and the Long Island Rail Road at Howard Beach and Jamaica. While AirTrain travel within the airport is free, external transfers are paid via OMNY or MetroCard.
