View source for AirTrain JFK

{{Short description|Airport people mover system in New York City}}
{{distinguish|text=[[JFK Express]], the former subway service between JFK and Manhattan}}
{{featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = AirTrain JFK
| color                           = 
| logo                            = AirTrain JFK text logo.svg
| logo_width                      = 250px
| logo_alt                        = The logo of AirTrain JFK
| image                           = JFK AirTrain 03.JPG
| image_width                     = 300px
| image_alt                       = A driverless train on the AirTrain JFK, traveling on a concrete viaduct. There are concrete ramps and buildings behind it.
| caption                         = 
| type                            = [[People mover]], [[airport rail link]]
| system                          = 
| status                          = In active service
| locale                          = [[Queens]], [[New York City]]
| start                           = [[Jamaica station|Jamaica]] (Jamaica train)<br>
[[Howard Beach–JFK Airport station|Howard Beach]] (Howard Beach train)
| end                             = [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]
| stations                        = 9
| routes                          = 3
| daily_ridership                 = {{American transit ridership|NY AirTrain total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| ridership2                      = {{American transit ridership|NY AirTrain total annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| open                            = {{Start date and age|2003|12|17}}
| close                           = 
| owner                           = [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]]
| operator                        = [[Alstom]]
| character                       = [[Elevated railway]]
| stock                           = 32 × [[Bombardier Innovia Metro|Innovia Metro ART 200]]<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" />
| linelength                      = {{convert|8.1|mi|km|0|abbr=on}}{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=2}}
| tracklength                     = 
| tracks                          = 
| gauge                           = {{track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=2}}
| electrification                 = [[Third rail]], {{750 V DC}}<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" />
| speed                           = {{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}}{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=3}}
| elevation                       = 
| map                             = {{switcher
  | {{maplink-road|from1=Howard Beach Train.map|from2=Jamaica Train.map|from3=Airport Terminals Loop.map}}
  | Show interactive map
  | [[File:Airtrain JFK routes.svg|275px]]
  | Show system route map
  | {{AirTrain JFK route|inline=1}}
  | Show diagram map
  }}
}}

'''AirTrain JFK''' is an {{convert|8.1|mi|km|0|adj=mid|-long}} elevated [[people mover]] system and [[airport rail link]] serving [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] (JFK Airport) in [[New York City]]. The [[driverless train|driverless]] system operates [[24/7 service|24/7]] and consists of three lines and nine stations within the [[New York City borough]] of [[Queens]]. It connects the airport's terminals with the [[New York City Subway]] at the [[Howard Beach–JFK Airport station|Howard Beach]] station in [[Howard Beach, Queens|the eponymous neighborhood]], and with the [[Long Island Rail Road]] and the subway in the [[Jamaica, Queens#Public transport|Jamaica]] neighborhood. [[Alstom]] operates AirTrain JFK under contract to the airport's operator, the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]].

A railroad link to JFK Airport had been proposed since the 1940s. Various plans surfaced to build a JFK Airport rail connection until the 1990s, though these were not carried out because of a lack of funding. The [[JFK Express]] subway service and shuttle buses provided an unpopular transport system to and around JFK. In-depth planning for a dedicated transport system at JFK began in 1990 but was ultimately cut back from a direct rail link to an intra-borough people mover. Construction of the current people-mover system began in 1998. During construction, AirTrain JFK was the subject of several lawsuits, and an operator died during one of the system's test runs. The system opened on December 17, 2003, after many delays. Several improvements were proposed after the system's opening, including an unbuilt extension to [[Manhattan]]. AirTrain JFK originally had ten stations, but the Terminal 2 stop was closed in 2022.

All passengers entering or exiting at either Jamaica or Howard Beach must pay an $8.50 fare, while passengers traveling within the airport can ride for free. The system was originally projected to carry 4 million annual paying passengers and 8.4 million annual inter-terminal passengers every year. The AirTrain has consistently exceeded these projections since opening. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system carried a total of {{American transit ridership|NY AirTrain total annual}} passengers, or about {{American transit ridership|NY AirTrain total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

== History ==

=== Plan for direct rail connection ===
<!-- [[New York City airport rail link]] links here -->

{{for|details on early proposals for the JFK Airport rail link|Program for Action#JFK Airport rail link}}

