NYC Officials Warn of Major Traffic Issues at JFK Airport this Summer

Things are going to get worse before they get better at New York City’s most important travel hub.

Officials said on Thursday that travelers flying in or out of JFK International this summer should prepare for some major headaches as the planned $19 billion transformation project starts. Construction, which is set to kick into high gear this summer, is expected to cause major traffic disruptions on the roads around the airport.

“There’s no sugarcoating the issue. Building a new airport while maintaining full flight operations won’t come without impacts to passengers driving to and from JFK Airport,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “But we believe that building what will be one of the truly great airports in the world will make these temporary traffic disruptions well worth the trouble for decades to come.”

The airport says it is doing what it can to mitigate the disruptions—increased staffing, including Port Authority police officers and taxi dispatchers, will be on-site and officials say that it is prepared to adjust roadway construction to meet the airport’s “operational needs.”

Still, travelers are advised to play it on the safe side and expect the worst when traveling in and out of the airport, including leaving plenty of time for arriving ahead of their flights. Officials are also recommending the following:

–    Those who can use the AirTrain from Jamaica or Howard Beach should do so to avoid traffic. The AirTrain also connects to Grand Central, Penn Station, and Atlantic Terminal. 
–    When picking up passengers, avoid going directly to the terminal and instead use the cell phone lots until passengers are outside of the terminal. 
–    Drivers should also consider using the Lefferts Blvd AirTrain stop, connected to JFK’s terminals, to drop off and pick up. The stop is an 8-minute ride to the terminals, which “will likely result in a faster journey” this summer. 
–    Those who are parking on-site should pre-book their parking space at JFKAirport.com.

While it’s a lot of bad news, the good news is that when the construction eventually does wrap up, travelers will be able to enjoy a brand-new JFK. The $19 billion redevelopment will include two new international terminals (one of which was previewed already), two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new airport roadway network.