JFK Airport’s AirTrain could be free this summer amid $19 billion construction project

The construction of two new terminals at JFK Airport could result in a new incentive to get travelers to use mass transit: free AirTrain rides.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said on Tuesday that he is considering nixing the $8.50 fare for the train stopping at JFK terminals as the airport prepares for an expected record-breaking number of travelers this summer amid a $19 billion construction project.

“We’re going to consider every option,” Cotton said in response to a question from Gothamist about whether he would make the AirTrain free. “We’re going to watch over the early parts of the summer peak and if we need to take more aggressive action, we will.”

Cotton added that he would “pray” that JFK avoids the gridlock that occurred at LaGuardia Airport during major construction that began in 2016. The mess had some travelers bailing on their taxis while they were stuck in traffic and instead opting to walk to the airport on the Grand Central Parkway.

The Port Authority learned lessons from that debacle and will have staff at JFK monitoring traffic around the clock, Cotton said. Still, he added that using mass transit is the best way to avoid the traffic.

He argued that at $34, the AirTrain is still cheaper for a family of four than an Uber ride. He also noted that the AirTrain is already free for riders at the Lefferts Boulevard station.

The Port Authority will open the parking lot at that station for free pickups and drop-offs starting next month. Most AirTrain riders hop on at the Howard Beach station, which connects to the subway, or Jamaica station, which connects to the subway and Long Island Rail Road.

JFK is expecting 18 million travelers this summer, or 700,000 more than the same period last year. 2023 was the airport’s busiest year ever, according to officials.

Construction on the two new terminals is anticipated to be completed by 2030, with 33 new gates and a massive international terminal in the footprint of three former terminals. The Port Authority urged people who must drive to allow extra travel time, and encouraged people to book parking spots ahead of time.