JetBlue, Fraport USA and PANYNJ advance JFK T5 transformation

JFK Terminal 5 is undergoing a major refresh, with new dining, retail and communal spaces inspired by New York City set to enhance the passenger experience and create a stronger sense of place. Photo: Fraport New York

Summary:

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fraport USA and JetBlue are advancing the multimillion-dollar refresh of JFK Terminal 5, introducing new dining, retail and communal spaces.
More than 40 new shops, restaurants and passenger amenities will create a New York City-inspired terminal experience, showcasing iconic local brands and cultural influences.
The transformation is designed to enhance the passenger journey, with Central Node Park adding space for live performances, pop-up experiences and community gathering.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fraport USA and JetBlue are leading a multimillion-dollar refresh of Terminal 5 at JFK Airport, as part of which a range of new dining and shopping experiences are opening this summer. Once complete, the terminal will feature over 40 new shops, restaurants, communal spaces, and art installations inspired by New York City and its boroughs.

To date, the Fraport New York team has welcomed nearly a dozen new arrivals. “At Terminal 5, we are creating more than an airport experience,” said Jose Cuevas, Vice President, Fraport New York, who is leading the concessions development. “We are creating a place that reflects the spirit of New York. The refresh is transforming the terminal, offering exceptional dining and retail experiences, art, entertainment, and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces that come together to foster discovery, comfort, and connection.”

They have celebrated the grand openings of several highly anticipated venues, including the renowned Italian food destination Eataly and distinctive New York culinary experiences like Nom Wah and The Halal Guys. Eataly has unveiled a grand 3,800-square-foot restaurant, wine bar, and grab-and-go marketplace. The venue celebrates authentic Italian food and wine culture. Nom Wah is a 3,500-square-foot restaurant and bar that transports travellers to a vintage dim sum parlour reminiscent of the 1920s. The restaurant originally opened in Manhattan’s Chinatown in 1920. Nom Wah is recognised as the city’s oldest continuously operating dim sum restaurant. It is known for its handmade dumplings and classic dishes. The Halal Guys, a beloved Midtown food spot, started as a street cart and gained fame for its halal chicken and gyro platters served with pita bread and the signature white sauce.

“Congratulations to JetBlue and Fraport USA for providing passengers with an authentic taste of New York as part of the $100 million refresh of JetBlue’s flagship terminal,” said JFK International Airport General Manager Teresa Rizzuto. “The addition of Eataly, Nom Wah Tea Parlor and The Halal Guys align with the Port Authority’s vision for a new JFK with a uniquely New York experience that will become an enjoyable part of the passenger journey.”

In the coming months, there will be more unique experiences from a range of NYC brands. “Each new opening of our Terminal 5 refresh brings another flavour of our hometown for our customers to explore,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Brand, JetBlue. “We’re so proud to celebrate the variety New York offers while giving our customers more choices to love, improving their experience even before take-off.”

The transformation of the central concourse is nearing completion. The redesign aims to create a vibrant space inspired by the city’s iconic parks. This area will include dedicated spaces for pop-up experiences, interactive events, and live performances that celebrate the city’s cultural heritage. The new gathering space, called Central Node Park, is expected to be completed in September.