John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 operators the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), JetBlue Airlines and concessions managers Fraport USA have announced a slew of terminal updates and new concessions slated to launch through 2026. The renovations, which are part of PANYNJ’s $19-billion JFK improvement project, will include a refreshed central concourse designed to replicate the experience of visiting New York’s many public parks that will showcase pop-up experiences and performers for visiting passengers as well as a gallery highlighting the work of New York-based artists.
T5’s more than 40 new concessions will include a focus on New York-based businesses, including globally-known brands Eataly, The Halal Guys and Shake Shack; as well as hyper local businesses like Jacob’s Pickles; Tiki Chick; Serafina; Benetari’s; Gotham Burger; Birch Coffee; Nom Wah; Devoción Coffee; Mister Paradise; the Blind Barber; Leon’s Bagels; DiFara Pizza; and the historic Neir’s Tavern. Concessions will be operated by a mix of national concessionaires including HMSHost; Hudson Group; SSP America; OTG Management; WHSmith; Paradies Lagardere; and Half Moon Empanadas in joint venture partnership with local and ACDBE operators like Neir’s Tavern; Brooklyn Tea Seller; Sugar Hill Creamery; Nana’s Love; Ranchito Salvadoreno; Neat Rules Hospitality; Byrd Retail Group; The Nourish Spot; Sullivan Hernandez Group; and M&R Concessions.
“When it opened, Terminal 5 set a new standard for customer-focused airport design that reflected our mission of bringing humanity back to air travel,” said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue. “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. This isn’t just about new dining and shopping—it’s about bringing the energy of New York into the terminal. From local flavors to spaces that capture the city we love, we’re making T5 more uniquely New York while staying unmistakably JetBlue.”
“We are proud to build upon our collaboration with JetBlue and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to reimagine and elevate JFK Terminal 5,” added Sabine Trenk, CEO of Fraport USA Inc. “Together, we share a bold vision of transforming the customer experience — delivering a world-class, dynamic retail and dining destination that captivates customers while driving economic growth and innovation.”
“JetBlue and Fraport’s commitment to delivering world-class amenities and concessions to our customers aligns with the Port Authority’s goal of transforming JFK into one of the world’s great global gateways,” added Port Authority executive director Rick Cotton. “Creating a uniquely New York sense of place at JFK through the additions of iconic local concessions, art and design will make this terminal a memorable part of the customer journey through our region.”
“JetBlue customers traveling through Terminal 5 will soon enjoy authentic products and dining experiences that represent the best of what our region has to offer,” said Port Authority chairman Kevin O’Toole. “These improvements by JetBlue and Fraport USA embrace our vision of a world-class customer experience that will serve as the front door of this region to the rest of the world.”
