John F. Kennedy International Airport is the pride of American aviation. It is called the main US international gateway. Planes of 90 airlines regularly depart from this airport to various countries around the world. It is one of the biggest New York airports. Read more about it on newyork1.
Airport construction and development
The airport named after John Kennedy, the 35th president of the USA, is known all over the world. Over the years, it has expanded and the number of flights has steadily increased. Its construction started after the signing of a contract between the representatives of the United States Department of Transportation.
The construction started in 1942 with modest plans. Initially, a small land plot was provided for it. It was 4 km² of land on the Idlewild golf course. The new airport was needed to reduce congestion at nearby LaGuardia Airport. Its official opening took place on July 1, 1948. The first flight was made on the same day.
After that, the airport began to expand as New York aviation has developed. To carry out more flights, 16 km of land was additionally provided and 8 terminals were built. A few years later, many representatives of different airlines chose it as a new point for passenger service. Therefore, several new airstrips were built for the arrival of international flights.
The airport was originally named Idlewild after the land where it was built. However, on December 24, 1963, it was renamed in memory of the American President John Kennedy.
Terminals
Terminal 1 was located here in the mid-90s but then it was unbuilt. After that, a new passenger building was created there at the expense of international airline companies. It has 11 exits.
Terminal 4 was launched for international flights in 2001. Only this one operates nonstop and has 16 exits.
In 1962, Terminals 2 and 5 were built to serve domestic airlines. Terminal 5 was the only building with modern television, conveyors for placing luggage and an electronic board with information about flights.
The expansion of Terminal 6 started in 2005. It was equipped with new facilities for passengers.
Furthermore, there are Terminals 7 and 8. They were built in the late 90s and were later expanded several times.
Transfer
- Subway and trains. There is a railway and two subway stations near the airport. You can reach the city by train or subway in 20-40 minutes. The cost of transportation depends on the destination.
- Bus. Several buses take passengers from the terminal to the subway station or train stops. Buses are located near Terminal 4.
- Taxi. This is the most expensive and most convenient way to get to the required destination. Taxi drivers offer to take passengers to any place in New York.
Interesting facts
- There are 8 big terminals here.
- The airport’s international traffic accounts for 17% of all air traffic in the United States. This is the biggest number in the country.
- 47 million passengers use the services of this airport annually. They fly on planes of 90 airlines to different countries all over the world.
- JFK Airport can accommodate all types of aircraft. It is equipped with all the necessary navigation aids and equipment.
- More than 200,000 employees provide the operation of the airport.
- The flights are operated from the Queens area in the southeastern part of New York.
- 60 million dollars were spent on the construction of the airport.
- Its service brings more than 6 billion dollars in profit every day.