John F. Kennedy International Airport is preparing for a surge in passenger numbers this summer, amidst ongoing construction for its massive $19 billion redevelopment project.

“It will transform what has been routinely rated one of nation’s worst airports, into what will become one of the world’s finest, when we are done,” Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said.

Port Authority officials are warning airline passengers at JFK Airport about road closures and detours this summer and for the next two years.

What You Need To Know

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport is preparing for a surge in passenger numbers this summer, amidst ongoing construction for its massive $19 billion redevelopment project

  • Port Authority officials are warning airline passengers at JFK Airport about road closures and detours this summer and for the next two years

  • The Port Authority said it’s expecting a record-number of travelers this summer (18.2 million), more than 700,000 passengers compared to last summer

  • Port Authority’s advice for travelers is to take mass transit to get to JFK; pack in extra travel time, anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes during peak periods; use remote lots, including the new Easy Lot opening in June and then take the free AirTrain; and pre-book a parking space as parking is extremely limited

“We are completely rebuilding JFK Airport, so the construction impact on the roads and on traffic is going to be significant,” Cotton said.

Terminal 1 and Terminal 6 are going to be all new terminals. NY1 witnessed the construction work on Tuesday that has occurred in the past year.

Around 60 million passengers go through JFK every year. The airport is the country’s largest international gateway. The Port Authority said it’s expecting a record-number of travelers this summer (18.2 million), more than 700,000 passengers compared to last summer.

Port Authority’s advice for travelers is to take mass transit to get to JFK; pack in extra travel time, anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes during peak periods; use remote lots, including the new Easy Lot opening in June and then take the free AirTrain; and pre-book a parking space as parking is extremely limited.

The Port Authority is also expanding its Airport Operations Center team to monitor and respond in real time to traffic conditions and incidents.

Travelers may have to endure delays, at least until the first new gates open in 2026, when the first phase of this project will be completed.

“We’re confident that once we get to where we’re headed, a world class JFK Airport, second to none, that people will find that the difficulty that sometimes happens on the way there will be worth it,” Cotton said.

Port Authority officials are urging passengers to stay up-to-date with the latest alerts and road changes by visiting Construction.JFKAirport.com, reading emails from their airlines and following JFK’s X account.

The Port Authority said it’s expecting a record-number of travelers this summer (18.2 million), more than 700,000 passengers compared to last summer.