New York Construction Report staff writer
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey celebrated a key milestone in the transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport with a groundbreaking this week to launch a $4.2 billion project to develop a new Terminal 6.
The 1.2 million square foot terminal on the airport’s north side will include 10 new gates — including 9 wide-body gates — and will create 1,800 construction jobs. This project is the final piece of the JFK Vision Plan to break ground, and it will complete the transformation of the airport into a “21st Century global gateway.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of JFK Airport’s fantastic new Terminal 6. Everywhere you look in New York, another transformative project is underway and Terminal 6 is a perfect example of that,” said Carlo A. Scissura, president & CEO of the New York Building Congress. “Today’s milestone means thousands of good-paying industry jobs and will result in an improved passenger experience at one of our region’s most important travel hubs.”
The new Terminal 6 is a public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners — a consortium that includes Vantage Airport Group; American Triple I; New York real estate operating company RXR; and JetBlue Airways, the project’s airline sponsor.
JFK Millennium Partners is developing the new terminal in two phases, with the first new gates opening in 2026 and construction completion in 2028. The new terminal will create an anchor for passenger travel on JFK’s north side, spanning the sites of the former Terminal 6 and the existing Terminal 7.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be playing a role in the delivery of Governor Hochul’s vision to transform JFK International Airport into a world-class international gateway with a new Terminal 6,” said George Casey, JFK Millennium Partners board chair. “Today’s ground-breaking celebrates the strong partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners, reflects the hard work and shared commitment of our Vantage-led team to advance this $4.2 billion terminal transformation.”
The Port Authority will commit $130 million in capital funding to build enabling infrastructure for the new Terminal 6, including airside improvements and utility enhancements such as electrical support for the project. Enhanced airside aircraft circulation will reduce congestion and delays, while roadway improvements will optimize airport traffic flow.
“Today’s groundbreaking on a new Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport represents the beginning of another critical, large-scale infrastructure upgrade that will play a crucial role in revitalizing New York’s economy and create thousands of good paying, middle class union careers with benefits,” said Gary LaBarbera, building, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York president. “Our members are at the ready and look forward to ramping up their work to complete this next step in fully modernizing JFK International Airport into the exemplary, world-class transportation hub that New Yorkers, and our visitors, truly deserve.”
