As the Port Authority’s $30 billion airport redevelopment program moves forward across New York and New Jersey, a record 32.4 million passengers were welcomed across the agency’s commercial airports in the first quarter of 2024. From January through September 2024, about 109.7 million passengers used the agency’s commercial airports, with 11.9 million passengers welcomed during the month of September alone.
With passenger records for travel set at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, and LaGuardia Airports, an enormous passenger demand arrives today following years of redevelopment at the agency’s three major airports, as their outdated terminals and footprints are transformed into 21st-century world-class gateways.
Over the last years, Metropolitan Airport News has featured many of the substantial initiatives that have taken place at Port Authority airports and that involve considerable investments through public-private partnerships (P3s), cutting-edge technology, sustainability, arts and culture, community outreach, and passenger experience enhancements.
This month’s feature focuses on the present and forthcoming concessions and concessionaires at New York metropolitan airports and how they enhance the passenger experience through both national and local community-based dining and retail options…options that all passengers can enjoy and that integrate a sense of place representative of the city and the region our airports serve. In terms of concessions at airports, these are businesses engaged in the sale of goods (food and beverage, retail, services) under agreement with the airport or owner lessee of the terminal.
For decades, the typical airport experience was largely task-driven… you commute to the airport, haul your luggage, check-in, go through security, find your gate, head to a newsstand for a magazine, stop to browse at a gift shop or a snack bar for a bite to eat, or go to a busy lounge to have a drink prior to boarding your flight.
But today, airports are progressively being seen as civic entryways, as opposed to a mundane vehicle utilized to transport people from Point A to Point B. In order to surmount the long-held general sentiment of an airport as simply being a place and a stressful experience to go through in order to reach your destination, the presence of concessions is playing a vital part in transforming airports into attractive, pleasurable destinations in their own right. Concessions are helping to transform helping to transform them into immersive spaces that are comfortable, vibrant, and inclusive, and that enhance the passenger journey from a perspective of function and necessity, to a desirable world-class experience that operates efficiently and brings revenue into the airport.
Retail establishments at airports may provide a variety of exciting products with an increase in the presence of local brands and businesses, while food and beverage concessions at airports offer appealing, local, healthful options and unique specialties that reflect the city’s culture and a touch of its local flavor from its surrounding communities. Technology at airport concessions is also increasingly important along all segments of a traveler’s journey, integrating technology into retail shops such as touch screens that allow customers to shop or retrieve details about products they may be interested in.
The transformation of LaGuardia Airport (LGA) initiated in 2015 with a comprehensive plan to construct a world-class, 21st-century airport with a unified terminal system is particularly notable in having created a best-in-class passenger experience featuring modern amenities that reinforce the airport as a broader experience and a welcoming sense of place along each passenger’s journey.
Upon its completion in July 2022, the LaGuardia Terminal B redevelopment project led as a P3 between LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) and the Port Authority NY & NJ, the 1.3 million sq. foot terminal offers its guests a completely new airport experience with an eclectic variety of retail, food and beverage, and locally inspired concessions.
At LGA’s Terminal B, there are some 15 retail shops and nearly 30 food and beverage concessions, ranging from quick service in its food hall, to grab and go, to 1st class table service, integrating well-known, iconic New York establishments in the terminal that reflect the local flavors and culture of the city that include Eli’s Essentials, Junior’s, Brooklyn Diner, 5 Boroughs Food Emporium, Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Hunt and Fish Grill, Bowery Bay Shops, District Market, FAO Schwarz, The Scoop, and more.
In partnership with the Port Authority, Delta Air Lines and OTG Concessions Management offer travelers at the new, expansive LaGuardia Terminal C a blend of innovative designs and restaurants that use unique, locally sourced ingredients. Terminal C includes 30 percent more concession space than Delta’s former terminals, with 95 percent of the new concessions located post-security, allowing passengers to shop and dine while waiting to board their flight.
From modern Mediterranean to American traditions and a New York-inspired French Brasserie, Terminal C’s retail and food and beverage concessions, collaborating with local businesses, include local-inspired and popular favorites like Birch Coffee, Bubby’s, Chuko Ramen & Essex Burger, H & H Bagels, Soleil Brasserie, Fiorello Market, Sunday Supper, Rossi Pizzeria, CIBO Express Gourmet Market, Patricia Nash, and more.
