JetBlue, Port Authority and Fraport USA reveal commercial plans for New York JFK Terminal 5
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fraport USA and JetBlue have revealed plans for a major upgrade of New York John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 5.
USA. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fraport USA and JetBlue have revealed plans for a major upgrade of New York John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport Terminal 5.
T5 is the airline’s flagship terminal in New York, with the concessions programme managed by Fraport USA.
The plan foresees the addition of more than 40 new concessions plus amenities including art installations and a redesigned centre concourse inspired by New York’s parks, to create a New York sense of place. The first new concessions are expected to open throughout 2025, with the terminal improvements completed by the end of 2026.
A mix of global and local partners will introduce brands such as Eataly, The Halal Guys and Shake Shack alongside New York City favourites 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 more.
Chosen prime operators include Avolta subsidiaries HMSHost and Hudson Group, SSP America, OTG Management, M&R Concessions, WHSmith, Paradies Lagardère and Half Moon Empanadas.
As part of the federal airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) programme, joint-venture partnerships between prime operators and ACDBEs allow for local and small businesses new to airport concessions to be paired with experienced prime operators. These local and ACDBE 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 County)
- M&R Concessions (Queens)
JetBlue’s Terminal 5 improvements align with the Port Authority’s US$19 billion overhaul of JFK Airport. At the heart of the terminal, the centre concourse will house lush greenery, park benches, concrete chess tables and warm lighting to provide “city park charm” for customers before their flight. The redesigned centre concourse will also feature a dedicated space for pop-up experiences, interactive events and live performances to highlight New York’s renowned culture.
Additionally, an art collection featuring more than 30 works by New York-based artists displayed throughout the terminal will transform Terminal 5 into a vibrant cultural destination.
“When it opened, Terminal 5 set a new standard for customer-focused airport design that reflected our mission of bringing humanity back to air travel,” said JetBlue President Marty St. George.
“Now, in support of the Port Authority’s plan to redevelop JFK, we look forward to further enhancing the experience for all who travel through this world-class terminal. This isn’t just about new dining and shopping—it’s about bringing the energy of New York into the terminal. From local flavours to spaces that capture the city we love, we’re making T5 more uniquely New York while staying unmistakably JetBlue.”
“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 Fraport USA CEO Sabine Trenk.
“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.”
“JetBlue and Fraport’s commitment to delivering world-class amenities and concessions to our customers aligns with the Port Authority’s goal of transforming JFK into one of the world’s great global gateways,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Creating a uniquely New York sense of place at JFK through the additions of iconic local concessions, art and design will make this terminal a memorable part of the customer journey through our region.”
“JetBlue customers travelling through Terminal 5 will soon enjoy authentic products and dining experiences that represent the best of what our region has to offer,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “These improvements by JetBlue and Fraport USA embrace our vision of a world-class customer experience that will serve as the front door of this region to the rest of the world.”
Terminal 5 opened in 2008 and was expanded in 2014. It serves 165 JetBlue flights and more than 35,000 customers per day. 
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