New Terminal 1 at Kennedy Airport Set to Be Among World’s Largest and Most Modern

NEW YORK (VINnews) — New York’s Kennedy International Airport is preparing to unveil its massive new Terminal 1, a $9.5 billion project the Port Authority hopes will rank among the world’s best, according to an interview with The New York Times published Monday.

The terminal, expected to open later this year, will cover 2.6 million square feet, nearly as much floor space as the Empire State Building, and is designed with wide, open areas that allow travelers to see gates and planes from the security area. The Port Authority envisions Terminal 1 as a “world-class, knock-your-socks-off gateway,” according to airport officials.

Jessica Forse, the Port Authority executive overseeing the redevelopment, told The New York Times that constructing the terminal while keeping Kennedy operational has been a major challenge, especially with the AirTrain running through the building. The agency is also investing $4 billion in road improvements, parking, utilities and other infrastructure around the airport.

Terminal 1 is part of a broader effort to modernize the airport, following award-winning renovations at LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International Airports. The Port Authority hopes the new terminal, along with a privately developed Terminal 6, will enhance passenger experience and accommodate record traffic while elevating Kennedy’s status among the world’s top airports.

The first phase of Terminal 1 is slated to open later this year, with additional construction continuing as part of Kennedy’s long-term redevelopment plan.