Today’s remaking of LaGuardia Airport into a modern, unified terminal system comes after decades of the airport bearing the reputation for its confined, outdated facility and experience. The result of its remarkable transformation and the vision to enhance the customer experience, largely through its concessions, has helped LaGuardia Airport earn its title as ‘Best Airport in the U.S. in the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards. This title was based on a survey of 5,000 hospitality and travel experts and the guide’s most well-traveled fliers, and this recognition is the most recent in a long list of accolades given to LaGuardia throughout the course of the airport’s redevelopment, which includes the much coveted Skytrax 5-Star rating awarded to Terminal B as the 2023 World’s Best New Airport Terminal along with the distinction of it becoming the first terminal in North American to be awarded the highest rating by Skytrax.
Following the Port Authority’s comprehensive plan to rebuild its airports into 21st-century world-class travel gateways, the agency also embarked on the complete redevelopment of Newark Liberty International Airport, which vigorously began in phases with the opening of the new state-of-the-art Terminal A in January 2023.
As a centerpiece of the Port Authority’s airport-wide renaissance, the completed Terminal A is home to a large variety of concessions and retail establishments that feature the best that New Jersey and the surrounding region have to offer, with an approximate 1 million square feet of space and 33 gates expected to handle an estimated 13.6 million passengers a year. Various retail, food, and beverage options are positioned throughout the terminal, in addition to a main, centralized post-security concession area where passengers can comfortably dine and shop while waiting for their flights. New Jersey favorites such as Smokehouse BBQ, Office Tavern & Grill, Jersey Mikes, Kitchen Step Neighborhood Bistro, Playa Bowls, Bang Cookies, Bold Newark, Artist Pop Shop, and more offer both locals and tourists a taste of New Jersey and a sense of place.
In just over a year since its opening to the public, the Port Authority and Munich Airport NJ LLC, the operator of Newark Liberty International’s new Terminal A, announced in March 2024 that Terminal A was given the prestigious Skytrax 5-Star rating, and today Newark’s Terminal A joins LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B as the only two airport terminals in North America awarded the highest rating by Skytrax. Additionally, with the Port Authority’s ongoing vision to reimagine Newark Liberty International as a world-class gateway, the agency’s plan calls for building a new, world-class international terminal to replace Newark’s current Terminal B while enhancing Terminal C to improve customer experience.
In the midst of the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK International Airport, the public-private redevelopment program to build ‘A New JFK’ features the current multi-phased construction of two immense, state-of-the-art terminals across five previous terminal sites at the airport; the 2.6 million-square-foot New Terminal One (NTO), led in partnership with the Port Authority and the NTO, a consortium of financial and operating sponsors, and the 1.2 million-square-foot Terminal 6, led by JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the private consortium selected by the Port Authority to build and operate the new T6.
In pace with JFK Airport’s ongoing transformation is the expansion and modernization of the existing JFK International Terminal 4, completed in multiple phases in partnership with Delta Air Lines and JFKIAT, and Terminal 8, in collaboration with American Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports.
Building on the Terminal 8 (T8) expansion project, which was completed in November 2022, the Port Authority, American Airlines, and URW Airports recently announced 21 new dining, retail, entertainment, and amenity brands powered by 13 local and diverse businesses featuring popular brands such as Eataly and Momofuku alongside New York local favorites Black Tap, Alidoro, Harlem Chocolate Factory, and many more.
Also recently announced was the opening of six new retail spaces at T8 operated by small, local MWBE entrepreneurs. As part of the $125 million commercial redevelopment program for T8, the shops were selected through URW Airports’ Small Business Accelerator Program and represent the program’s commitment to providing opportunities for local businesses while delivering enhanced offerings to passengers. The Small Business Retail Accelerator Program lowers the barrier to entry into the airport for small local businesses and entrepreneurs by offering flexible deal terms and small format, plug-and-play spaces that significantly reduce upfront and design costs. Six dedicated turnkey spaces, two inline stores, and four retail kiosks were developed for founders or businesses from southeast Queens, Greater Queens, and the New York City metro regional area.
Jennifer Spencer is the founder of alchemy, a Brooklyn-based lifestyle brand offering luxury in everyday living now present at T8, and she recently commented, “Opening a location at JFK’s Terminal 8 has been an incredible milestone, made possible through the URW Local Small Business Accelerator. The program provides invaluable tools, including mentorship and operational support, which allows us to refine our business model and product offering to a diverse audience of travelers. We’re excited to bring our thoughtfully curated products to one of the busiest international hubs and look forward to building lasting connections with our customers all over the world,” said Spencer.
