New York City, often called the “Big Apple”, is known for its bustling urban lifestyle, iconic skyscrapers, Broadway shows, yellow taxis, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine. As one of the most populous and busiest cities in the United States, NYC requires a robust transportation infrastructure to support all its activity.
When it comes to air travel, New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). These three airports handle over 100 million passengers annually and provide domestic and international air service to NYC.
In this article, we will explore New York’s three primary airports in more detail. We will look at their history, statistics, terminals, major airlines, and future expansion plans. Understanding the distinct role each airport plays helps travelers determine which option makes the most sense for their specific itinerary when visiting or leaving New York City by plane.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Overview
John F. Kennedy International Airport, often referred to as JFK Airport, is one of the major airports serving New York City. It is located 15 miles southeast of Lower Manhattan in the borough of Queens. JFK Airport first opened in 1948 as New York International Airport but was later renamed in 1963 after the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Today it is owned by the City of New York and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
With six operating terminals, JFK Airport handles around 62 million passengers each year, making it the 7th busiest airport in the United States. It serves as a major international gateway to the United States, with flights departing to destinations across six continents. JFK offers nonstop service to more international destinations than any other airport in North America.
Terminals
JFK Airport has six passenger terminals that are organized into two groups.
Terminal 1, 2, 3
This set of original terminals was the first to open at JFK Airport. Today these terminals are exclusively used by Delta Air Lines and its partners. Delta has also invested significantly in upgrading and connecting Terminals 2 and 3.
Terminal 4
Terminal 4 is JFK’s major international terminal. Over 30 international carriers operate out of T4. It has undergone major renovations in recent years, including the addition of the state-of-the-art Delta Sky Club.
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 is home to JetBlue’s domestic operations. JetBlue is the leading carrier at JFK Airport. This modern terminal opened in 2008.
Terminal 7, 8
The newest terminals at JFK Airport host a variety of alliance partners and international carriers. British Airways operates a premium lounge for business class passengers in Terminal 7.
Major Airlines
The major airlines operating at JFK Airport and their terminals include:
– Delta Air Lines (Terminals 2,3,4)
– JetBlue (Terminal 5)
– American Airlines (Terminal 8)
– United Airlines (Terminal 7)
– British Airways (Terminal 7)
– Lufthansa, Air France, Korean Air (Terminal 1)
– Virgin Atlantic, Emirates Airline (Terminal 4)
JFK serves as a hub for both JetBlue and Delta Airlines. It offers connections within the United States, as well as international service to destinations across Europe, Asia, North America, the Middle East, and more.
Statistics
Some key statistics on JFK Airport’s operations:
– Serves around 62 million passengers annually
– Has 6 operating terminals with arrivals and departures
– Handles 1,200 flights per day
– Facilitates international travel with flights to 6 continents
– Offers nonstop service to more than 65 international destinations
– Employs 35,000 local workers
– Occupies 4,930 acres of land
Future Expansion
JFK Airport has plans for continued growth and expansion in the future to improve capacity and the customer experience. Some highlights of future projects include:
– Overhaul of Terminal 1 to better handle connections from Terminal 2 and 3
– Expansion of Terminal 4 to increase capacity by 15 gates
– Redesign of roadway system to improve access and reduce delays
– Addition of two new international gates and other upgrades at Terminal 8
– Installation of new taxilanes to allow more aircraft parking
– Ongoing maintenance and redevelopment across all 6 terminals
These ambitious plans will require collaboration between the Port Authority, terminal operators, and airlines, but will enable JFK to meet growing demand and solidify its status as a premier international gateway. The availability of additional gates, parking, and smoother passenger flows will allow airlines to offer new routes and flights.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Overview
LaGuardia Airport, also known as LGA, is the smallest of New York’s three major airports. Located just 8 miles from midtown Manhattan in northern Queens, LaGuardia offers a handy transportation option for those looking to access the Big Apple. It is named after Fiorello H. La Guardia, the famous 1930’s mayor of New York City known for cleaning up organized crime.
LaGuardia serves just over 31 million passengers annually through its four operating terminals. It handles about 700 flights per day from over 80 airlines. As the closest New York airport to Manhattan, LaGuardia primarily offers domestic travel services, with some flights to Canadian destinations also available.
While LaGuardia is small in size, it continues to play a critical role in providing New Yorkers and travelers easy access to the bustling city. Its proximity to Manhattan makes it popular for business travel in particular.
Terminals
LaGuardia Airport contains four passenger terminals connected by buses and walkways.
Terminal A
Terminal A primarily services Air Canada and Southwest flights. It is one of LGA’s older terminals.
Terminal B
Terminal B, the largest terminal, hosts many major domestic carriers. It opened in 1983 and recently underwent a major rebuilding as part of LaGuardia’s ongoing renovations.
Terminal C
Home to American Airlines at LGA, Terminal C opened in 1992. It contains LGA’s largest assortment of restaurants and shops.