==== Early plans ====
The first proposal for a direct rail link to JFK Airport was made in the mid-1940s, when a rail line was proposed for the median of the [[Van Wyck Expressway]], connecting [[Midtown Manhattan]] with the airport. New York City parks commissioner [[Robert Moses]], at the time an influential urban planner in the New York City area, refused to consider the idea.<ref>{{Cite Power Broker |pages=904–908}}</ref>{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=67}}<ref name="Robin December 15, 2003">{{Cite news |last=Robin |first=Joshua |date=December 15, 2003 |title=Here's Train to Plane / AirTrain eases JFK trip, but it's not long-sought 1-seat ride |page=A02 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279720164}}}}</ref> In 1968, the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA) suggested extending the [[Long Island Rail Road]] (LIRR) to the airport as part of the [[Program for Action]], an ambitious transportation expansion program for the New York City area.{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=67}}<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/stream/metropolitantran00newy/metropolitantran00newy_djvu.txt |title=Metropolitan transportation, a program for action. Report to Nelson A. Rockefeller, Governor of New York |date=February 29, 1968 |publisher=Metropolitan Commuter Transit Authority |pages=23–24 |access-date=October 1, 2015 |via=Internet Archive}}</ref>{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES2}} Ultimately, the rail link was canceled altogether due to the [[New York City fiscal crisis]] of 1975.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 28, 1976 |title=JFK rail link "not feasible," Ronan says |work=The Daily News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FTarrytown%2520Ny%2520Daily%2520News%2FTarrytown%2520Ny%2520Daily%2520News%25201974%2FTarrytown%2520Ny%2520Daily%2520News%25201974%2520a%2520-%25201890.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929230429/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2023/Tarrytown%20Ny%20Daily%20News/Tarrytown%20Ny%20Daily%20News%201974/Tarrytown%20Ny%20Daily%20News%201974%20a%20-%201890.pdf |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |via=Fultonhistory.com}}</ref> Another proposal, made by the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]] in 1987, called for a rail line to connect all of JFK Airport's terminals with a new $500 million transportation center.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schmitt |first=Eric |date=February 2, 1987 |title=New York Airports: $3 Billion Program |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/02/nyregion/new-york-airports-3-billion-program.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929230430/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/02/nyregion/new-york-airports-3-billion-program.html |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Port Authority withdrew its plans in 1990 after airlines objected that they could not fund the proposal.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=June 17, 1990 |title=Architecture View: Blueprint an Airport that Might Have Been |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/17/arts/architecture-view-blueprint-an-airport-that-might-have-been.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901202148/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/17/arts/architecture-view-blueprint-an-airport-that-might-have-been.html |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Steinberg 1991">{{Cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Jacques |date=December 28, 1991 |title=Port Authority Plans Changes At Kennedy |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/28/nyregion/port-authority-plans-changes-at-kennedy.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929230429/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/28/nyregion/port-authority-plans-changes-at-kennedy.html |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In 1978, the MTA started operating the [[JFK Express]], a premium-fare New York City Subway service that connected Midtown Manhattan to the [[Howard Beach–JFK Airport station]].{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=67}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grynbaum |first=Michael M. |date=November 25, 2009 |title=If You Took the Train to the Plane, Sing the Jingle |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/if-you-took-the-plane-to-the-train-sing-the-jingle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721193137/https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/if-you-took-the-plane-to-the-train-sing-the-jingle/ |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |access-date=July 3, 2016 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |department=City Room}}</ref><ref name="NYLeader-JFKExp-Sep1978" /> The route carried subway passengers to the Howard Beach station,{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=67}}{{sfn|UCL Bartlett|2011|p=32}} where passengers would ride shuttle buses to the airport.<ref name="NYLeader-JFKExp-Sep1978">{{Cite news |date=September 28, 1978 |title=New 'JFK Express' Service Begun in Howard Beach |work=New York Leader Observer |url=https://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FForest%2520Parkway%2520NY%2520Leader%2520Observer%2FForest%2520Parkway%2520NY%2520Leader%2520Observer%25201978%2FForest%2520Parkway%2520NY%2520Leader%2520Observer%25201978%2520-%25200687.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929230429/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2023/Forest%20Parkway%20NY%20Leader%20Observer/Forest%20Parkway%20NY%20Leader%20Observer%201978/Forest%20Parkway%20NY%20Leader%20Observer%201978%20-%200687.pdf |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |via=Fultonhistory.com}}</ref>{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=1}} The shuttle buses transported passengers between the different airport terminals within JFK's Central Terminal Area, as well as between Howard Beach and the terminals.{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|pp=1–2}} The JFK Express service was unpopular with passengers because of its high cost, and because the buses often got stuck in traffic.<ref name="Herszenhorn 1995" /><ref name="Sims 1990">{{Cite news |last=Sims |first=Calvin |date=March 18, 1990 |title=M.T.A. Proposes Rail Line to Link Major Airports |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/18/nyregion/mta-proposes-rail-line-to-link-major-airports.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309040906/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/18/nyregion/mta-proposes-rail-line-to-link-major-airports.html |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The service was ultimately canceled in 1990.{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=67}}<ref name="Herszenhorn 1995" />

