JetBlue, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Fraport USA, manager of John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 5, announced a major refresh of the airline’s flagship terminal.
The refresh will feature the addition of more than 40 new concessions, and new amenities, including art installations and a redesigned center concourse inspired by New York’s iconic parks, which will create a unique New York sense of place and an elevated customer experience. The first new concessions are expected to open throughout 2025, with the terminal improvements completed by the end of 2026.
JetBlue’s Terminal 5 improvements, which align with the Port Authority’s $19 billion overhaul of JFK Airport, will spotlight locally owned businesses, including more than 18 new local food and beverage options.
At the heart of Terminal 5, the center concourse will transform into a space inspired by the city’s famous parks featuring lush greenery, park benches, concrete chess tables, and warm lighting. The redesigned center concourse will also feature a dedicated space for pop-up experiences, interactive events, and live performances.
Additionally, an art collection will feature more than 30 works by New York-based artists displayed throughout the terminal.
“We are proud to build upon our collaboration with JetBlue and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to reimagine and elevate JFK Terminal 5,” said Sabine Trenk, CEO of Fraport USA Inc. “Together, we share a bold vision of transforming the customer experience — delivering a world-class, dynamic retail and dining destination that captivates customers while driving economic growth and innovation.”
A flavor and feel of NYC
A mix of globally recognized and locally rooted operators will debut an array of offerings to the terminal, bringing in brands such as Eataly, The Halal Guys and Shake Shack alongside NYC hot spots such as Jacob’s Pickles, Tiki Chick, Serafina, Benetari’s, Gotham Burger, Birch Coffee, Nom Wah, Devoción, Mister Paradise, the Blind Barber, Leon’s Bagels, DiFara Pizza, Neir’s Tavern and much more.
These small businesses – designated as airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) — will be paired with experienced prime operators including HMSHost, Hudson Group, SSP America, OTG Management, M&R Concessions, WHSmith, Paradies Lagardère and Half Moon Empanadas. As joint-venture partners, ACDBE firms will learn how to operate concessions at an airport while also strengthening their position in the business community.
Local and ACDBE Businesses selected as joint-venture partners include: Neir’s Tavern (Queens); Brooklyn Tea Seller (Brooklyn); Sugar Hill Creamery (Manhattan); Nana’s Love (Queens); Ranchito Salvadoreno (Queens); Neat Rules Hospitality (Manhattan); Byrd Retail Group (Brooklyn); The Nourish Spot (Queens); Sullivan Hernandez Group (Nassau); and M&R Concessions (Queens).
Since opening Terminal 5 in 2008 and expanding it in 2014, the terminal has been recognized for its customer-focused design and amenities. Today, it serves 165 JetBlue flights and more than 35,000 customers per day.
JetBlue’s latest investment at JFK includes growth through the new Terminal 6, which will seamlessly connect with Terminal 5 and a forthcoming customer lounge.
