The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently broke ground to expand a truck parking facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), tripling the number of trucks that can park on-airport, and adding new concessions and bathrooms.
Expanded on-airport truck parking will help to better manage the increasing cargo operations at JFK while also addressing community concerns with the growing number of trucks that park illegally on neighborhood streets near the airport, according to a statement from the Port Authority.
The parking expansion project will accommodate up to 100 additional trucks and will require the demolition of Building 110, a former food preparation facility that has been vacant for more than 25 years. Completion of the project is expected by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
“Breaking ground for the expansion of truck parking facilities at JFK Airport is a win for the airport, a win for the community and a win for the drivers who support our cargo operations and help to keep our region moving,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “This is another example of how the Port Authority has been working closely with our neighbors to improve conditions for the community while we make historic investments at JFK Airport.”
The Port Authority Board of Commissioners previously approved a supplemental lease with the operator of the JFK Airport Plaza, adjacent to the development site, to build and operate the expanded truck parking and new concessions. The current Airport Truck Plaza includes a food court, convenience store, gas station, electric vehicle charging stations and space for up to 50 trucks for staging and parking.
This new development will complement the existing plaza, which is frequented by airport employees, taxi drivers and for-hire vehicle drivers, in addition to truck drivers. The operator will also refurbish and modernize the existing public restrooms to create a more attractive and welcoming space.
Expanding the parking facility was identified as a priority for the Port Authority to address both community concerns and airport needs with the growth of air cargo at JFK. In 2024, JFK handled 1.67 million tons of cargo, a 5% increase from 2023 and 25% more than in 2019, making it the eighth busiest cargo airport in the U.S. and 21st globally. The JFK air cargo sector plays a vital role in the regional and national economy, supporting more than 93,000 direct and indirect jobs and generating $11.4 billion in economic activity annually.
In April, the Port Authority, in partnership with Realterm and Worldwide Flight Services, celebrated the opening of a new state-of-the-art $270 million consolidated cargo handling center at JFK. As the first new cargo facility at JFK in 25 years, this new cargo center consolidates operations from four separate cargo zones into a single modernized location, reducing congestion, streamlining operations and unlocking space for future development.
“New York City is emerging as a national leader in addressing the urban truck parking crisis,” said Zach Miller, vice president of government affairs of Trucking Association of New York. “From developing off-street truck stops to permitting on-street parking in industrial business zones, the city is advancing common-sense solutions to a long-standing problem.
“Today, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey takes a monumental step forward — tripling truck parking capacity and adding essential amenities. Our hardworking truck drivers keep our city and economy moving. They deserve safe, accessible places to rest. We applaud the Port Authority for its leadership and commitment to supporting the trucking workforce.”
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