Inside New York JFK's new Terminal One, a massive $9.5 billion flagship terminal

25.11.2024 - 21:49 / thepointsguy.com / John F.Kennedy

It's been years in the making, and the finish line is now within sight: The transformed John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is just a little more than a year away from opening.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages and oversees the airport, has undertaken a massive $19 billion transformation project across the entire airport. The project includes two brand-new terminals, renovated concourses at existing terminals and a fully optimized roadway structure.

Highlighting the redevelopment project is no doubt the airport's new flagship Terminal One, which will become the largest and perhaps most iconic portal to the international airport that is the gateway to New York. (In fact, it'll be nearly the same size as two new terminals at LaGuardia Airport combined.)

With 23 gates spanning more than 2.4 million square feet, this terminal is poised to become one of the nicest in the entire country.

While the first phase of the new Terminal One won't open until 2026, work is well underway — it's nearly 50% there, according to the Port Authority — with major upcoming milestones, including the terminal becoming weathertight, slated to happen in the coming weeks.

As construction progresses, the Port Authority invited select media outlets for a hard-hat tour of the new Terminal One on Monday.

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When complete, the new Terminal One will measure a whopping 2.4 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and among the largest nationwide.

It'll sit on the site of the existing Terminal 1, as well as the former sites of Terminals 2 and 3.

Right now, construction is focused on the main departures and arrivals headhouse and the first concourse of gates, which will open in 2026. (The rest of the terminal will open in 2030.)

Stepping inside the new Terminal One reveals a stunning new facility that's likely to impress even the most sophisticated frequent flyers who've passed through the likes of Dubai and Singapore.

The departures area, which will be on the third level of the headhouse, is drenched with natural light and supported by visually appealing columns that make for a dramatic entrance.

There will be four check-in islands servicing multiple airlines, as well as a centralized security area that'll funnel into the second level of the headhouse.

The existing security setup in Terminal 1 is perhaps the worst in the country, so this one will undoubtedly be an upgrade. (After all, simply adding more capacity would be enough