
John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly referred to as JFK Airport, is an extremely busy airport in Queens, New York. It has experienced significant air traffic over the years, with airlines scheduling jets to Idlewild as early as 1958–59. The airport boasts an impressive cargo infrastructure, with companies like DHL, FedEx Express, and United Airlines operating cargo facilities on-site. The airport's radio stations are voiced by former New York City traffic reporter Bernie Wagenblast, while air traffic controller Stephen Abraham, known for his informal tone, handled ground traffic from 1994 to 2017. With its tall air traffic control tower and busy flight schedule, JFK Airport is a bustling hub of aviation activity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | John F. Kennedy International Airport |
| Colloquial Name | JFK |
| Location | Queens, New York |
| Traffic Reporters/Radio Station Voices | Bernie Wagenblast |
| Air Traffic Controller (Former) | Stephen Abraham |
| Air Traffic Control Tower Height | 320 feet (98 meters) |
| Year of Completion of Control Tower | 1994 |
| Cargo Facilities | DHL, FedEx Express, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Nippon Cargo Airlines, United Airlines, Korean Air Cargo |
| Year of Opening of Korean Air Cargo Terminal | 2000 |
| Area of Korean Air Cargo Terminal | 81,124 square feet (7,536.7 square meters) |
| Annual Handling Capacity of Korean Air Cargo Terminal | 200,000 tons |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Air France, British Airways |
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What You'll Learn

LaGuardia Airport has less traffic than JFK
LaGuardia Airport has less air traffic than JFK, or John F. Kennedy International Airport, in Queens, New York. From 1962 to 1967, JFK had more airline takeoffs and landings than LaGuardia and Newark combined, making it the second-busiest airport in the country. Even though LaGuardia received a new terminal and longer runways from 1960 to 1966, by the mid-1970s, the two airports had roughly equal airline traffic.
JFK Airport has an air traffic control tower that began full FAA operations in October 1994. At 320 feet (98 m), it was the world's tallest control tower at the time of its completion. DHL, FedEx Express, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Nippon Cargo Airlines, United Airlines, and Korean Air Cargo are among the airlines with cargo facilities at JFK.
LaGuardia Airport, on the other hand, did not start accommodating jets until 1964, later than JFK. LaGuardia's reconstruction in the 1980s also temporarily increased airline traffic at the other two airports, JFK and Newark.
Both airports, along with Newark, use a uniform style of signage throughout their premises.
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Newark Airport is less crowded than JFK
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are two of the three major airports serving New York City. While JFK is the largest and busiest of the three airports, Newark is generally less crowded and offers better transportation options.
In 2019, JFK was ranked eighth globally for the highest passenger traffic, with over 61 million passengers passing through. In comparison, Newark Liberty International had about 46 million passengers in 2019 and 49.1 million in 2023. While both airports have modern and spacious terminals with a variety of dining and shopping options, Newark's smaller size can be beneficial for travellers who prefer a more streamlined experience.
Newark Airport is situated in New Jersey, about 14 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan. It offers easy access for travellers staying in New Jersey or on the west side of Manhattan. There are various transportation options to and from the airport, including public transportation, taxis, and ridesharing services. During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, most flights were diverted to Newark Airport due to heavy flooding at JFK, which helped alleviate congestion and facilitated faster air traffic flow.
JFK Airport, on the other hand, is located in Queens, approximately 13 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. While it is closer to Manhattan than Newark, travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions and the mode of transport chosen. JFK is a massive complex that can be intimidating for some travellers. Additionally, certain river crossings and approach parkways and highways around JFK can make the journey more challenging.
Overall, while both JFK and Newark airports are viable options, Newark is generally less crowded and offers better transportation alternatives. Its smaller size and convenient location can make it a more manageable and streamlined experience for travellers, especially those driving to the airport or staying in New Jersey or on the west side of Manhattan.
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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has been the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic since 1998, except for 2020 when travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a dip in passenger numbers. In 2023, the airport served over 104.6 million passengers, the most of any airport globally. In 2024, it was again named the busiest airport in the world, with a 2% increase in capacity compared to the previous year.
