The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced an operational plan to help manage traffic and reduce delays at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) during the summer travel season.
The measures coincide with peak construction activity associated with the airport’s ongoing 19 billion USD redevelopment.
Passenger volumes at JFK Airport are expected to rise significantly from Memorial Day weekend onwards, overlapping with extensive infrastructure works across the airport. In response, the Port Authority is urging travellers to use public transport where possible and has introduced a number of traffic management strategies aimed at easing pressure on terminal roadways.
Public transport options, particularly the AirTrain JFK, are being promoted as a way to avoid terminal congestion. The AirTrain connects with Long Island Rail Road services at Jamaica and Howard Beach, both accessible from major city hubs. A discounted multi-ride fare card has been introduced to encourage families and groups to use the service.
For travellers using ride-hailing services or car hire, designated pickup points have been moved away from the busiest terminal frontages. At Terminal 4, pickups will now take place at Lot 66 between midday and 2 a.m., with free shuttle buses operating from the arrivals level. Terminals 5 and 7 will direct all pickups to a lot at the Howard Beach AirTrain station, reachable via the free on-airport AirTrain system. In all cases, accessible services will continue to operate from the terminal kerbsides.
Private vehicles are also being directed away from terminals. Drivers collecting or dropping off passengers are encouraged to use the free waiting area at the Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain station, which offers a direct connection to terminals via an eight-minute train ride.
Parking at the airport remains limited, and the Port Authority recommends booking in advance to secure a space and avoid last-minute congestion.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said:With summer travel expected to bring record numbers of passengers to JFK and construction of new roads and terminals in full swing, we are encouraging passengers to avoid driving to the terminal frontages. Whenever possible, we urge passengers to use public transit to the airport, to plan ahead before departing and to allow extra time to arrive. And please remember, these temporary inconveniences are part of creating a world class airport that we will all be proud of.
During this period, JFK’s airport operations centre will operate around the clock, monitoring flight schedules, traffic patterns, and infrastructure activity. Additional staff will be deployed across terminal areas, including police officers, customer service representatives, and traffic managers. Towing and taxi services will also be reinforced to improve flow.
Alongside operational changes, the Port Authority will roll out a public awareness campaign across digital, radio and social media platforms to keep travellers informed and prepared.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said:Building a new, world-class JFK International Airport while maintaining full flight operations requires patience from passengers and we appreciate it, especially during the summer travel season. We apologise to travellers this summer as we are working hard to minimise and mitigate the inconvenience. We believe the $19 billion investment being made will produce spectacular new airport facilities that will be worth the pain.
The broader redevelopment of JFK includes new terminals, a redesigned roadway system, and modernised passenger facilities. The programme, first outlined in 2017, aims to simplify airport navigation and improve the traveller experience. The Port Authority’s capital investment of 3.9 billion USD is being supplemented by over 15 billion USD in private funding, forming part of a series of long-term public-private partnerships.