==== 1990s plans ====
By the 1990s, there was demand for a direct link between Midtown Manhattan and JFK Airport, which are {{convert|15|mi|km}} apart by road.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES2}}{{sfn|Ytuarte|2001|p=35}} At the time, the airport was only served by two highways: the [[Belt Parkway]] and [[Interstate 678|Van Wyck Expressway]].{{sfn|Ytuarte|2001|p=35}} During rush hour, the travel time from JFK to Manhattan could average up to 80 minutes by bus; during off-peak hours, a [[Taxicabs of New York City|New York City taxi]] could make that journey in 45 minutes, while a bus could cover the same distance in an hour.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES2}} The Port Authority, foreseeing economic growth for the New York City area and increased air traffic at JFK, began planning for a direct rail link from the airport to Manhattan. In 1991, the Port Authority introduced a [[Airport improvement fee|Passenger Facility Charge]] (PFC),{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES2}} a $3 tax on every passenger departing from JFK,{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES2}}<ref name="Steinberg 1991" /> which would provide $120 million annually.<ref name="Dao 1992">{{Cite news |last=Dao |first=James |date=December 21, 1992 |title=Dream Train to Airports Takes Step Nearer Reality |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/21/nyregion/dream-train-to-airports-takes-step-nearer-reality.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902013011/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/21/nyregion/dream-train-to-airports-takes-step-nearer-reality.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In 1990, the MTA proposed a $1.6 billion rail link to [[LaGuardia Airport|LaGuardia]] and JFK airports, which would be funded jointly by federal, state, and city government agencies.<ref name="Sims 1990" /> The rail line was to begin in Midtown Manhattan, crossing the [[East River]] into Queens via the [[Queensboro Bridge]].<ref name="Levy February 1995">{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Clifford J. |date=February 1, 1995 |title=Port Authority May Scale Back Airport Rail Line |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/01/nyregion/port-authority-may-scale-back-airport-rail-line.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901210405/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/01/nyregion/port-authority-may-scale-back-airport-rail-line.html |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> It would travel to LaGuardia Airport, then make two additional stops at [[Shea Stadium]] and [[Jamaica, Queens|Jamaica]] before proceeding to JFK.<ref name="Sims 1990" />{{sfn|Firestone|1994|p=1}}{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|pp=67–68}} After the Port Authority found that the ridership demand might not justify the cost of the rail link, the MTA downgraded the project's priority.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strom |first=Stephanie |date=April 27, 1991 |title=Proposal to Link Airports by Rail Is Dealt Setback |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/27/nyregion/proposal-to-link-airports-by-rail-is-dealt-setback.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902012721/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/27/nyregion/proposal-to-link-airports-by-rail-is-dealt-setback.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The proposal was supported by governor [[Mario Cuomo]]<ref name="Steinberg 1991" /> and Queens borough president [[Claire Shulman]].<ref name="Herszenhorn 1995" /><ref name="Levy February 1995" /> The transport advocacy group [[Regional Plan Association]] (RPA) called the plan "misguided", and the East Side Coalition on Airport Access's executive director said, "We are going to end up with another [...] uncompleted project in this city."<ref name="Levy February 1995" />

The Port Authority started reviewing blueprints for the JFK rail link in 1992.{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|pp=67–68}}<ref name="Dao 1992" /> At the time, it was thought that the link could be partially open within six years.<ref name="Dao 1992" />  In 1994, the Port Authority set aside $40 million for engineering and marketing of the new line, and created an [[environmental impact statement]] (EIS).<ref name="Lambert 1994">{{Cite news |last=Lambert |first=Bruce |date=June 19, 1994 |title=Neighborhood Report: East Side; Site for Airport Link Is Disputed |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/19/nyregion/neighborhood-report-east-side-site-for-airport-link-is-disputed.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901210311/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/19/nyregion/neighborhood-report-east-side-site-for-airport-link-is-disputed.html |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The project's budget had grown to $2.6 billion by that year.<ref name="Lambert 1994" /> The EIS, conducted by the [[New York State Department of Transportation]] and the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA), found the plan to be feasible, though the project attracted opposition from area residents and advocacy groups.{{sfn|Firestone|1994|pp=1, 2}}

