Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is entering the peak summer travel season, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is once again urging the public to avoid driving to JFK Airport this summer. Instead, they recommend using public transportation. Additionally, from June 30th to Labor Day (September 1st), the one-way fare for the JFK Airport AirTrain will be reduced by 50% to $4.25, encouraging passengers to opt for public transit to avoid being affected by traffic congestion.
This summer, PANYNJ estimates that a record-breaking 18.3 million passengers will pass through JFK Airport. This surge coincides with the ongoing $19 billion major redevelopment project at the airport, which includes extensive road construction that will further exacerbate traffic congestion.
Jessica Forse, the Executive Director of the JFK Reconstruction Project, stated on Tuesday (June 17th), “If possible, please refrain from driving to JFK Airport. Please make greater use of public transportation.”
To promote the use of public transportation, PANYNJ has announced the implementation of the AirTrain half-price promotion for this summer. From June 30th to September 5th (Labor Day), the one-way fare from Jamaica or Howard Beach stations to enter the airport will be reduced from $8.50 to $4.25 for passengers paying with OMNY or MetroCard.
Both stations provide seamless transfers from the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or the A/E/J/Z subway lines, offering convenient access to the airport for passengers from Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island.
For passengers who must drive, the Port Authority recommends arriving at least three hours in advance and using the free waiting area on Lefferts Boulevard for drop-offs and pick-ups. It is also advised to pre-book parking spaces online to ensure availability.
Furthermore, starting this week, extensive traffic control and route diversions will be in place on roads leading to JFK Airport. Routes to Terminal 5 and Terminal 7 will require detours through parking lots, resulting in longer travel times. Terminal 7, in particular, will be challenging to access, and passengers using ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft will need to take the AirTrain to the remote pickup area near Howard Beach to meet their drivers. Airport police will assist with directing traffic at major intersections, adjusting routes and control points based on real-time traffic conditions.
Before heading to JFK, travelers are advised to visit the dedicated Port Authority website to access the latest traffic and construction information: construction.jfkairport.com.