A multi-billion dollar transformation project promises to turn a famously “overcrowded” airport terminal into a state-of-the-art site with 23 gates.
New York‘s Port Authority’s is carrying out a $19 billion (£14.5bn) redevelopment of two terminals at JFK International in Queens to turn it into a “world-class airport“.
The overhaul will see two new terminals, 1 and 6, constructed in the southern and northern parts of the airport, respectively, NY1 reports.
YouTube channel Megabuilds described the airport, which handles nearly 62 million passengers annually, as “old, overcrowded, and poorly organised”.
One TripAvisor reviewer described it in 2019 as “Huge” and “not easy to negotiate”, while another in 2017 said the airport is “very confusing” and that it was “hard to transit”.
But Port Authority says New Terminal One (NTO) will span 2.6 million square feet, and will feature “expansive, naturally lit, public spaces, cutting edge technology, and an array of amenities, designed to enhance the customer experience”.
The first gates under construction are planned to open for the first time in 2026.
Travellers will also be able to enjoy “world-class dining and retail amenities” as well as more room for passengers to unwind. The new-look terminal is set to have “space for lounges, an indoor green space and family-friendly amenities – all with memorable public art and a uniquely New York sense of place”, the website for the project says.
The New Terminal One is also expected to create over 10,000 total jobs, in a major boost for the city.
Speaking to NY1, executive director of the Port Authority Rick Cotton, said it’s a “generational project”. “I think the New York, New Jersey airports really have fallen into a disgraceful state of being outdated, undersized and simply not appropriate for one of the leading regions – if not the leading region – in the world,” he told the news channel.
“And what these airports are, are gateways to that region, and we should have airports that the region deserves,” Mr Cotton added.
The works have reportedly caused congestion and delays for passengers passing through the airport, but the Port Authority said the major transport hub is remaining functional while construction progresses.
Mr Cotton, who oversaw the major – but much smaller – renovation of LaGuardia Airport in northern Queens said he was sorry that people were experiencing issues, but it would be worth it when the project is completed.
“We did LaGuardia this way. We’re doing JFK, which is we are keeping the airport functioning throughout the construction process,” he told the outlet.
“It’s necessary. I mean, these are gateways to the region. We apologize for the inconvenience, but our hope is that people will believe that the end result will justify the inconvenience of the years of construction.”