[[File:AirTrain JFK passes TWA Flt Ctr jeh.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=An AirTrain vehicle in front of the TWA Flight Center. The vehicle is wrapped with advertisements and is traveling on a viaduct. Behind the AirTrain viaduct is the TWA Flight Center, a structure with a white roof shaped like a pair of wings.|An AirTrain in front of the [[TWA Flight Center]]]]
The project was to start in 1996, but there were disputes over where the Manhattan terminal should be located. The Port Authority had suggested the heavily trafficked corner of [[Lexington Avenue]] and [[59th Street (Manhattan)|59th Street]],<ref name="Levy February 1995" />{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|pp=67–68}}<ref name="Lambert 1994" /> though many nearby residents opposed the Manhattan terminal outright.{{sfn|Firestone|1994|p=2}} The Port Authority did not consider a connection to the more-highly used [[Grand Central Terminal]] or [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Penn Station]] because such a connection would have been too expensive and complicated.<ref name="Levy February 1995" /> To pay for the project, the Port Authority would charge a one-way ticket price of between $9 and $12.<ref name="Levy February 1995" /> By February 1995, the cost of the planned link had increased to over $3 billion in the previous year alone. As a result, the Port Authority considered abridging the rail link plan, seeking federal and state funding, partnering with private investors, or terminating the line at a Queens subway station.<ref name="Levy February 1995" /> The following month, the administration of governor [[George Pataki]] directed the Port Authority to devise and finalize revised plans for the JFK rail link.<ref name="p235646904">{{Cite magazine |date=May 20, 1996 |title=N.Y. Moves on Airport Rail Link |magazine=Engineering News-Record |volume=236 |issue=20 |page=34 |id={{ProQuest|235646904}}}}</ref>

==== Curtailment of plan ====
The direct rail connection between Manhattan, LaGuardia Airport, and JFK Airport was canceled outright in mid-1995.{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=68}}<ref name="Purnick 1995">{{Cite news |last=Purnick |first=Joyce |date=June 5, 1995 |title=Metro Matters: The Train to the Plane Turns to Pie in the Sky |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/05/nyregion/metro-matters-the-train-to-the-plane-turns-to-pie-in-the-sky.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929230430/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/05/nyregion/metro-matters-the-train-to-the-plane-turns-to-pie-in-the-sky.html |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Donohue 1995">{{Cite news |last=Donohue |first=Pete |date=August 2, 1995 |title=JFK Light Rail Moves Forward |language=en |work=New York Daily News|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/jfk-light-rail-moves-article-1.701283 |access-date=September 1, 2017 |issn=2692-1251}}</ref> The plan had failed to become popular politically, as it would have involved increasing road tolls and [[PATH (rail system)|PATH]] train fares to pay for the new link.<ref name="Purnick 1995" /> In addition, the [[Early 1990s recession in the United States|1990s economic recession]] meant that there was little chance that the Port Authority could fund the project's rising price.<ref name="Purnick 1995" /><ref name="Levy August 1995">{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Clifford J. |date=August 2, 1995 |title=A Monorail For Kennedy Is Granted Key Approval |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/02/nyregion/a-monorail-for-kennedy-is-granted-key-approval.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901210509/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/02/nyregion/a-monorail-for-kennedy-is-granted-key-approval.html |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Following the cancellation, the planned connection to JFK Airport was downsized to a {{Convert|7.5|mi|km|adj=on}} [[monorail]] or [[people mover]], which would travel between Howard Beach and the JFK terminals.<ref name="Herszenhorn 1995">{{Cite news |last=Herszenhorn |first=David M. |date=August 20, 1995 |title=Neighborhood Report: Howard Beach; Rethinking Plans For Those Trains To the Planes |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/20/nyregion/neighborhood-report-howard-beach-rethinking-plans-for-those-trains-to-the-planes.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929230430/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/20/nyregion/neighborhood-report-howard-beach-rethinking-plans-for-those-trains-to-the-planes.html |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Port Authority initially proposed building a $827 million monorail, similar to [[AirTrain Newark]] at [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark Airport]], which would open the following year.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Clifford J. |date=July 23, 1995 |title=A Worry in Queens: Newark Airport's Monorail Might Work |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/07/23/nyregion/a-worry-in-queens-newark-airport-s-monorail-might-work.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902013005/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/07/23/nyregion/a-worry-in-queens-newark-airport-s-monorail-might-work.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In August 1995, the FAA approved the Port Authority's request to use the PFC funds for the monorail plan<ref name="Levy August 1995" /> (the agency had already collected $114 million, and was planning to collect another $325 million).<ref name="Donohue 1995" /> After the monorail was approved, the Port Authority hoped to begin construction in 1997 and open the line by 2002.<ref name="Donohue 1995" /><ref name="Levy August 1995" />

