The programme is being led by JetBlue, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Fraport USA. Once completed, the terminal will feature more than 40 new shops, restaurants, communal areas and art installations inspired by New York City and its boroughs. The Fraport New York team has so far welcomed almost a dozen new businesses to the terminal.
Jose Cuevas, Vice President of Fraport New York and head of the concessions development, said: “At Terminal 5, we are creating more than an airport experience. We are creating a place that reflects the spirit of New York,”
He added: “The refresh is transforming the terminal, offering exceptional dining and retail experiences, art, entertainment, and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces that come together to foster discovery, comfort, and connection.”
New restaurant openings at JFK Terminal 5
Several new venues opened during June, including Italian food marketplace Eataly and New York restaurant brands Nom Wah and The Halal Guys.
Eataly opened a 3,800-square-foot restaurant, wine bar and grab-and-go marketplace focused on Italian food and wine.
Its opening was organised in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera and included live performances featuring works by Giacomo Puccini and Giuseppe Verdi. The programme also included Leonard Bernstein’s “Maria” from West Side Story. Nom Wah opened a 3,500-square-foot restaurant and bar designed to resemble a vintage dim sum parlour from the 1920s.
The business originally opened in Manhattan’s Chinatown in 1920 and is described as New York City’s oldest continuously operating dim sum restaurant. Its menu includes handmade dumplings and traditional dishes. The Halal Guys began as a Midtown Manhattan street cart and became known for halal chicken and gyro platters served with pita bread and its signature white sauce.
Teresa Rizzuto, General Manager of JFK International Airport, said: “Congratulations to JetBlue and Fraport USA for providing passengers with an authentic taste of New York as part of the $100 million refresh of JetBlue’s flagship terminal”. She added: “The addition of Eataly, Nom Wah Tea Parlor and The Halal Guys align with the Port Authority’s vision for a new JFK with a uniquely New York experience that will become an enjoyable part of the passenger journey.”
Further retail and food additions
Additional venues representing New York City brands are scheduled to open at JFK Terminal 5 during the coming months. Stephanie Evans Greene, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Brand at JetBlue, said: “Each new opening of our Terminal 5 refresh brings another flavor of our hometown for our customers to explore. We’re so proud to celebrate the variety New York offers while giving our customers more choices to love, improving their experience even before takeoff”.
Travellers at Terminal 5 can now access food and beverage outlets including Leon’s Bagels, Jacob’s Pickles, Melt Shop, Dunkin’ and Shake Shack. New retail and leisure options include InMotion, Park Emporium and Gameway, an immersive gaming and relaxation lounge.
Central concourse redevelopment
The redevelopment of the terminal’s central concourse is approaching completion. The redesigned area draws on the appearance and function of New York City’s parks. The concourse will include dedicated areas for pop-up experiences, interactive events and live performances linked to the city’s cultural heritage. The new communal area, named Central Node Park, is expected to be completed in September.
Cuevas said: “As new elements continue to come online, Terminal 5 is evolving into one of the most distinctive customer experiences in aviation. It is becoming.
Tags: Teresa Rizzuto, JFK International Airport Jose Cuevas, Fraport JetBlue, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
