John F. Kennedy International Airport

JFK Aerial Nov 14 2018

Airports New York City Map Julius Schorzman

President Truman with Governor Dewey at dedication of the Idlewild Airport (cropped)

John F. Kennedy Airport 2021a

JFK Terminal 1

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is an international airport located in Queens, New York City, about 16 miles (26 km) southeast of Lower Manhattan. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a gateway for international air passengers into the country. JFK Airport is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), which manages and maintains the airport's facilities.

History[edit | edit source]

The airport was originally opened in 1948 as New York International Airport, commonly known as Idlewild Airport, after the Idlewild Beach Golf Course that it replaced. It was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport in 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Over the decades, JFK has undergone numerous expansions and renovations to accommodate the increasing volume of air traffic and to enhance passenger experience.

Terminals[edit | edit source]

JFK Airport consists of six passenger terminals, numbered 1 through 8, with Terminals 3 and 6 having been demolished. Each terminal is operated by a consortium of airlines or, in some cases, a single airline. The terminals are connected by the AirTrain JFK, a light rail system that also provides connections to New York City Subway and Long Island Rail Road stations, facilitating passenger movement to and from the airport.

Facilities and Services[edit | edit source]

The airport offers a wide range of facilities and services to travelers, including numerous dining and shopping options, lounges, baggage storage, and car rental services. It also features cargo facilities, maintenance hangars, and a control tower. JFK is known for its efforts to accommodate passengers with disabilities and provides various accessibility services.

Airlines and Destinations[edit | edit source]

JFK serves as a major hub for both domestic and international airlines, including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. It offers flights to a vast number of destinations worldwide, making it one of the most important international air traffic hubs in the United States.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

In addition to the AirTrain JFK, the airport is accessible by a variety of ground transportation options, including taxis, buses, and limousines. The Van Wyck Expressway and the JFK Expressway are the main highways providing access to the airport.

Security and Customs[edit | edit source]

JFK Airport is equipped with advanced security measures, including comprehensive screening processes for passengers and baggage. The airport also houses facilities for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ensuring that all international passengers undergo customs and immigration procedures upon arrival.

Environmental Initiatives[edit | edit source]

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has implemented several environmental initiatives at JFK, aimed at reducing the airport's carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. These include energy-efficient lighting systems, water conservation measures, and recycling programs.

Challenges and Future Plans[edit | edit source]

JFK faces ongoing challenges such as congestion, delays, and the need for infrastructure upgrades. In response, the Port Authority has announced plans for a significant redevelopment of the airport, including the expansion of terminals, improvements to roadways, and enhancements to the AirTrain JFK system.