The JFK Airport New Terminal One project advances New York’s largest aviation construction with 2.6 million square feet of space, nearly matching the Empire State Building laid horizontally. Moreover, the $9.5 billion development will open its first phase in 2026, aligning with global travel demand during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Consequently, the project positions the airport as a modern international gateway.

JFK Airport New Terminal One project scales up capacity and design

The JFK Airport New Terminal One project will become the largest standalone terminal in the United States upon completion. Notably, it delivers 241,000 square meters of built area, equivalent to multiple large steel landmarks combined. Therefore, planners emphasize operational efficiency and passenger movement. In addition, the first phase will introduce 14 boarding gates.

Furthermore, the terminal will ultimately feature 23 gates, including 22 designed for wide-body aircraft operations. Meanwhile, capacity projections estimate 14 million passengers annually in the initial phase. As a result, the project significantly expands long-haul international handling. The scale reflects a broader $19 billion transformation program across John F. Kennedy International Airport.

JFK Airport New Terminal One project drives PPP-led delivery

The JFK Airport New Terminal One project is structured as the largest airport public-private partnership in the United States. Therefore, the New Terminal One consortium leads financing, delivery, and long-term operations. The concession will extend through 2060, ensuring lifecycle management. Moreover, the project supports over 10,000 jobs across construction and operations.

In addition, design teams prioritize passenger experience through floor-to-ceiling glazing and natural lighting strategies. Consequently, the architecture enhances comfort and visibility. Meanwhile, contractors continue phased construction after financial close in June 2022. As a result, progress remains aligned with the 2026 delivery target.

Sustainability and commercial expansion define the project

The JFK Airport New Terminal One project integrates 13,000 rooftop solar panels, forming the largest solar array in New York City. Consequently, the system will generate renewable energy while reducing emissions. In addition, the terminal supports electric ground support equipment and energy-efficient infrastructure. Therefore, sustainability remains central to the development strategy.

Moreover, the terminal will include over 27,000 square meters of retail, dining, and lounge space. This allocation represents more than half of the communal area. Notably, it introduces a “cash-and-carry” duty-free model, allowing immediate purchases. Meanwhile, airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Air New Zealand, Etihad Airways, Air China, and China Airlines will operate from the facility.

Additionally, the project replaces Terminals 1 and 2 and redevelops the former Terminal 3 site. Construction began in 2022 following planning between 2019 and 2021. Therefore, the phased rollout will conclude by 2030. Meanwhile, the first phase must meet demand from matches hosted near MetLife Stadium.

Furthermore, the structure has reached weather-tight status, while baggage systems and check-in infrastructure are already installed. Consequently, the delivery timeline remains on track. However, variations in total floor area and potential cost adjustments remain possible. Still, the project demonstrates significant progress toward completion.

The ongoing modernization of U.S. airport infrastructure also includes developments such as the Gerald Ford Airport operations center project in Michigan, which focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and emergency response capabilities through a centralized facility. This complementary investment highlights how both large-scale terminal expansions and critical support infrastructure are shaping the next generation of aviation projects across the country.

Project Fact Sheet

Project Name: JFK Airport New Terminal One Project

Location: John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, USA

Project Value: $9.5 billion

Overall Program Value: $19 billion JFK redevelopment

Project Type: Airport terminal construction (PPP)

Total Area: 2.4–2.6 million sq ft (approx. 241,000 m²)

Scale Comparison: Equivalent to the Empire State Building laid horizontally

Phasing: Phase 1 (14 gates) opening mid-2026; full completion by 2030

Total Gates: 23 (22 wide-body capable)

Passenger Capacity: 14 million annually (Phase 1)

Sustainability Features: 13,000 rooftop solar panels; eGSE compatibility; energy-efficient systems

Commercial Space: 27,000 m² retail, dining, and lounges

Purpose: Expand international capacity and improve passenger experience

Key Milestone: Operational readiness for FIFA World Cup 2026

Project Team

Project Owner: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Consortium: New Terminal One (NTO) partnership

Lead Investor: Ferrovial Airports

Equity Partners: JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, The Carlyle Group

Architect: Gensler

Construction Manager: AECOM Tishman

Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti