After a Five Year Absence, United Airlines is Returning to JFK Airport

United Airlines is returning to New York’s JFK Airport on Feb. 1 after a five-year absence.

United will kick off service to Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport from JFK starting in February after the carrier was able to secure slots that had been vacated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The flights will mark United’s return after it ended service because of high costs at the airport in October 2015.

“I have been waiting a long time to say this – United Airlines is back at JFK,” United CEO Scott Kirby said. “Come early next year, we will be serving all three major New York City area airports with a best-in-class product to provide our customers unmatched transcontinental service from New York City and the west coast.”

The service will make three New York-metro airports for United—the JFK service will join Newark Liberty and LaGuardia. The JFK service will include United’s premium options.

“United Airlines’ return to JFK Airport is a clear sign that air travel is returning in New York and across the region,” said Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

“As numbers start to rise, the Port Authority is ready to welcome travelers back to JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia Airports with increased cleaning and sanitizing in all terminals and touch-free options from curb to gate to ensure a world-class travel experience even in these unprecedented times.”