New York Terminals

The JFK Terminals

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) features six passenger terminals, numbered 1 to 8 (as Terminals 3 and 6 were demolished in 2013 and 2011 respectively). The airport complex forms a large U-shaped layout around a central roadway, with parking areas, hotels, and support facilities located in the center. Each terminal serves different airlines and destinations, ensuring smooth handling of both domestic and international flights.

JFK Airport Terminal 1

Terminal 1 primarily serves international airlines and offers a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and retail outlets. Opened in 1998, it features 11 gates and is one of only two terminals at JFK capable of accommodating the Airbus A380. The terminal is divided into three levels:

Arrivals Level: Baggage claim, information desks, refreshment counters, and currency exchange.
Departures Level: Check-in areas, boarding gates (1–11), and retail stores.
Mezzanine Level: Food court, airline lounges, and a 24/7 dining area (the only landside food court at JFK).

JFK Airport Terminal 2

Terminal 2 was constructed in 1962 and is often referred to as the Delta Terminal. It houses 11 gates and mainly handles domestic flights, as it lacks U.S. Customs facilities. Plans are in motion for its demolition and integration into the newly expanded Terminal 1 redevelopment project.

JFK Airport Terminal 4

Terminal 4 is one of the largest and busiest terminals at JFK. Managed by JFKIAT, it replaced the old International Arrivals Building and began operations in 2001. It serves more than 34 airlines and offers extensive shopping, dining, and relaxation options, including prayer rooms and lounges. Terminal 4 also accommodates Airbus A380 aircraft.

Concourse A: Primarily handles Asian and European international flights.
Concourse B: Serves Delta and SkyTeam partner flights, both domestic and international.

The terminal includes:

Level 1: Arrivals, baggage claim, and customs.
Level 2: Departures, check-in counters, boarding areas, food court, and retail outlets.

JFK Airport Terminal 5

Terminal 5 (T5) — the modern JetBlue terminal — opened in 2008 and integrates the historic TWA Flight Center into its design. Known for its award-winning architecture, T5 features 29 gates and two main levels: Departures and Arrivals. In addition to JetBlue flights, several partner airlines also operate from T5. The terminal offers high-end amenities, multiple lounges, fast Wi-Fi, and efficient passenger services.

JFK Airport Terminal 7

Terminal 7 is currently managed by British Airways, making it the only U.S. airport terminal operated by a foreign carrier. It has 12 gates and serves several international airlines, including ANA, LOT Polish Airlines, and Icelandair. T7 consists of two main levels (Departures and Arrivals) and a central concourse for boarding. Passengers enjoy a comfortable experience with shops, cafés, and premium airline lounges.

JFK Airport Terminal 8

Terminal 8 occupies the former space of the old Terminals 8 and 9 and serves as the main hub for American Airlines and other Oneworld alliance members such as British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways. It’s the largest terminal at JFK — nearly twice the size of Madison Square Garden — and accommodates more than 12.8 million passengers per year.

Departure Level: Check-in and access to Concourses B and C.
Concourses: 29 gates distributed between both concourses.

Transfer Between JFK Terminals

All JFK terminals are connected by the AirTrain, a free automated people mover operating 24/7. Trains arrive every 7 minutes during peak hours, and passengers can transfer between terminals without exiting the airport grounds.

AirTrain Routes:
- All Terminals Loop: Free service connecting all six terminals.
- Howard Beach Route: For connections to the NYC Subway (A Line).
- Jamaica Route: For connections to LIRR trains and E, J, Z subway lines.

Note: While some terminals are within walking distance, walking between them is not recommended due to busy roadways and limited pedestrian access.

Delta Airlines operates a dedicated Jitney shuttle bus between Terminals 2 and 4, with stops near Gates C60 (T2) and Gates B18/B54 (T4). Additionally, American Airlines and JetBlue offer post-security shuttle transfers between Terminals 5 and 8 for their connecting passengers.

View AirTrain Map

FAQ

Is JFK T2 domestic or international?

JFK airport terminal 2 handles almost exclusively domestic airlines, as it isn’t equipped with US customs facilities. Nevertheless, T2 is planned to be demolished and replaced by JFK airport terminal 1.

What terminal is JetBlue at JFK airport terminals?

Even though serving other airlines as well, T5 is considered the JetBlue terminal of New York Airport. Indeed, JetBlue is the major airline operating at JFK airport terminal 5.

What airlines are in terminal 4 at JFK?

T4 is one of the biggest JFK terminals, serving both international and a fewer domestic destinations. Hence, Aeromexico, Air India, Air Europa, Avianca, Caribbean, China Airlines, China Southern, Copa Airlines, Delta, ELAL, Emirates, Etihad, Hainan, JetBlue, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kuwait Airways, LATAM, Singapore Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, and Xiamen Air are the air carriers present at JFK airport terminal 4.

Are terminals 2 and 4 connected at JFK?

All JFK airport terminals are connected via the AirTrain. However, the service is provided landside, meaning that passengers have to pass through security control and re-check in when arriving at the desired terminal. Despite this fact, Delta airlines passengers can transfer airside from T2 to T4 for free, using the Delta Jitney buses.