Nadia Ackerman, a Brooklyn resident and singer/songwriter, is bringing natchie, her popular line of hand-drawn illustrations, to JFK Terminal 8 for the first time. Her store features art, greeting cards, stationery, luggage tags, magnets, sustainable totes, and more. “I always wanted to be in airports as I believe it is the perfect place for my brand,” Ackerman said. “The support I have received through URW’s small business initiative is immeasurable. This is an enormous opportunity to expand to a global audience, and I’m so excited to be here!”
Additionally, in July 2023, the Port Authority launched a specialized training program called the Institute of Concessions (IOC), offering extensive training and mentoring to increase the number of local and diverse airport concessionaires at JFK. The IOC trains small businesses in key competencies and skills needed to competitively bid for and successfully operate airport concession and is strongly supported by the Port Authority’s private partners in the redevelopment of JFK: the New Terminal One, Delta Air Lines and JFKIAT, JFK Millennium Partners and American Airlines, all who share the goal of creating a unique, New York sense of place
On December 20, JFKIAT (T4) reached a new milestone, marking 27M passengers at the terminal in 2024 – the highest number of passengers ever recorded in a single year there. JFKIAT has actively expanded its roster of commercial partners throughout T4s transformation and redevelopment and recently welcomed Eastward, Boulton & Watt, Melt Shop, Starbucks, Hudson Nonstop, and Queens Beat by Hudson. These new additions enhance T4’s already diverse and high-quality food and beverage options, offering a wide range of flavors that reflect both local New York favorites and global influences.
Queens Beat by Hudson brings a curated selection of local offerings into T4. This new shop offers passengers an authentic local shopping experience, as JFKIAT works with local businesses to supply goods and merchandise that travelers may not have come across while visiting New York. The Melt Shop’s new location at T4 brings travelers the classic comfort food of New York City, and the newly opened Eastward Restaurant brings the flavors of Long Island to travelers, celebrating fresh produce and seafood in a relaxed coastal tavern setting.
The 23-gate New Terminal One aspires to be among the best terminals in the world with the first phase scheduled to open in 2026. It will offer exceptional dining and retail amenities where travelers will experience iconic local concessions, shopping options, and modern lounges.
In May 2024, URW Airports and The New Terminal One announced the Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP) for the Food Hall and Travel Essentials tenders, marking another significant milestone in the development of the commercial program for the privately funded all-international terminal. The NTO is designed to showcase brands at their best and cater to one of the world’s most attractive customer bases while creating opportunities for local businesses and residents.
The Food Hall tender provides an incredible opportunity for innovative local and global market leaders who are well-versed in introducing new concepts and ideas and thrive at bringing new thinking to deliver best-in-class design, food, service, and guest experience. Structured as a single package of one landside and five airside units totaling 3,736 square feet, the tender will cover approximately half of the Food Hall in The New Terminal One.
With an overall program goal of 50% New York local food and beverage brands, the operator will work with the vibrant and unique local food and dining community to create genuine moments of wow. The tenderer shall offer a variety of menu offerings presented in the latest in outlet layouts, design, innovation, and concepts. All guests will be able to order food according to their preference, whether it is directly with an associate, through a kiosk, or on a mobile device.
“Customers can look forward to world-class dining and retail at the New Terminal One, including exciting first-to-airport brands, when we open our doors in 2026. From the rich diversity of local New York products and flavors, to globally-renowned powerhouse brands, our array of dining and shopping options will help create a truly exceptional guest experience,” said The New Terminal One CEO Jennifer Aument.
The Travel Essentials tender at the NTO will provide a unique platform for the industry’s leading innovative players to develop the best global, U.S. and New York merchandise mix to provide guests a high range and quality of choice and promote a New York sense of place. Structured as a single package of three landside and four airside locations totaling 6,427 square feet, the travel essentials operator will offer an array of snacks, beverages, pharmacy items, and magazines, as well as specialized offers such as luggage, books, and gifts.
As the development of Terminal 6 (T6), led by JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), progresses, an exciting retail experience is set to launch at the brand-new terminal with the completion of its first phase of construction and opening of its first gates in 2026.
JMP has partnered with Avolta companies Hudson/Dufry to open over 28,000 square feet of duty-free retail space in Terminal 6. This space will feature a mix of global luxury brands and local New York favorites, creating a unique sense of place. The retail program will include several first-to-airport initiatives and activations, offering travelers a dynamic and immersive shopping experience.