Hartsfield–Jackson is also the world's busiest airport by aircraft movements, with just over 1,000 flights daily to 225 domestic and international destinations. The airport is the corporate headquarters and primary hub of Delta Air Lines, which is the world's largest airline hub and the first mega-hub in America. Aside from Delta, the airport is also an operating base for Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, offering international services within North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is named after former Atlanta mayors William B. Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson. The airport began as a five-year, rent-free lease on 287 acres of land that was once an abandoned auto racetrack called The Atlanta Speedway. The lease was signed on April 16, 1925, with the city committing to develop the land into an airfield. Today, the airport is Georgia's economic jewel, generating over $66 billion in annual economic impact and providing more than 63,000 jobs on-site, making it the state's largest employer.
The airport has received numerous awards for excellence and is recognised for its leadership in concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering, and construction. In 2016, the airport launched ATLNext, a multibillion-dollar modernisation and expansion initiative to enhance passenger experience, increase capacity, and maintain its status as the world's busiest airport.
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Delta handles around 30% of JFK's operations
John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly referred to as JFK Airport, is one of the busiest airports in New York. In 2014, Delta Air Lines was the largest operator at JFK, handling around 42% of the airport's operations. Delta has continued to invest in its operations at JFK, with a $1.5 billion transformation project commenced in 2021. As part of this project, Delta has consolidated all its operations in Terminal 4, with 10 new gates in Concourse A. This expansion has improved efficiency during busy travel times with enhanced check-in and baggage drop areas, including self-service kiosks and improved bag drop locations.
Delta's presence at JFK is significant, with two Delta Sky Clubs capable of accommodating over 800 guests simultaneously. The airline has also introduced Delta Digital ID, utilising biometric facial matching technology to streamline the check-in process. Delta offers a wide range of international flights from JFK, including destinations such as Tel Aviv, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Buenos Aires, and various cities across Scandinavia.
In addition to Delta, other airlines with a notable presence at JFK include JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Air France, and British Airways. The airport has also attracted cargo operations from companies like DHL, FedEx Express, Japan Airlines, and United Airlines.
JFK has a tall air traffic control tower, which was the tallest in the world upon its completion in 1994. The airport has experienced construction projects over the years, including the AirTrain JFK people-mover system, which began construction in 1998. Despite some delays and detours due to ongoing construction, JFK remains a vital hub for Delta and other airlines, serving a high volume of passenger and cargo traffic.
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JFK Airport is New York's busiest airport
Colloquially referred to as JFK, JFK Airport, or Kennedy Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport is New York's busiest airport. It is also the sixth-busiest airport in the United States and the busiest international commercial airport in North America. Over 90 airlines operate from JFK, with nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents. The airport serves over 62 million passengers per year.
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 (2,104 ha). The airport features five passenger terminals and four runways, with a total of over 150 gates. All the terminals are connected with each other through a train system, which also connects the airport with downtown New York. It takes passengers about 30 to 40 minutes to get to Central Manhattan, about 20 km from the airport.
JFK Airport is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Airlines, and a focus city for JetBlue and Norwegian Air Shuttle. It is also a former hub for Braniff, Eastern, Flying Tigers, National, Northeast, Northwest, Pan Am, Seaboard World, Tower Air, and TWA. The airport is supplied with electricity by the Kennedy International Airport Power Plant, owned and operated by the Calpine Corporation.
JFK Airport has a rich history, opening in 1948 as New York International Airport, commonly known as Idlewild Airport. It was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport in 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The airport has been the location of several accidents and tragedies, including the explosion of a TWA flight shortly after takeoff, killing all 230 people on board.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
JFK Airport is the busiest of the seven airports in the New York airport system, the sixth-busiest airport in the United States, and the busiest international commercial airport in North America.
JFK Airport was originally built with ten terminals, compared to the five it has today.
Traffic is experiencing gate hold and taxi delays lasting 15 minutes or less for both arrivals and departures.
Yes, there have been various proposals to renovate the airport, including a $13 billion plan to rebuild passenger facilities and approaches to JFK Airport, with two new international terminals.













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