The Port Authority voted to proceed with the scaled-down system in May 1996,{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=68}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 10, 1996 |title=Fast Train To JFK OKd |page=A27 |work=Newsday |agency=Associated Press |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278914736}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=John |date=May 10, 1996 |title=Port Authority Approves a Rail Link to Kennedy Airport |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/10/nyregion/port-authority-approves-a-rail-link-to-kennedy-airport.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902013153/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/10/nyregion/port-authority-approves-a-rail-link-to-kennedy-airport.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and it simultaneously set aside $25 million for planning and engineering.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=Jun 1996 |title=N$1 billion rail link approved for JFK |magazine=Railway Age |volume=197 |issue=6 |page=39 |id={{ProQuest|203797737}}}}</ref> The FAA had already given the Port Authority permission to collect PFC funds for the Howard Beach branch and the terminal section, but not for the branch to Jamaica.<ref name="p235646904" /> The Port Authority's final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the JFK people mover, released in 1997, examined eight possibilities.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES3}} Ultimately, the Port Authority opted for a [[light rail]] system with the qualities of a people mover, tentatively called the JFK Light Rail System.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES4}} It would replace the shuttle buses and run to Jamaica and Howard Beach.{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=68}}{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=2}} The FEIS determined that an automated system with frequent [[headway]]s was the best design.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES9}}<ref name="Newman 1997">{{Cite news |last=Newman |first=Andy |date=October 2, 1997 |title=Officials Agree On Modest Plan For a Rail Link To One Airport |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/02/nyregion/officials-agree-on-modest-plan-for-a-rail-link-to-one-airport.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902010206/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/02/nyregion/officials-agree-on-modest-plan-for-a-rail-link-to-one-airport.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{Sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|pp=ES11, 1.4}} Although there would not be a direct connection to Manhattan, the Port Authority estimated it would halve travel time between JFK and Midtown, with the journey between JFK and Penn Station taking one hour.{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=68}} ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote that 21 prior recommendations for direct rail links to New York-area airports had been canceled in the preceding 30 years,{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=68}}<ref name="Newman 1997" /> while the ''[[Engineering News-Record]]'' said 22 such proposals had failed.<ref name="Cho 2000">{{Cite magazine |last=Cho |first=Aileen |date=August 21, 2000 |title=Long-Awaited Light Rail System Snakes Toward New York's JFK |magazine=Engineering News-Record |volume=245 |issue=8 |pages=74–76 |id={{ProQuest|235644507}}}}</ref>

