48
CONCESSIONS  
September 2026      AirportImprovement.com
JFK
This spring, a reimagined 
concessions program emerged 
at Terminal 8 in John F. Kennedy 
International Airport. The $125 million 
project more than doubled the terminal’s 
commercial footprint and delivered dozens 
of new places for passengers to eat, 
drink, shop, relax and be entertained. The 
massive effort was a collaboration among 
the Port Authority of New York and New 
Jersey (which operates the entire airport), 
American Airlines (the terminal operator 
and largest carrier), ASUR Airports (terminal 
commercial developer and manager) and 
Phoenix Infrastructure Group (ASUR’s 
equity partner for the project).  
The comprehensive commercial 
redevelopment follows the broader $400 
million expansion and modernization of 
Terminal 8 led by American that added 
five widebody gates, four new widebody 
parking positions, a larger and upgraded 
baggage handling system and 130,000 
square feet of new and refurbished space. 
Cultural Identity
The concessions redevelopment initiative 
was led by ASUR Airports, which has 
managed the commercial program at 
Terminal 8 since the building opened in 
2007. It added more than 60 new food/
beverage, retail and duty-free locations—
all designed to elevate the passenger 
experience by blending local and global 
favorites with unique new concepts. 
There are also experiential concepts for 
entertainment, relaxation or a quiet place to 
work in the ever-busy terminal.  
Reflecting the diversity and cultural 
identity of Queens and New York City 
was a key priority, and about one-third 
of the dining and retail tenants are local 
brands. “We really placed an emphasis 
on locally owned, diverse businesses that 
could create economic opportunities for 
the community, showcase New York’s 
culinary scene and really establish that all-
important sense of place for our travelers 
coming through the 
building,” says Ian 
Carter, the ASUR vice 
president who focuses 
on JFK. “And all of 
that while creating 
upwards of 300 new 
concessionaire jobs at 
the terminal itself.”
ASUR tapped into its long-term 
experience at JFK as it worked with project 
partners to “reimagine what this terminal 
could look like for the next era of travelers,” 
Carter explains. Information from passenger 
surveys and community outreach played 
a prominent role in curating offerings that 
meet current and evolving traveler needs, 
trends and expectations, he adds. 
“Terminal 8 and its new, locally inspired 
commercial program will create a unique 
sense of place that elevates the travel 
experience to what is now an enjoyable 
part of the journey,” says Port Authority 
Terminal 8 at JFK Int’l Completes Sweeping 
Commercial Redevelopment BY JODI RICHARDS 
IAN CARTER

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