The Terminal 5 redesign will introduce over 40 new concessions and amenities, including art installations and a redesigned center concourse. Managed by Fraport USA, the terminal will begin rolling out improvements this year, with the full project expected to wrap up in 2026.
A New Standard for Travel
“When it first opened, Terminal 5 set a new standard for customer-focused airport redesign that reflected our mission of bringing humanity back to air travel,” said JetBlue President Marty St. George during the announcement on March 6. “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.”
Inspired by New York’s Iconic Parks
At the heart of the redesign is the transformation of the center concourse, which will draw inspiration from New York City’s famous parks. The space will feature greenery, park benches, concrete chess tables, and warm lighting, offering travelers a serene environment to relax before their flights.
“Creating a uniquely New York sense of place at JFK through the additions of local concessions, art, and design will make this terminal a memorable part of the customer journey through our region,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.
Dynamic Retail and Dining Experiences
The redesigned concourse will also include a dedicated space for pop-ups, interactive events, and live performances. The $100 million investment by Fraport USA and its concessions partners will bring a mix of globally recognized and locally rooted operators to the terminal, such as Eataly, Shake Shack, Gotham Burger, The Halal Guys, and DiFara Pizza.
Under the federal Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program, local and small businesses from Queens will be paired with experienced operators. Participating businesses include The Nourish Spot, Neir’s Tavern, Nana’s Love, Ranchito Salvadoreno, and M&R Concessions.
Community and Economic Impact
Congressman Gregory Meeks, who co-chairs the JFK Redevelopment Program Community Advisory Council with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, praised the project for its potential to create jobs and empower local businesses.
“I am thrilled to see this transformative project take flight, creating good-paying jobs, empowering small businesses, and driving economic growth while establishing JFK Terminal 5 as a state-of-the-art, world-class gateway,” Meeks said.
Richards added, “A refreshed Terminal 5 will not only give travelers a fantastic first impression of the World’s Borough, but it will also create good-paying jobs for Queens residents and concession opportunities for our small businesses.”
A Vision for the Future
JetBlue’s Terminal 5 revamp is part of a larger effort to modernize JFK Airport. In 2023, the airline broke ground on a new $4.2 billion Terminal 6, which will connect with Terminal 5 and feature a forthcoming customer lounge.
“This isn’t just about new dining and shopping — it’s about bringing the energy of New York into the terminal,” St. George emphasized. “From local flavors to spaces that capture the city we love, we’re making T5 more uniquely New York while staying unmistakably JetBlue.”