Key highlights of the retail experience at the new T6 will include: The Liquor Libraries, offering premium spirits and a Prohibition Speakeasy; The Green Market showcasing NYC’s finest artisanal goods; The Pavilion, a sanctuary of premium beauty and skincare products; Theater of Dreams, a fragrance haven inspired by Union Square’s Daryl Roth Theatre. In addition, Hudson will open nearly 10,000 square-feet of travel convenience and specialty retail space with stores that will offer travelers everything that they need for their journey.
At the new Terminal 6, the inclusion of local MWBE (Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprises) and ACDBE (Airport Disadvantaged Business Enterprises) represents a significant step toward generating economic opportunities around JFK Airport and featuring local and diverse businesses is shaping the forthcoming concessions at T6.
JMP has selected businesses that embody the spirit of New York to join the world-class T6 travel hub – some as joint-venture partners and others as food and beverage concessionaires.
This initiative will enhance the passenger experience while driving and bring lasting, impactful change to the local economy. The selected ACDBE joint venture partners include: Baked Cravings, Neir’s Tavern, Tsion Café, The Nourish Spot, Sullivan-Hernandez Group, Samantha Alexis Consulting, and Kellee Communications.
The local eateries whose brands will be featured in the new Terminal 6 include: Di Fara Pizza, Alidoro Café, BKLYN Blend, Fuku, and Hanoi House.
Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners, said, “We are especially proud of the local and diverse businesses that were selected for our phase one T6 concessions program. These businesses embody the spirit of New York—bold, innovative, and resilient. As they prepare to join us in our world-class terminal, either as concessionaires or joint venture partners – they are sharing not only their amazing expertise, but also the diverse flavors of our surrounding Queens community. We couldn’t have asked for a better group of partners to open our doors within 2026.”
Two of the T6 Phase 1 local concessionaires are graduates of the Institute of Concessions (IOC); Keishon Warren, CEO, BKLN Blend, and Beejhy Barhany, founding owner and executive chef of Tsion Café.
BKLN Blend was initially founded by Keishon Warren to help support his parents as they approached retirement. Fueled by the love of community, Warren’s mission evolved to focus on serving his community nutritious meals with kindness, recognizing the importance of offering diverse, healthy choices, and intentionally designing the BKLN Blend brand to reflect this commitment. Since 2016, BKLYN Blend has been a staple Black-owned juice bar and health food restaurant in Bedford-Stuyvesant and East New York, Brooklyn.
In speaking of his opportunity as a future concessionaire at Terminal 6, Warren said “As a minority, small business owner, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to be in the airport, but the IOC definitely allowed me to participate in the expansion of the airport. My experience with the IOC program has been transformative and has truly opened doors for me to realize and pursue my dreams. The connections I’ve made within the airport community and the resources available through the program would not have been easily accessible otherwise.”
“We’re bringing a lot of healthy options into the airport which you don’t typically see when traveling through the airport…so we’re really excited to bring that element into the airport,” added Keishon.
Tsion Café, located in Harlem, was founded by Ethiopian-born and Israeli-raised chef and activist Beejhy Barhany in 2014, with a mission to nourish the body and soul with culinary blends and fine art. The cuisine at Tsion (pronounced ‘see-on’) harmonizes flavors from Ethiopia, Israel, and diverse New York, with a fully vegan and Kosher menu and gluten-free options.
“We are about sustainability and providing healthy and awesome food to the community and eventually to the people that come into the airport. The way we will bring that to the airport will be as consumer packaged goods, our artisanal and nutritious line of handmade Ethiopian dips, chips, sauces, and Berbere spice blends,” remarked Barhany.
As a selected ACDBE joint venture partner at Terminal 6, Barhany discussed her experience in completing the Institute of Concessions program, saying, “Overall the IOC is a great program that gives you an insight into the whole airport operation and airport. It really is a great introduction that gives you a view of what is entailed and what it takes to operate a business in an airport.”
As JFK Millennium Partners continues to bring together local businesses to explore concession opportunities, the JFK Terminal 6 Local Business Marketplace offers retail businesses based in Queens and graduates of the Port Authority Institute of Concessions (IOC) a unique opportunity to enter the airport retail space.
The marketplace will feature five retail and grab-and-go concessions (two kiosks and three inline units) launching in 2026 and 2028. JMP will oversee the design, construction, and costs of building these units! Selected businesses will only need to supply merchandise and staff, and a minimal investment into the space will be required to make it their own.
