Summary
- New York area airports saw a historic August, with several million passengers passing through.
- The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that last month was the busiest month ever at the airports.
- JFK Airport achieved a new milestone by deploying Google Indoor Live View, making it easier for passengers to navigate the terminal.
New York area airports experienced a historic August with the most passengers passing through than any previous month in history. The results outpace pre-pandemic levels, showcasing that air travel has primarily returned to normal.
The airports collectively recorded over 13 million passengers last month and also experienced many travelers passing through during the Labor Day holiday weekend at the beginning of this month. One of the airports was also ranked among the world’s most connected airports in 2023.
The busiest month ever
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) announced its August 2023 results on Tuesday. At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), a total of 13.3 million passengers passed through, marking a new record. The numbers, surpassing the last record set in August 2019, officially make last month the busiest month ever at the three airports. So far this year, the region’s airports have served more than 96 million passengers, which is an increase of around 1.5 million or 2% compared to the same period pre-pandemic, according to the PANYNJ.
Photo: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Increased domestic capacity at EWR and LGA contributed to last month’s strong performance. Compared to August 2019, the authority said capacity was boosted by over 25,0000 travelers, also representing growth from July of this year.
“August 2023’s passenger volume of 13.3 million is an increase of about 26,000 travelers from August 2019. That metric represented an increase of about 179,000 travelers, or almost 1.4 percent, from July 2023.”
Records are already broken this month too
It comes as the airports broke more records during the Labor Day holiday travel period at the start of September. According to the PANYNJ, JFK, EWR, and LGA experienced approximately 2.4 million travelers from August 31st to September 5th. The numbers resulted in a 6% increase, shattering the previous record of 2.26 million passengers that was also set in 2019 during the Labor Day holiday travel period.
“The increase is largely attributable to substantial domestic travel demand, which jumped 10 percent from 2019 levels,” the authority explained.
Innovation and connectivity
JFK also had another first this month, becoming the first airport in the New York area to deploy Google Indoor Live View. The operator of Terminal 4 at the airport, JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT), announced the availability of the new innovative technology last week, allowing passengers from around the globe to navigate JFK’s largest terminal with ease.
“The new functionality, which can be accessed through Google Maps, utilizes a user’s camera with augmented reality to guide guests throughout the terminal,” JFKIAT said. “Travelers can now use the technology at T4 to quickly and seamlessly find the closest restrooms, lounges, taxi stands, and more.”
Photo: JFKIAT
Adding to the achievements, JFK was ranked as the second most connected airport in the world, according to aviation analytics provider OAG’s Megahubs Index 2023. With its extensive network and high volumes of potential connecting options, the airport reportedly sits just outside the top 10 largest airports worldwide in terms of scheduled seat capacity. The Megahubs Index highlighted Delta Air Lines as the dominant carrier at JFK, responsible for a 34% share of flights.
Source: OAG