The people mover system was one of several major projects proposed at JFK Airport during the late 1990s.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 6, 1997 |title=JFK Redevelopment on Track |magazine=Engineering News-Record |volume=238 |issue=1 |page=12 |id={{ProQuest|235637848}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kahn |first=Farrol |date=November 2, 1998 |title=Fast light rail link from JFK to NY city centre at last |page=16 |work=Financial Times |id={{ProQuest|248673108}}}}</ref>  Pataki supported the revised people-mover plan, but New York City mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]] said the city would have to contribute $300 million, and that it was not a direct rail link from Manhattan, and thus would not be profitable because of the need to transfer from Jamaica.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Clifford J. |date=May 3, 1996 |title=Pataki Supports Two-Train Link to Kennedy Airport That GiulianiOpposes |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/03/nyregion/pataki-supports-two-train-link-to-kennedy-airport-that-giulianiopposes.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902054928/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/03/nyregion/pataki-supports-two-train-link-to-kennedy-airport-that-giulianiopposes.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Port Authority was originally planning to fund the project using $1.2 billion in PFC fees and $300 million in rental income.<ref name="Newman 1997" /><ref name="p279047983">{{Cite news |last=Salcedo |first=Michele |date=August 19, 1997 |title=JFK Rail Fight Perils $100M Aid |page=A23 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279047983}}}}</ref> Giuliani wanted the Port Authority to study [[LaGuardia Airport subway extension|extending]] the [[BMT Astoria Line|Astoria elevated]] to LaGuardia Airport, as well as making the light rail system compatible with the subway or LIRR to allow possible future interoperability.<ref name="Macfarquhar 1997">{{Cite news |last=Macfarquhar |first=Neil |date=March 13, 1997 |title=Agency Says J.F.K. Rail Plan Is Ready, but Mayor Balks |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/13/nyregion/agency-says-jfk-rail-plan-is-ready-but-mayor-balks.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902012634/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/13/nyregion/agency-says-jfk-rail-plan-is-ready-but-mayor-balks.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> By March 1997, five companies had expressed interest in building the system.<ref name="Macfarquhar 1997" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 25, 1997 |title=JFK's Light Rail System Generates Interest Among Builders |volume=4 |page=1 |work=World Airport Week |issue=12 |id={{ProQuest|195232417}}}}</ref> The next month, Pataki agreed to provide $100 million to study a rail link to LaGuardia; in exchange, Giuliani and Shulman agreed to not oppose the JFK link. The Port Authority was reluctant to approve more than $5 million for the LaGuardia study.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lentz |first=Phillip |date=April 14, 1997 |title=Deal on rail access hung up on need for money from PA |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=13 |issue=15 |page=4 |id={{ProQuest|219116312}}}}</ref>

Giuliani's continued opposition to the system delayed the project, and, if construction did not start by October, the project could lose $100 million worth of federal funds.<ref name="p279047983" /> Giuliani agreed to the plan in October 1997, when the state agreed to reimburse the city for its share of the system's cost.<ref name="Newman 1997" /><ref name="Feiden 1997">{{Cite news |last=Feiden |first=Douglas |date=October 1, 1997 |title=JFK Rail Plan to Get Rudy's OK |language=en |work=New York Daily News|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/jfk-rail-plan-rudy-article-1.779302 |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902003743/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/jfk-rail-plan-rudy-article-1.779302 |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=2692-1251}}</ref> As part of the agreement, the state would also conduct a study on a similar train link to LaGuardia Airport.<ref name="Feiden 1997" /> By that time, the Port Authority had collected $441 million in PFC funds.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Macfarquhar |first=Neil |date=June 14, 1997 |title=Disagreement Over Rent Stalls Airport Rail Project |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/14/nyregion/disagreement-over-rent-stalls-airport-rail-project.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902012933/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/14/nyregion/disagreement-over-rent-stalls-airport-rail-project.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> An [[artist's impression]] of the proposed people mover was presented to residents of southern Queens that November.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shin |first=Paul H. B. |date=November 10, 1997 |title=JFK Train Plan Viewed |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313603463}}}}</ref> Public reception was mixed. One civic leader in Jamaica was optimistic that the people mover would spur development in that neighborhood,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bertrand |first=Donald |date=October 27, 1997 |title=Jamaica-JFK Link Spurs High Hopes |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|278873910}}}}</ref> and other supporters said it would benefit business and alleviate Van Wyck Expressway traffic in the long run.<ref name="p313561670">{{Cite news |last=Shin |first=Paul H. B. |date=December 8, 1997 |title=JFK Rail Line Won't Get Free Ride, Activists Say |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313561670}}}}</ref> On the other hand, two community boards and several civic groups claimed the people mover would worsen traffic,<ref name="p313561670" /> and local newspaper ''[[Newsday]]'' criticized the proposal as being ineffective without a direct link to Manhattan, citing the failure of the JFK Express.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1996 |title=Plane to Train to Train / Only a one-seat no-transfer ride is worth financing to link JFK and Manhattan. |page=A40 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278935000}}}}</ref>

