New York's JFK airport is getting a brand new $9.5 billion international terminal, bringing state-of-the-art amenities, lounges, and gates to customers — see inside

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York is the largest of all NYC-area airports, handling a record 62.6 million passengers in 2019.

Source: New York State

Supporting about 300,000 jobs, the airport generates over $16 billion in wages and nearly $46 billion in sales per year.

Source: New York State

Many major carriers call JFK home, including Delta Air Lines…

I flew on Delta's regional aircraft and although it lacked some luxuries offered by JetBlue's, I was still impressed by its plush seats and roomy cabin

…American Airlines…

I flew American Airlines to Europe for the first time during the pandemic and found it's back to normal with bad food, uncomfortable seats, and free alcohol

…and JetBlue Airways, whose primary base is at the airport.

I flew on JetBlue's Embraer 190 for the first time and though the aging aircraft lacked the bells and whistles of the carrier's newer Airbus jets, I wouldn't hesitate to book it again

As air travel continues to pick up post-pandemic, JFK is getting ready by constructing a brand new "world-class" international terminal to handle the influx of passengers.

Source: New York State

New Terminal One (NTO) is a $9.5 billion project that will become the airport's global gateway to NYC, with dreams to be one of the top 10 terminals in the world.

Source: New York State

The 2.4 million-square-foot facility will offer 23 gates, restaurants, shops, lounges, and recreational space, making it the largest international terminal at JFK.

Source: New York State

It will also include a new departures hall...

Source: New York State

...arrivals hall...

Source: New York State

...and customs hall.

Source: New York State

The project includes overhauling the roads, parking, and utilities, as well as adding a new electrical substation.

Source: New York State

Moreover, the project will bring in over 10,000 jobs, including offering opportunities to local, minority, women, and disabled veteran-owned businesses.

Source: New York State

The future-focused terminal is designed with sustainability in mind and will feature large, open spaces with natural light and innovative technology.

Source: New York State

According to the airport, the bright, airy spaces are "designed to enhance the customer experience."

Source: New York State

NTO is being built on top of JFK's active terminal 1, its aging 59-year old terminal 2, and its former terminal 3.

Source: New York State

While NTO was initially supposed to break ground in 2020, the pandemic forced the airport to change its plan. However, the work is back on track, and construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2022.

Source: New York State

The first phase, which will include a check-in space, an arrivals area, and gates, is expected to open in 2026, and the entire project will be done in 2030.

Source: New York State

The new terminal comes as airlines resume, and grow, their international presence at JFK post-pandemic.

I flew from New York to San Diego through Mexico using an obscure border loophole — here's what it was like

For example, Air France will restart its service from Paris-Orly on March 27...

Source: Business Traveller

...Ukraine International Airlines will restore its route from Kyiv on June 2...

Source: Travel Week

...and LOT Polish Airlines will resume its service from Budapest on June 3.

Source: Simple Flying