USA. Fraport USA has celebrated the opening of new dining venues at New York John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport Terminal 5, following a multimillion-dollar refresh carried out with JetBlue and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The upgrade introduces more than 40 new concessions and amenities, including art installations and a redesigned centre concourse inspired by New York’s parks, creating a stronger sense of place for travellers.
Nearly a dozen new venues are now open in T5, following the first concession launches in 2025, with the wider transformation set for completion by the end of the year.
Fraport New York Vice President Jose Cuevas said: “At Terminal 5, we are creating more than an airport experience. We are creating a place that reflects the spirit of New York.
“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.”
As reported, HMSHost and Fraport USA have officially opened Eataly in the terminal, while popular New York dining concepts Nom Wah and The Halal Guys have also debuted in partnership with airport hospitality group OTG.
Spanning 353sq m, Eataly combines a restaurant, wine bar and grab-and-go marketplace, showcasing authentic Italian food and wine culture.
The launch event featured performances by Metropolitan Opera tenor Ben Reisinger and South Korea-born pianist Bin Yu Sanford, with a programme highlighting works from Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi and Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Maria’ from West Side Story.
Evoking the charm of a vintage dim sum parlour, the 325sq m Nom Wah brings its renowned handmade dumplings and classic dishes to the airport. Founded in Manhattan’s Chinatown in 1920, the restaurant is New York’s oldest continuously operating dim sum restaurant.
A popular Midtown food concept, The Halal Guys has also brought its signature halal chicken and gyro platters to the airport, served with pita bread and its famous white sauce. The brand traces its origins to a street cart launched in Midtown Manhattan.
JFK International Airport General Manager Teresa Rizzuto said, “Congratulations to JetBlue and Fraport USA for providing passengers with an authentic taste of New York as part of the US$100 million refresh of JetBlue’s flagship terminal.
“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.”
More New York-inspired dining concepts are slated to open in the coming months.
JetBlue Senior Vice President, Marketing and Brand Stephanie Evans Greene said: “Each new opening of our Terminal 5 refresh brings another flavour 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.”
Terminal 5 will also feature mainstream brands such as Dunkin’ and Shake Shack, alongside popular local food concepts including Leon’s Bagels, Jacob’s Pickles and Melt Shop.
Additional retail offerings include InMotion, Park Emporium and Gameway, an immersive gaming and relaxation lounge.
The central concourse upgrade is moving towards completion, introducing a park-inspired environment with spaces for pop-up activations, interactive events and live performances. Central Node Park is scheduled to open 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 a destination travelers will want to experience, not simply a place to pass through.” 
