JetBlue’s JFK Terminal 5 to Get a Park-Inspired $100 Million Makeover
The $100 million upgrade is inspired by New York’s parks and will incorporate local eateries
Photo: Courtesy of JetBlue
JetBlue‘s main terminal in New York (JFK) will receive a $100 million makeover, which hopes to evoke the city’s parks with greenery, chess tables, and live performances.
JetBlue is the main occupant at JFK’s Terminal 5, with 165 daily departures and 35,000 customers passing through every day. So, the carrier has been closely involved in the reimagining of the terminal alongside airport owners, such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Fraport USA, which manages concessions in Terminal 5 and will foot the $100 million bill.
JetBlue’s Green Oasis
At the heart of the renovations of Terminal 5 is the center concourse, which is being redesigned with inspiration for New York City’s iconic green spaces, including Central Park. The concourse will offer lush greenery, park benches, concrete chess tables, and warm lighting.
Photo: Courtesy of JetBlue
A dedicated space will host live performances, pop-up experiences, and interactive events “to highlight New York’s world-renowned culture.”
Cultural Hub: Live Performances and Art
Adding to Terminal 5’s cultural night will be a new art collection featuring works from more than 30 local artists.
“This isn’t just about new dining and shopping—it’s about bringing the energy of New York into the terminal,” said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue. “From local flavors to spaces that capture the city we love, we’re making T5 more uniquely New York while staying unmistakably JetBlue.”
Local Flavors: New Dining Options
The upgraded terminal will host 40 new concessions and customer experiences, including 18 local food and beverage options. New York staples coming to JFK include Jacob’s Pickles, Tiki Chick, Serafina, Benetari’s, Gotham Burger, Birch Coffee, Nom Wah, Devoción, Mister Paradise, the Blind Barber, Leon’s Bagels, DiFara Pizza, Neir’s Tavern.
Photo: Courtesy of JetBlue
Some of those venues—including 19th-century Neir’s Tavern and smoothie and salad bar The Nourish Spot— took root in JFK’s backyard in Queens.
“A refreshed Terminal 5 will not only give travelers a fantastic first impression of The World’s Borough, it will create good-paying jobs for Queens residents and concession opportunities for our small businesses,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.
Economic Boost: Jobs and Local Support
Congressman Gregory W. Weeks, who represents New York’s 5th congressional district, including JFK Airport, added: “I am thrilled to see this transformative project take flight creating good-paying jobs, empowering small businesses, and driving economic growth while establishing JFK Terminal 5 as a state-of-the-art, world-class gateway.”
Photo: Courtesy JetBlue
Global brands to be represented in the concourse include Eataly, The Halal Guys, and Shake Shack.
The renovation of Terminal 5 is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. It’s just the latest project in the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK, which also includes the construction of two new terminals (New Terminal One and international Terminal 6) and big-budget expansions of Terminals 4 and 8.
