Ground breaking ceremony for project to expand truck parking at JFK

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, local officials and community leaders from southeast Queens have held the ground breaking ceremony for a project that will expand a truck parking facility at John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

In terms of facts and figures, it will triple 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 neighbourhood streets near the airport.

“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 neighbours 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.

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.

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 modernise 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 US and 21st globally.

Indeed, 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.

Teresa Rizzuto, general manager of JFK International Airport called the ground breaking ceremony an exciting day because of the difference the revamped truck plaza will make to enhancing cargo operations at the airport.

“This much anticipated truck plaza will transform a site that has sat vacant for over 25 years, so long that you have noticed some of the trees growing out of the roof. The project is about more than construction, it’s a long overdue revitalisation, and the new facility will span 5,500 square feet and electric vehicle charging stations, trucking employee parking and a variety of food and service vendors.”

While New York state Assembly member Alicia Hyndman enthused: “The Port Authority’s new truck parking facility at JFK is a forward-thinking investment that enhances cargo efficiency while directly addressing southeast Queens’ concerns about illegal truck parking.

“By incorporating EV charging stations and sustainable technologies, the project sets a strong example for environmentally responsible infrastructure. I commend the Port Authority for prioritising both community impact and sustainability.”