New York JFK Airport: The Complete Guide (2024)

If you want to feel the pulse of global aviation, try navigating through the hustle and bustle of New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). As one of the world’s busiest airports, JFK is not just a travel hub but an iconic gateway to a myriad of domestic and international destinations.

Its rich history, diverse terminals accommodating various airlines, and extensive ground transportation options make JFK a vital portal for countless travelers venturing to and from the cosmopolitan heart of the United States.

JFK is home to some of the world’s busiest and longest routes

JFK is among the busiest and most iconic airports in the world. Named after the 35th President of the United States, the hub is the main airport serving New York City.

In 2022, JFK was the origin city of the world’s third-busiest international route to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), as reported by OAG. There were more than 2.8 million seats on the route.

The airport also served some of 2022’s top 10 longest routes in the world. JFK to Singapore Changi (9,527 miles / 15,332 km) is the world’s longest route, while Auckland International Airport to JFK (8,829 miles / 14,209 km) and JFK to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (8,507 miles / 13,690 km) respectively take the fourth and seventh spots.

Before the hustle and bustle

In 1943, long before JFK became the 5,200-acre facility it is today, 1,000 acres of the Idlewild Golf Course were allocated to the building of the airport to relieve the overcrowded LaGuardia Field (LaGuardia Airport today).

As the project progressed, a further 1,350 acres of land was earmarked for the airport, which was officially named New York International Airport, Anderson Field in March 1948. Four months later, on July 1, 1948, the airport was officially opened. On December 24, 1963 – just over a month after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy – the airport was renamed in his honor.

It has over 128 gates across six active terminals

Having served as a major gateway to New York City since its opening in 1948, JFK today hosts numerous international and domestic flights, offering a bridge to a multitude of global destinations. JFK Airport comprises six active terminals, with more than 128 gates in total.

Photo: Mikhalis Makarov | Shutterstock

Terminal 1: Serves various international carriers such as Air France and Lufthansa. It is the airport’s only terminal with a landside food court and 24/7 eating establishments.

Terminal 2: This terminal was closed in January this year. It was soon demolished to make way for Terminal 1's renovations to become the site's new main international terminal.

Terminal 4: The terminal was revamped this year. The fresh facility is Delta's hub, and the Atlanta-based carrier's partners LATAM and Virgin Atlantic are also found here, alongside other international carriers, including Emirates and Etihad. Delta also recently opened a new Sky Club at the terminal.

Terminal 5: Primarily hosts JetBlue Airways but also serves Cape Air. This modern, 29-gate terminal was built in 2008 and has since won several design awards.

Photo: JetBlue

Terminal 7: JFK’s Terminal 7 has 12 gates and serves international carriers including Aer Lingus, Scandinavian Airlines, and Kuwait Airways.

Terminal 8: Managed by American Airlines, which uses it for both domestic and international flights, this terminal is also a major hub for oneworld member airlines. The expansive terminal has 29 gates – and is almost twice the size of Madison Square Garden!

JFK is one of the world’s most connected airports

If you’re wondering why JFK has that many gates, it’s because the airport hosts more than 70 airlines, flying to 189 destinations around the world. In fact, JFK ranked #7 on OAG’s 2022 list of the world’s most connected airports.

The airline with the largest share (over 35%) of passenger flights at JFK is Delta, operating more than 200 daily departures on around 95 routes. This is followed by JetBlue and American Airlines.

As a major global transportation hub, JFK facilitates connections to an extensive network of domestic and international destinations. Passengers can access flights to cities across the United States, as well as to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. With its diverse array of airlines and routes, the airport serves as a critical link for travelers to and from various corners of the globe.

Getting around within and beyond the airport

With six terminals spread out across the sweeping compound, there are several ways through which travelers can get around. One ground transportation option is the AirTrain. Operating around the clock, seven days a week, the AirTrain service not only links within the airport but connects JFK with Jamaica Station and Howard Beach Station.

Other ground transportation options include taxis, app-based ride-sharing services, and rental car facilities. No matter what way you decide to get to JFK, visiting the airport is guaranteed to provide a blend of history, diverse airline services, and a gateway to multiple destinations, making it a focal point for travelers from across the world.

Sources: OAG, New York JFK Airport