Plan to build new $9.5B international terminal at JFK Airport announced

December 13, 2021 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

An exterior view of the arrivals and departures halls at the planned new Terminal 1 at JFK Airport. Rendering courtesy of Port Authority

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The Port Authority has reached a revised agreement with The New Terminal One (NTO) — a consortium of financial sponsors — to build a 2.4 million-square-foot, state-of-the-art new international terminal that will anchor the south side of John F. Kennedy International Airport, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Monday.

The $9.5 billion project is slated to built in phases and is anticipated to create more than 10,000 jobs, becoming the fourth major terminal project announced by the Port Authority as part of a transformation of JFK. When completed, The New Terminal One will be the largest international terminal at JFK.

“As we recover from this pandemic, I want to ensure that everyone traveling to New York has a welcoming and streamlined experience, and that New Yorkers have the modernized transportation hubs they deserve,” Governor Hochul said. “The time to get large infrastructure projects done is now.”

The Port Authority Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the proposed lease agreement at its meeting this Thursday. The full cost of the terminal would be privately financed by the NTO consortium, which includes financial partners Carlyle, JLC Infrastructure and Ullico. A joint venture of Munich Airport International and CAG Holdings is the operating and technical services partner to the consortium.

As part of the project, the Port Authority plans to undertake a number of infrastructure upgrades and improvements including roads, parking, and utilities including a new electrical substation. The New Terminal One will be built on the sites of the current undersized Terminal 1, the 59-year-old Terminal 2 and the site of the former Terminal 3, which was demolished in 2013.

Construction of the new terminal is scheduled to begin in mid-2022, and the first phase, including the new arrivals and departures hall and first set of new gates, is expected to open in 2026.

The project was initially scheduled to break ground in 2020. Due to the severe impact of the COVID-19 on air travel, the terms of the agreement needed to be restructured. The new terminal will be built in phases, subject to international passenger traffic levels, with full completion anticipated in approximately 2030.

The terminal will ultimately have 23 new gates, as well as bright and airy check-in halls and arrival spaces designed to enhance the customer experience. Customers will enjoy world-class, New York-inspired dining and retail amenities, as well as space for lounges, an indoor green space and family-friendly amenities.

In October 2018, following a competitive review of leasing proposals, the Port Authority entered into exclusive negotiations for the development of two major new international terminals, one each on the airport’s north and south sides.

This week, the Port Authority Board will also vote on the authorization of
the full $2.9 billion of funds that were included in the Port Authority’s 2017-2026 Capital Plan for the JFK Redevelopment program. These funds are allocated to enabling infrastructure to support the airport’s redevelopment, including roadway improvements, utilities, improved parking facilities, a ground transportation center and airfield work.
The development of The New Terminal One is expected to result in more than 10,000 jobs including more than 6,000 union construction jobs, according to the Governor’s Office.

The passenger facilities at The New Terminal One will feature significantly larger check-in, security and concession areas with high ceilings, natural light and modern architecture coupled with interior green space, exhibits and art featuring New York landmarks and local artists. World-class retail, restaurants and bars will include locally inspired restaurateurs, craft beverage options and Taste NY stores. Free, high-speed Wi-Fi and an abundance of charging stations throughout the terminal will enable passengers to stay connected at each step of their journey.

State-of-the-art technology will further improve the customer experience and
sustainability enhancements will include the use of renewable energy technologies such as a solar hot water, aircraft de-icing and fluid recovery, and the conversion of diesel ground-service equipment to electric-powered ground-service throughout the airport.

New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams said, “Our airports are our portals to the globe, and they must be welcoming, safe and representative of our dynamic, world-leading city. This massive investment in JFK Airport will modernize our most important port, improve the travel experience for flyers, and inject billions-of-dollars into our local economy.”

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said, “This agreement to build a new Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport demonstrates the commitment of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and our private partners to deliver for our region through some of the most difficult times in our agency’s 100-year history.”