=== Construction ===

==== Approval and groundbreaking ====
[[File:Air Train JFK Van Wyck jeh.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=A concrete AirTrain viaduct over Van Wyck Expressway|AirTrain viaduct over the [[Interstate 678|Van Wyck Expressway]]]]
The Port Authority could use the funds from the Passenger Facility Charge only to make improvements that exclusively benefited airport passengers. As a result, only the sections linking Jamaica and Howard Beach to JFK Airport were approved and built, since it was expected that airport travelers would be the sole users of the system.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES9}} The federal government approved the use of PFC funds for the new light rail system in February 1998.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rutenberg |first=James |date=February 10, 1998 |title=$1b From Feds Clears Way for Subway Link to Kennedy |page=4 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313571543}}}}</ref><ref name="Approval Feb 1998">{{Cite news |last=Wald |first=Matthew L. |date=February 10, 1998 |title=Plan Approved for a Kennedy Rail Link |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/10/nyregion/plan-approved-for-a-kennedy-rail-link.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902010353/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/10/nyregion/plan-approved-for-a-kennedy-rail-link.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{cite magazine |date=February 23, 1998 |title=FAA Approves Passenger Fees to Fund Jfk Light Rail Project |magazine=Engineering News-Record |volume=240 |issue=8 |page=12 |id={{ProQuest|235777680}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=February 10, 1998 |title=JFK Rail OK for Takeoff |pages=4 |first=Mohamad |last=Bazzi |work=Newsday |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-jfk-rail-ok-for-takeoff/136870566/ |access-date=December 15, 2023 |issn=2574-5298 |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215221534/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-jfk-rail-ok-for-takeoff/136870566/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The PFC funds could not be used for as much as $200 million of the cost because, according to the FAA, the tax funds could not be used to pay for additional costs such as storage, maintenance, operation, and fare collection expenses.<ref name="Approval Feb 1998" /> The [[Airlines for America|Air Transportation Association of America]] (ATA), which argued that PFC funds could only be used for projects within the airport itself, sued the FAA the next month, saying the light rail project was using the funds illegally.<ref name="p424998899">{{Cite news |last=Traster |first=Tina |date=April 17, 1998 |title=Contracts Awarded for JFK Light-rail Project |page=A03 |work=The Record |id={{ProQuest|424998899}}}}</ref>

The Port Authority awarded a $930 million design–build–operate–maintain contract in April 1998<ref name="p424998899" /><ref name="p313661960">{{Cite news |last=Rutenberg |first=James |date=April 17, 1998 |title=PA Eyes JFK Tracks; Rudy Faults Rail Link |page=36 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313661960}}}}</ref> to AirRail Transit Consortium, a group composed of [[Skanska|Slattery Skanska]], [[Bombardier Transportation]], [[STV Inc.]], [[Perini Corporation]], and numerous consultants.<ref name="Cho 2000" /><ref name="p203809857">{{Cite news |date=May 1998 |title=Will mayoral monkey wrench stall JFK airport project? |volume=199 |page=27 |work=Railway Age |issue=5 |id={{ProQuest|203809857}}}}</ref> Giuliani, who did not want the city to pay the project's $200 million cost difference, said he would not allow construction to begin unless the funding dispute was resolved.<ref name="p313661960" /><ref name="p203809857" /> Construction of the system ultimately began in May 1998,<ref name="Chan 2005">{{Cite news |last=Chan |first=Sewell |date=January 12, 2005 |title=Train to JFK Scores With Fliers, but Not With Airport Workers |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/12/nyregion/train-to-jfk-scores-with-fliers-but-not-with-airport-workers.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729015122/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/12/nyregion/train-to-jfk-scores-with-fliers-but-not-with-airport-workers.html |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{sfn|UCL Bartlett|2011|p=22}} and an official groundbreaking took place on September 16, 1998.<ref name="Robin December 15, 2003" /><ref name="p424989522">{{Cite news |last=Harpaz |first=Beth J. |date=September 17, 1998 |title=Work Begins on Jfk Airport Monorail |page=A05 |work=The Record |agency=Associated Press |id={{ProQuest|424989522}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rutenberg |first=James |date=September 17, 1998 |title=Work Begun on Train Link to Kennedy |page=36 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313634735}}}}</ref> By the beginning of 1999, the system was known as the AirTrain.<ref name="p367965481">{{cite news |date=January 13, 1999 |title=Jamaica Community Board Holds Hearing On JFK Rail System |page=19 |work=New Voice of New York |id={{ProQuest|367965481}}}}</ref>

