Photos: Inside New York JFK’s New Terminal One Transformation

A commercial plan for the all-new international terminal at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) was released this week, detailing ambitious plans for the new, privately funded $9.5 billion facility scheduled to open in 2026.

On March 18, the Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey, together with The New Terminal One (NTO) and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports, announced the launch of the commercial program for the 23-gate state-of-the-art terminal, which is being constructed as part of a $19 billion transformation of the iconic New York airport.

The Commercial Vision for the New Terminal One

Under the commercial vision, the New Terminal One will welcome passengers with a blend of luxury retail stores and global brands, signature New York cuisine and local businesses, and engaging customer experiences and modern amenities.

Photo: © The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The design of the new terminal will draw inspiration from the essence of New York City. It will embody the charm of the city’s neighborhoods, the lush nature of its parks, and the vibrant energy of the Met Gala. 

All five city boroughs, from Brooklyn to the Bronx, will be represented in the terminal. The borough of Queens, which houses the airport, will be represented with local cuisine and aesthetics.

“From the outset of our $19 billion transformation of JFK, our goal has been to build best-in-class facilities that offer a passenger experience on par with or better than what travelers find at the world’s great airports,” said Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority.”

“At the heart of that effort is the ambitious commercial program envisioned for the New Terminal One, which will bring together global brands and iconic local businesses that will combine with our public art, branding, and architecture to create a sense of place unique to New York.”

The Design of the New Terminal

Kevin O’Toole, Chairman of the Port Authority, says, “Visitors from around the world will be energized from the moment they enter the New Terminal One at JFK thanks to the locally inspired shops and restaurants that will reflect the diverse tastes and styles from across our region.

“Just as we have done at Newark’s Terminal A, we are drawing on the talents of local businesses, artisans, and restauranteurs to create memorable and award-winning new airports.”

Photo: © The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The New Terminal One is scheduled to open its doors in 2026, although construction is expected to continue until completion in 2030. It is being built on the current site of JFK’s Terminal 1, the recently closed Terminal 2, and the old Terminal 3.

Sustainability at the Core

The first phase of the opening will include new arrivals and departure halls with 14 international gates, while upon completion in 2030, it will have 23 gates and span 2.4 million square feet. This will make it the largest terminal at JFK and almost the same size as LaGuardia Airport‘s (LGA) two new terminal buildings combined—which have helped the airport climb from the worst ranking to the best in less than five years.

Photo: © The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

It is also being designed with sustainability in mind, featuring spacious and naturally lit public areas, state-of-the-art technology, and a wide range of thoughtful amenities accessible to all passengers. The Port Authority hopes that the New Terminal One will help transform JFK into one of the best and highest-rated airports in the world.

Opportunities for Local Businesses

Meanwhile, URW Airports has been tasked with promoting concessions business opportunities to local businesses with a particular focus on diversity. Several duty-free vendors, retail stores, and dining experiences will be championed by local-, women-, and minority-owned businesses, and local business owners can apply for spaces at upcoming virtual sessions.

URW Airports said it aims to lower the barrier of entry for local organizations to ensure that the new terminal reflects the wide range of vibrant communities in New York and offers meaningful career opportunities for local workers and students.

Photo: © The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

“We are proud to partner with URW Airports to launch a world-class retail experience featuring global brands and local New York businesses, reflecting the dazzling array of offerings that our great city is known for,” said Dr. Gerrard P. Bushell, President and CEO of the New Terminal One.

“Our food and beverage selection will showcase a rich diversity of cuisines and flavors inspired by the tapestry of cultures that make up New York City while driving real economic opportunities in our community for generations to come.”

Redevelopment of New York JFK

The redevelopment of New York JFK was first announced in early 2017, and it’s not just the New Terminal One that’s getting significant investment. The $19 billion transformation also includes a $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4 led by Delta Air Lines, a new $4.2 billion Terminal 6 to be home to JetBlue and Lufthansa, and a modernization and expansion of Terminal 8 led by American Airlines and British Airways that was completed in 2022.