Port Authority of NY & NJ breaks ground on expanded truck parking plaza at JFK to improve cargo movement

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today joined with elected officials and community leaders from southeast Queens to break ground on a project that will 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.

“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.”

“Whether it’s at JFK International, Newark Liberty or LaGuardia Airport, the Port Authority has been laser-focused on working with the communities surrounding our airports to access the economic benefits of these facilities and lessen their environmental impacts,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Working together, we are reimagining our airports as places that will become true community assets.”

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 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 percent increase from 2023 and 25 percent 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 2025, 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.

In addition, the expansion of the truck parking facility reflects the Port Authority sustainability goals of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by including 35 universal electric-vehicle charging stations, zero-waste procedures and other technologies that will reduce emissions.

“The groundbreaking for JFK’s new expanded parking plaza is a win for our local economy, our environment, and our communities,” said U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks of New York. “By improving cargo movement and reducing the number of illegal vehicles parked alongside our streets and airport roads, we’re addressing long-standing community concerns and enhancing efficiency. Additionally, this project also meets the Port Authority’s ambitious sustainability goals by incorporating electric vehicle charging, supporting zero-waste initiatives, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This is clear proof that JFK can modernize their infrastructure in a way that is accommodating for the businesses and communities they serve.”

“With the $20 billion modernization of Kennedy Airport comes a continued expansion of the facility's capacity to process cargo. But that doesn't mean families living near the airport should bear the burden of added truck traffic on their local streets, creating concerns around air quality and street safety,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “This significant expansion of truck parking at JFK means they will not have to. Thank you to our partners at the Port Authority for continuing to address community concerns like these.”

“JFK is one of our region’s most important economic engines and it must work for everyone,” said New York state Sen. Leroy Comrie. “This investment ensures truck drivers have the facilities they need while protecting the quality of life for nearby residents. I commend the Port Authority for listening to community concerns and making this project a priority.”

“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,” said New York state Assembly member Alicia Hyndman. “By incorporating EV charging stations and sustainable technologies, the project sets a strong example for environmentally responsible infrastructure. I commend the Port Authority for prioritizing both community impact and sustainability.”

“A hard fought victory is happening for neighbors of JFK Airport! For years, residents have complained about trucks being parked illegally in the surrounding streets. We are grateful the airport will be tripling their truck parking lot at JFK, providing our truckers a safe space to leave their vehicles overnight,” said New York state Assembly member Khaleel Anderson. “JFK Airport is the heart of the NYC economy, but it shouldn’t burden neighbors. As the volume and size of cargo increases, I continue to ask residents to report illegally parked trucks.”

“Today’s groundbreaking is a win for working families, for truckers, and for our Southeast Queens communities,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, chair of the committee on transportation and infrastructure. “For too long, residents have dealt with the consequences of illegal truck parking. Tripling the number of on-airport truck parking spaces at JFK is a meaningful step forward. This project reflects our commitment to building safer streets, supporting truck drivers, and modernizing our infrastructure with sustainability and equity at the forefront. I thank the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and all our partners for listening to the community and delivering real solutions.”

“This expansion at JFK is a meaningful step toward addressing the truck congestion that has impacted both airport operations and nearby communities. Creating safe, dedicated overnight parking, with real amenities for drivers, is a win for the freight network, for working people and for southeast Queens residents who have long called for better planning around truck movement,” said New York City Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams. “As we move forward with this important investment, I’m also proud that the city is advancing legislation I introduced, Intro 99-B, which goes into effect this week, that ensures community input and thoughtful coordination when new truck parking zones are established. Together, these efforts help build a smarter, more responsive approach to infrastructure, one that respects the needs of commerce while protecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

“Today, we can finally look forward to the potential solution of a problem our communities have suffered through for many years… overnight truck parking,” said Bryan Block, chair of Queens Community Board 13. “Now, finally through the efforts of our local elected officials and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, this problem appears to have a solution — 100-plus truck parking spaces on the land area within JFK Airport. This is what our communities have always wanted!”

“The completion of this truck parking expansion project will be another step forward toward reducing the impact of airport-related truck parking on local streets in southern Queens near JFK and will provide a safe location with additional amenities available for truckers,” said Betty Braton, chair of Queens Community Board 10. “We thank the Port Authority and all involved in moving this project forward toward reality.”

“Community Board 14Q is proud to support the expansion of truck parking at JFK Airport,” said Felicia Johnson, district manager of Queens Community Board 14. “This long-overdue investment will help reduce congestion on our local streets, improve safety for residents and drivers, and support the critical infrastructure that keeps our city moving. We commend the Port Authority and all partners involved, for listening to community concerns, and delivering a solution that balances economic growth with neighborhood quality of live.”

“GatewayJFK Business Improvement District is proud to support this critical investment in on-airport truck parking,” said James Johnson, executive director of GatewayJFK. “Our mission is to ensure JFK International Airport remains a global cargo hub while safeguarding the quality of life for local residents and promoting the economic vitality of our retail and commercial corridors. This project strikes the balanced approach we’ve long advocated for supporting cargo growth while reducing the negative impacts on nearby residential neighborhoods and small businesses. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Port Authority to create smart, community-conscious infrastructure solutions.”

“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.”