$1.5 billion JFK Airport Terminal 4 expansion breaks ground

(John F. Kennedy International Airport) JFK Airport Terminal 4 expansion project has officially broken ground. Despite the setbacks faced during the Covid pandemic, this expansion project  will now take place, as a result of the revised agreement between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Delta Air Lines and the Terminal 4 operator, JFK International Air Terminal. 

JFK Airport Terminal 4 to have 10 new domestic gates

The privately funded JFK Airport Terminal 4 expansion was initially  planned to be a $3.8 billion expansion for 16 gates, but has now been downsized to a $1.5 billion expansion and modernization project; which will increase the terminal’s size by an additional 150,000 square feet of space and add 10 new domestic gates. This expansion is slated for completion by 2023 and once completed, this new facility will serve in consolidating all of Delta’s operations.

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This JFK Airport Terminal 4 expansion project also covers remodeling of the arrival and departure halls, to enable the integration of new ticketing and baggage check technology; the renovation of existing concourses; and also upgrading the roadways to improve access for vehicles. Other upgrades and modifications will also be carried out on the restrooms, baggage claim and arrival areas; including, the installation of new retail finishes and public arts. Additionally, charging stations will be installed at the new gates, which will provide energy-saving electric ground service equipment that can be used throughout the terminal. 

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York pointed out that the economic impact of the JFK Airport Terminal 4 expansion would last for decades, and also buttress New York’s leading position in welcoming visitors from abroad, as well as those returning home.

Khaleel Anderson, an assembly member, also spoke in favor of the JFK Airport Terminal 4 expansion project; which is expected to create more than 1,500 total jobs, including about 1,000 union construction jobs. Anderson mentioned that projects like this were  important to drive down unemployment rates and assist in providing an equitable recovery for the communities that faced the most difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.