John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world and New York City's main gateway for long-haul international travel. Around 90 airlines operate at JFK, connecting the city to hundreds of destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. This guide covers which airlines fly to and from JFK and where they are based, the main domestic and international routes, how to find the best fares, and how to check live flight status.
Airlines flying to and from JFK
JFK's airlines are spread across five terminals, so your terminal depends on who you fly with:
- Terminal 4 — Delta Air Lines (its main JFK hub) plus many international carriers such as KLM, Air France, Emirates, Etihad and others.
- Terminal 5 — JetBlue, JFK's largest domestic carrier, plus some international partners.
- Terminal 8 — American Airlines and its Oneworld partners, including British Airways.
- Terminals 1 and 7 — a range of international airlines (Lufthansa, Japan Airlines, Turkish Airlines and more); a new Terminal 1 is opening in phases through 2026–2030.
Always confirm your terminal on your booking, as assignments can change during the airport's modernisation. See our JFK airlines guide and terminals guide for the full breakdown.
Domestic flights from JFK
JFK offers frequent domestic service to major U.S. cities, with the heaviest schedules on transcontinental routes to Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Miami (MIA), plus Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Las Vegas and more. JetBlue, Delta and American operate the bulk of domestic departures, and premium transcontinental "mint"/business cabins are common on the New York–California routes.
International flights to and from JFK
As the USA's leading international gateway, JFK has nonstop long-haul flights to most of the world: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Madrid and other European hubs; Dubai, Doha and Istanbul in the Middle East; Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong and other Asian cities; and destinations across the Caribbean and Latin America. International arrivals clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection on arrival — see our JFK arrivals guide for the immigration process.
How to find and compare JFK flights
Because so many airlines compete on JFK routes, comparing fares pays off. Search across a flexible date range, set fare alerts, and consider mid-week departures, which are often cheaper than weekends. For international trips, booking a few months ahead usually secures the best prices. Signing in to an airline or alliance loyalty programme can add value on frequent routes.
Live JFK flight information
Before you travel or head to the airport to meet someone, check the live boards: our JFK arrivals and JFK departures pages show real-time status, gates and terminals, including delays and gate changes.
Connecting flights at JFK
JFK terminals are not linked airside, so connecting passengers use the free AirTrain between terminals. International-to-domestic connections must clear immigration and customs, re-check bags and pass security again — allow at least two to three hours. See our arrivals guide for connection tips and our AirTrain guide for moving between terminals.
Frequently asked questions
Which airlines fly from JFK?
Around 90 airlines operate at JFK. The largest are JetBlue (Terminal 5), Delta (Terminal 4) and American (Terminal 8), alongside major international carriers such as British Airways, Emirates, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Japan Airlines and Turkish Airlines across Terminals 1, 4 and 7.
Does JFK have both domestic and international flights?
Yes. JFK is the USA's leading international gateway and also has frequent domestic service, especially transcontinental routes to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami. International and domestic flights operate from different terminals depending on the airline.
How many terminals does JFK have?
JFK currently operates five passenger terminals — 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 — connected by the free AirTrain. A brand-new Terminal 1 is being built in phases through 2026–2030.
When is the best time to book a JFK flight?
For domestic trips, mid-week departures booked a few weeks ahead are usually cheapest; for international flights, booking a few months in advance tends to secure the best fares. Use flexible-date search and fare alerts to compare across the many airlines competing on JFK routes.
How do I check if a JFK flight is on time?
Use the live boards on our JFK arrivals and departures pages, which show real-time status, gate and terminal information for every flight, including delays.
