The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has begun construction on a project to expand the truck parking facility at JFK Airport. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday, Aug. 5 and was attended by representatives of PANYNJ, community leaders, and elected officials including Teresa Rizzuto, general manager of JFK, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, U. S. Rep Gregory Meeks, Sen. Leroy Comrie, District 31 Council Member Selvena Brooks Powers, and Community Board 13 Chair Brian Block.
The expansion project will triple the number of trucks that can be accommodated at the JFK Airport Plaza, with the addition of new concessions and facilities. This project is a result of PANYNJ’s efforts to address community concerns and keep up with the growing demand for air cargo at JFK. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
The project will require the demolition of Building 110, a vacant food preparation facility that has been unused for over 25 years. In addition to the expanded parking lot, new bathrooms and concessions will be built in the area. The project aligns with PANYNJ’s sustainability goals, as it includes 35 universal electric vehicle charging stations and other green energy technology.
In March, local elected officials and community advocates rallied for Southeast Queens to be included in the city’s Overnight Truck Parking Pilot program. This expansion of the truck parking facility at JFK Airport is a step towards addressing the concerns of the community and reducing the number of illegally parked trucks on nearby streets.
In April, JFK Airport opened a state-of-the-art cargo facility in partnership with Realterm and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS). The 350,000-square-foot consolidated cargo handling center replaced two older facilities at a cost of $270 million. This is the first new cargo facility to open at JFK in over 25 years and is operated by WFS, the airport’s primary cargo handler.
The expanded truck parking facility at JFK Airport is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. Queens elected officials spoke about the importance of balancing the needs of cargo operations with the well-being of the community. U. S. Rep Gregory Meeks stated that the project will improve cargo movement and reduce the number of illegally parked trucks on local streets, addressing long-standing community concerns. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards added that as the airport continues its $20 billion modernization project, it is important to maintain a balance between processing cargo and preserving the quality of life for nearby residents.
Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson described the expansion project as a “hard-fought victory” for residents surrounding JFK Airport. He expressed gratitude for the increased truck parking spaces, which will provide a safe place for truckers to leave their vehicles overnight.