Officials said in May that travelers flying in or out of JFK International this summer should prepare for some major headaches as a $19 billion transformation project begins. 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,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Building a new airport while maintaining full flight operations won’t come without impacts to passengers driving to and from JFK Airport.”
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 expect the worst when traveling in and out of the airport, including leaving plenty of time for arriving ahead of their flights.
A drop-off, pickup and waiting lot was opened at the Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain station. The free lot offers hundreds of designated spaces with Long Term Parking Lot 9, where drivers can wait for passengers and drop off or pick up travelers, who can board a shuttle at the curb closest to the terminal. The shuttle is also free. The ride takes an estimated 8 to 15 minutes, according to the Port Authority.
The massive project will include two new international terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center and a new roadway network, while maintaining full flight operations at JFK.
Private vehicles, yellow taxis and “premium” services provided by Uber Black and Lyft Lux have curb access at Delta’s Terminal 4, but customers for traditional black cars, liveries and all other levels of service provided by Uber and Lyft will be required to use the shuttle to the remote
Sources: QNS, Travel Market Report
