New York's premier international gateway serving the world.
Opened
1948
Location
New York, United States
John F. Kennedy International Airport is the busiest international air passenger gateway in the United States, located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York City. Originally known as Idlewild Airport, it was renamed in 1963 following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
The airport spans approximately 5,000 acres and operates six active passenger terminals arranged around a central terminal loop road. It handles over 60 million passengers annually in normal operating years and serves more than 100 international destinations.
JFK is a major hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, and serves as the primary U.S. gateway for dozens of international carriers. Its history includes the landing of the first commercial Concorde flights in the United States.
Terminals
JFK has six operational passenger terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8) connected by the AirTrain automated rail system, with a major multi-billion-dollar terminal redevelopment program underway.
Getting to & from
JFK is accessible by the AirTrain JFK connecting to the New York City Subway A train and Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica Station, plus taxis, ride-hail services, and express bus routes.
Airlines here
American Airlines hubs at Terminal 8, Delta Air Lines at Terminals 2 and 4, JetBlue at Terminal 5, and numerous international carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways, and Emirates operate at Terminal 1 and Terminal 7.
Notable facts
- ›JFK is the largest airport in New York State and one of the busiest in North America.
- ›The Concorde made its first U.S. commercial landing at JFK in November 1977.
- ›The airport was known as Idlewild Airport from 1948 until it was renamed in December 1963.
- ›A major $19 billion redevelopment program announced around 2022 aims to modernize and consolidate terminals.
- ›JFK handled the most international passengers of any U.S. airport for many consecutive years.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
