The Leading New York Airport at a Glance
John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK Airport, is also known as New York Airport, even though four airports serve in total the city of New York. However, JFK is considered the main and leading airport of the “big apple city”, as well as one of the busiest USA airports. What’s more, it is listed among the most important aviation hubs globally.
Opening its door back in 1948, its initial name was New York International Airport. Still, it was most commonly known as Idlewild Airport after the Idlewild Beach Golf Course, which was completely torn down in order to make way for the new airport. Nevertheless, it received its present-day name in 1963, when the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated. As a tribute to his high-profile political career, the leading airport of New York city was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport or JFK Airport.
New York Airport is located in the southeastern area of Queens County, approximately 16 miles (26km) from Manhattan, and belongs to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Welcoming more than 62 million passengers annually, JFK Airport handles flights from all over the world. In fact, it is considered the principal air gate to the entire North American area.
Airport Name: John F. Kennedy International Airport
IATA Code: JFK
ICAO: KJFK
Location: Jamaica, Queens, New York, U.S
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-05:00)
Airport Map: JFK Airport at Google Maps
JFK Airport’s Layout
New York Airport consists of 6 terminals, 131 gates, and 4 runways. Even though the terminals are only 6, terminal buildings 7 and 8 are also to be found, as T3 and T6 were demolished in the past decade. JFK airport’s arrangement resembles a huge “U” shape. However, the in-between terminal transfers are troublesome since the airport shuttles operate landside. Thus, with the exemption of transfers between T2 and T4 for Delta passengers and between T5 and T8 for American-JetBlue clients, to travel from one JFK terminal to another, New York airport passengers have to pass through security control.
JFK Airlines
JFK Airport -one of the most important aviation hubs in the world- hosts more than 90 airlines. Thus, conventional air carriers and low-cost (both domestic and international) airlines provide their services at New York Airport. What’s more, JFK is the major air hub for American Airlines and Delta Airlines, along with being the “head office” of JetBlue. Apart from JetBlue, it is also considered a focus city for Norse Atlantic Airways and Polar Air Cargo.
Parking Facilities
The vast JFK has numerous parking facilities. Thus, six parking lots lie close to each of the six JFK terminals, serving the short-term parking needs of the airport’s passengers, whereas a long-term parking facility (Parking Lot 9) is ideal for longer stays. Finally, there are designated areas for pick-ups and drop-offs. Hence, apart from the Kiss & Fly Parking Lot, the JFK Cell Phone Lots also address drivers who wait to pick up their loved ones from New York Airport.
Transit Options
There are various transit options linking JFK Airport to downtown and the surrounding areas. Hence, transfers from JFK to New York can be made via:
Services and Amenities
JFK is one of the largest and most occupied aviation hubs in the world. Expectantly, its services are top-quality, and is considered a technologically advanced airport. Hence, JFK passengers can make full use of the following services and amenities:
- A wide range of retail stores and Duty-free areas
- Restaurants / Bars
- Baggage wrapping / Cleaning / Luggage storage
- Pharmacies /Medical services
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Family services / Playgrounds / Kids areas
- Lost & Found offices
- Chapels
- Lounges / Spa facilities
- Sleeping pods
- Airport hotel
- Pet relief areas
- Wi-Fi
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Information kiosks
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: John F. Kennedy International Airport
Address: Queens, New York, 11430, U.S.A.
Phone Number: (718) 244-4444
The City of New York
It’s not just another metropolis. New York is THE metropolis, the cultural, arts, and business center of the world. The “city that never sleeps” is the land of opportunity. The place where everything is possible. And that’s perhaps why it simply mesmerizes its visitors. With the imposing skyscrapers, the idyllic Central Park, and the bustling Times Square, NY is the city of contrast. Verily, the Broadway theaters and the numerous museums coexist with a wild nightlife and a sophisticated gastronomy scene, whereas classy Manhattan gives place to utterly diverse neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, Little Italy, and Harlem. On the other hand, its landmarks (Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, etc.) can only be described as iconic. Overall, the city of New York resembles no other. Hence, a journey to New York couldn’t but be simply unforgettable.
FAQs
Which city is JFK Airport in?
JFK Airport is located in New York City (actually in Queens county). In fact, it is the main airport serving NY, and that’s why it is also known as New York Airport.
New York’s JFK Airport was originally known by what name?
When New York Airport first opened its door in 1948, it was named New York International Airport. Nevertheless, it was most commonly known as Idlewild Airport, as the airport’s construction resulted in the demolition of the Idlewild Beach Golf Course lying in the area. When President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, New York received his name as a tribute to his work and political career.
Is JFK the biggest airport?
JFK Airport isn’t the biggest airport globally. However, it is the principal aviation hub of NY, as well as one of the most important USA airports. It is the number one gateway to North America, welcoming passengers from all over the world. Thus, it is listed among the major airports at a universal level.
What are the 3 major airports in NYC?
Besides JFK Airport, two more aviation hubs serve New York City. Newark Liberty International Airport lies 12 miles (19km) from the city center and is considered the second-biggest airport in the area. On the other hand, LaGuardia Airport -11 miles (18km) from New York- mainly serves domestic flights.
What is the major airport in New York?
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK Airport) is the main airport in the area, handling both domestic and international flights. Housing more than 90 airlines and handling approximately 62 million passengers annually, it is listed among the busiest airports in the world.
Which airport should I fly out of New York?
New York JFK Airport is considered your best option. It is well connected to the city center while serving numerous destinations and hosting the vast majority of international as well as domestic airlines.
How far is it from JFK to New York City?
JFK Airport is located within a 16-mile (26km) distance from the city of New York. Thus, a ride from New York Airport to the city center lasts approximately 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, high traffic levels can raise the transfer duration even to 90 minutes!
Where is JFK Airport located?
New York Airport is located in Queens, in the Jamaica neighborhood. It is almost 16 miles (26km) away from Manhattan on its southeast side.
What are the transportation options from New York Airport?
JFK Airport is adequately connected to every area of New York City. Hence, apart from the convenient New York airport taxis, the premium JFK airport transfers, and the handy car rentals, passengers can use the subway, the commuter train, or even the bus to travel from JFK to downtown NYC.