On October 2, 2024, hundreds of NYC union construction workers watched the final beams of structural steel be lifted into place at the JFK’s North Side known as Terminal 6.
“This marks a major milestone in the transformation of JFK International that will set a new standard for travel in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “This state-of-the-art development would not have been possible without our skilled union workers and partners, and I look forward to continuing our work with them to build a more efficient, interconnected New York.”
Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York said, “The topping out of JFK’s brand new and fully modernized Terminal 6 represents a milestone of yet another key development project that not only created thousands of family-sustaining union careers for hardworking New Yorkers, but also acted as a catalyst for further economic growth. We congratulate Governor Hochul for seeing yet another one of these major projects through to its completion and applaud our dedicated and skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen who played such a major role in getting this across the finish line, while having the opportunity to pursue the middle class. This new terminal will improve the lives of countless New Yorkers, along with our visitors, through its state-of-the-art offerings and the economic stimulus it generates.”
The consortium building a new Terminal 6, celebrated a key milestone in the transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport. The state-of-the-art terminal will feature expansive, naturally lit public spaces, cutting-edge technology, inspiring public art and an array of amenities designed to enhance the customer experience, making it a critical piece of the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class global gateway.
Speaker Adrienne Adams said, “JFK International Airport is a critical gateway for the New York City metropolitan region and a key economic engine in the surrounding neighborhoods in Southeast Queens. The steel topping-off ceremony of the new Terminal 6 represents an important milestone in the $19 billion redevelopment project, especially for the union workers whose contributions made it possible to achieve this progress. As Terminal 6 moves towards completion, it remains crucial for the economic opportunities and investments that derive from this project to benefit our small businesses and neighbors in Southeast Queens. Working with all stakeholders, we will continue to prioritize support for our local communities throughout the transformation of JFK International Airport.”
A tradition in major infrastructure works, the topping-out ceremony commemorated the efforts of construction professionals and the men and women of organized labor to maintain safe and on-time construction. Terminal 6 is scheduled to open in phases, beginning with the completion of the arrivals and departures hall and the first five gates in 2026. The second phase, including five additional gates, will open in 2028, completing the terminal. Terminal 6 construction is creating 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 union jobs in the building trades. All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority’s represent a $19 billion transformation of JFK and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authority’s capital investment of $3.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of nearly four to one when taking into account the full private investment of more than $15 billion that has been committed to the four projects comprising the full redevelopment of JFK.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, “No longer just a proposal, the $19 billion redevelopment of Kennedy Airport is taking shape right before our eyes. From creating thousands of good-paying jobs to countless concession opportunities for Queens-based businesses to historic MWBE participation, Terminal 6’s transformation is a microcosm of the immense economic opportunity the airport’s redevelopment presents our borough, city and state. It’s an honor to help move this project forward in my role as co-chair of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, and I applaud everyone who made this day possible — including our brothers and sisters in union labor working to build this beautiful new terminal.”