Terminal D
Terminal D, referred to as the Marine Air Terminal, is LaGuardia’s smallest and oldest terminal still in operation. It hosts select Delta shuttle flights.
Major Airlines
The major airlines operating at LGA include:
– American Airlines (Terminal B,C)
– Delta Air Lines (Terminal D)
– Southwest Airlines (Terminal B)
– United Airlines (Terminal B)
– Air Canada (Terminal A)
– Spirit Airlines (Terminal B)
– Frontier Airlines (Terminal B)
As a primarily domestic airport, flights from LGA connect to destinations across the United States and Canada. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have the largest operations at LaGuardia.
Statistics
Key facts and figures about LaGuardia Airport:
– Serves over 31 million passengers annually
– Handles 700 daily flight operations
– Offers service from over 80 airlines
– Has 4 operating terminals A, B, C, D
– Employs about 10,000 workers
– Occupies 680 acres of land
– Located 8 miles from Manhattan
– Originally opened in 1939
Future Expansion
LaGuardia Airport is currently undergoing a multi-billion dollar redevelopment project to revamp and upgrade its existing infrastructure. Some highlights of the expansion plan include:
– Replacement of Terminal B with a new 1.3 million square foot terminal
– Central Hall connecting Terminal B with Terminal C
– New Delta facilities at Terminals C and D
– Improved roadways and transportation access
– More parking, gates, taxiway lanes
– State-of-the-art security, check-in, and baggage handling facilities
The LaGuardia redevelopment aims to ease passenger congestion and provide a world-class airport experience. With 30 more gates, Terminal B will become home to Air Canada, American Airlines, Southwest, and United. The growth and enhancements at LaGuardia Airport will allow it to continue serving New York’s air transportation needs for decades to come.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Overview
Newark Liberty International Airport, also known as EWR, serves the greater New York metropolitan area. Located about 15 miles southwest of Lower Manhattan across the Hudson River in Newark, New Jersey, it provides New Yorkers with an alternative option to JFK and LaGuardia for both domestic and international travel.
Newark Airport opened in 1928 as the first major airport in the New York area. Today it spans three passenger terminals and handles around 43 million travelers annually. It is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Newark serves as United Airlines’ primary hub on the East Coast.
While further from Manhattan than LaGuardia, Newark offers extensive flight options from full-service airlines and its terminals underwent renovations in the 2000s. Many New York residents appreciate having Newark as an additional airport choice at their disposal.
Terminals
Newark Liberty has three passenger terminals.
Terminal A
Terminal A primarily serves United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air India flights. It opened in 1973.
Terminal B
Terminal B is Newark’s largest terminal. It hosts a range of domestic and international carriers. Terminal B contains Newark’s only hotel, the on-site Hilton.
Terminal C
Terminal C opened in 1988 and is home to regional jet operations for carriers such as Delta and American.
A connecting AirTrain provides transportation between the individual terminals. The AirTrain also links the airport to New Jersey transit trains allowing access to New York’s Penn Station.
Major Airlines
The major airlines operating at Newark Airport include:
– United Airlines (Terminal A)
– Delta Air Lines (Terminal B,C)
– American Airlines (Terminal B)
– JetBlue (Terminal B)
– Aer Lingus, Air India (Terminal B)
– Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines (Terminal C)
As United’s second largest hub, Newark offers abundant United flights across the United States and globally. The airport also supports many other carriers providing domestic service, European routes, and additional international options.
Statistics
Key facts and figures on Newark Liberty International Airport:
– Handles 43 million passengers annually
– Supports over 800 daily flight operations
– Operates 3 terminals – A, B, and C
– Employs 20,000 workers
– Occupies 2,024 acres of land
– Located 15 miles southwest of New York City
– Opened in 1928 as the region’s first major airport
Future Expansion
While not undergoing an overhaul on the scale of LaGuardia, Newark Airport also has plans for upgrades and infrastructure investments in the future. These include:
– Redesign of Terminal A to increase gate count and improve passenger experience
– Renovations of Terminal B pedestrian walkway
– Upgrade of AirTrain system and airport roadways
– Ongoing maintenance projects across terminals
– More concession space for shops and restaurants
Such improvements will help Newark maintain pace with continued growth in demand and solidify its position as the second busiest airport serving the New York metro. With ample runway and terminal capacity, Newark Airport is well positioned to supplement JFK and LaGuardia and provide the New York region with robust air transportation options for years to come.
Conclusion
New York City is a global hub that requires world-class air service options to support its bustling activity. With John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International airports, New York has three major airports that each play an important and distinct role in the region’s transportation network.
JFK Airport excels as an international gateway, LaGuardia provides domestic access close to Manhattan, and Newark serves as United’s East Coast hub. Each airport has undergone or will see renovations to modernize their facilities for passengers. Despite their differences, together these three airports seamlessly connect New Yorkers and visitors to destinations across the United States and abroad. All three airports will continue expanding and improving to serve the air transportation needs of the New York metro for decades to come.