If you’re heading to Queens today, pack your patience along with your carry-on. JFK airport news today is dominated by a massive shift in how you actually get to your gate, thanks to the $19 billion overhaul that’s currently turning the airport into a giant, high-tech construction zone.
Honestly, it's a bit of a mess right now if you aren't paying attention.
As of this morning, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Port Authority has officially locked in a new roadway configuration that affects almost everyone driving in. If you’re used to just following the signs you’ve known for a decade, you’re going to end up in a loop of frustration.
The Roadway Shuffle: Van Wyck vs. JFK Expressway
Basically, the airport has split its access points to manage the heavy machinery and terminal builds. If your flight leaves from Terminal 1 or Terminal 4, you must stay on the Van Wyck Expressway. Don't let the GPS trick you into exiting early.
On the flip side, if you are heading to Terminals 5, 7, or 8, you need to use the JFK Expressway.
This isn't just a "suggestion" for better traffic flow. It is a hard requirement due to the massive footprint of the New Terminal One construction. If you miss your turn, you’re looking at a 20-minute detour just to get back to the start of the terminal loop.
📖 Related: Ilum Experience Home: What Most People Get Wrong About Staying in Palermo Hollywood
Major Updates on the New Terminal One
The biggest piece of JFK airport news today is the progress of the $9.5 billion New Terminal One. We are officially in the "home stretch" for the Phase A opening scheduled for later this year.
Just yesterday, terminal officials released a major Request for Proposals (RFP) for specialized de-icing services. It sounds like boring logistics, but it’s actually a huge milestone. It means the building is physically ready enough to start planning for the "active" winter season of 2026-2027.
- Progress Report: Construction is roughly 75% complete on the first phase.
- New Partners: Azores Airlines just signed on as the newest partner for the terminal.
- Scale: When finished, this single terminal will be nearly the size of all of LaGuardia combined.
The goal here is a 5-star Skytrax rating. They’re installing over 13,000 solar panels and a "Museum Row" in the arrivals corridor. It’s ambitious. Some might say overly so, given the current congestion.
The Taxi and Ride-App Headache
If you're landing today, don't expect the taxi stand to be where you left it last year.
At Terminal 5, the taxi stand has been moved to the ground level of the Yellow Parking Garage. You have to take the skywalk on the fifth floor to get there. It’s a trek.
👉 See also: Anderson California Explained: Why This Shasta County Hub is More Than a Pit Stop
For those at Terminal 7, things are even more complicated. All Uber, Lyft, and other ride-app pickups have been booted off-site. You now have to hop on the AirTrain and head to the Howard Beach Ride App & Car Services Lot.
It’s annoying. I know. But the Port Authority is insisting these moves are necessary to keep the terminal frontage clear for construction vehicles.
Terminal 6 is Rising Fast
While everyone is looking at Terminal 1, Terminal 6 is quietly becoming the "boutique" alternative on the north side. This $4.2 billion project is a partnership involving JetBlue, and it's starting to take shape.
They recently announced a massive collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA to curate digital and physical art installations. They want you to feel like you’re in a gallery, not an airport.
Icelandair and Lufthansa are already confirmed to move into the first five gates of T6 when they open later this year.
✨ Don't miss: Flights to Chicago O'Hare: What Most People Get Wrong
Current Flight Status and Delays
Despite all the dust and orange cones, the FAA is reporting relatively smooth operations this morning.
Current gate holds and taxi delays are clocking in at under 15 minutes. Airborne delays for arrivals are also minimal.
Weather-wise, it’s a standard New York winter day. Highs are in the lower 40s with some brisk winds. Those gusts can sometimes trigger "wind shear" alerts, but as of right now, the runways are clear and the de-icing crews are on standby.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you have a flight today or later this week, don't wing it.
- Download the "AirTrain JFK" Map: The routes have changed, and the digital signage can be confusing during peak hours.
- Add 45 Minutes: No, seriously. Between the new Van Wyck split and the relocated taxi stands, you need the extra time.
- Check Construction.JFKAirport.com: This is the only site that provides real-time roadway closures that Google Maps sometimes misses.
- Use the JFK Expressway for T5: If you're flying JetBlue, avoid the Van Wyck at all costs; it's currently a bottleneck for the T1 construction.
The "New JFK" is going to be incredible in 2030, but 2026 is the year of the detour. Stick to the designated expressways and give yourself a massive time cushion to navigate the shifts in terminal access.