The route was to run mostly along existing [[Right-of-way (transportation)|rights-of-way]], but three commercial properties were seized and demolished to make way for the route.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES10}} Members of the [[New York City Department of City Planning|New York City Planning Commission]] approved the condemnation of several buildings along the route in May 1999 but voiced concerns about the projected high price of the tickets, ridership demand, and unwieldy transfers at Jamaica.<ref name="Herszenhorn 1999">{{Cite news |last=Herszenhorn |first=David M. |date=May 4, 1999 |title=Still Opposed, Planners Let Airport Link Go Ahead |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/04/nyregion/still-opposed-planners-let-airport-link-go-ahead.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902010358/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/04/nyregion/still-opposed-planners-let-airport-link-go-ahead.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|313656728}} |title=Light-rail Link to JFK Gets an OK |first=Frank |last=Lombardi |date=May 4, 1999 |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|279232373}} |title=Panel OKs Van Wyck Median Rail Link |first=Dan |last=Janison |date=May 4, 1999 |page=A35 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298}}</ref> Before major construction could begin, the [[New York City Council]] had to vote on whether to approve the project, and the AirTrain's supporters and opponents both lobbied the City Council heavily.<ref name="p219159936">{{cite magazine |last=Lentz |first=Phillip |date=May 17, 1999 |title=Port fights to save rail link to JFK |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=15 |issue=20 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|219159936}}}}</ref> Although City Council speaker [[Peter Vallone]] was publicly neutral on the project,<ref>{{cite web |last=Haberman |first=Clyde |date=May 28, 1999 |title=NYC; Despite Holes, Good Enough For a City Plan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/28/nyregion/nyc-despite-holes-good-enough-for-a-city-plan.html |access-date=December 15, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215221535/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/28/nyregion/nyc-despite-holes-good-enough-for-a-city-plan.html |url-status=live}}</ref> his own office had published a study in early 1999, which criticized the AirTrain's lack of direct access to Manhattan and predicted that it would be of little help to the local economy.<ref name="p219159936" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Janison |first=Dan |date=April 21, 1999 |title=Council May Not Oppose Rail Link |page=A18 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279229160}}}}</ref>  To attract local support, the Port Authority offered to pay for other projects in surrounding neighborhoods, such as a waterfront park.<ref name="p279146753">{{cite news |last=Janison |first=Dan |date=January 19, 1999 |title=Port Authority Courts Queens / To win over critics of rail link, officials vow other projects |page=A03 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279146753}}}}</ref> The council approved the AirTrain that June on a 47–3 vote,<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|313694646}} |title=Council OKs 1.5b JFK Airport Rail Link |first=Frank |last=Lombardi |date=June 8, 1999 |page=6 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |title=NYC Council OKs 'AirTrain' to JFK |last=Varner |first=Bill |id={{ProQuest|896782685}} |work=The Journal News |date=June 8, 1999 |page=A.3}}</ref> even though many council members also had reservations about the AirTrain.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Toy |first=Vivian S. |date=June 3, 1999 |title=Rail Link From Midtown to Kennedy Wins Pivotal Approval |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/03/nyregion/rail-link-from-midtown-to-kennedy-wins-pivotal-approval.html |access-date=December 15, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215221534/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/03/nyregion/rail-link-from-midtown-to-kennedy-wins-pivotal-approval.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Early construction ====
Most of the system was built one span at a time, using cranes mounted on temporary structures that erected new spans as they progressed linearly along the structures. Several sections were built using a balanced [[cantilever]] design, where two separate spans were connected to each other using the span-by-span method.{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=10}} The Jamaica branch's location above the median of the busy Van Wyck Expressway, combined with the varying length and curves of the track spans, caused complications during construction.{{sfn|UCL Bartlett|2011|p=22}} One lane of the Van Wyck had to be closed in each direction during off-peak hours, causing congestion.<ref name="Cho 2000" />{{sfn|UCL Bartlett|2011|p=22}} The Port Authority also installed new sidewalks, plantings, and fences along the Van Wyck.<ref name="p279146753" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Serant |first=Claire |date=June 14, 1999 |title=JFK Rail-link Spillover / Rockaway Blvd. May Get 7-block Upgrade |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313698102}}}}</ref> By the end of 1999, the columns in the Van Wyck's median were being erected,{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=69}} and half of the viaduct spans had been built, although only fifteen percent of the system was finished at the time.<ref>{{cite news |last=Becker |first=Maki |date=December 13, 1999 |title=Laying AirTrain Track JFK Guideway Portion of 1.5b Project Half Built |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-laying-airtrain-track-jfk-gui/136870969/ |access-date=December 15, 2023 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313738943}} |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215221535/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-laying-airtrain-track-jfk-gui/136870969/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The project also included $80 million of tunnels within the airport, which was built using a [[cut-and-cover]] method;<ref name="Oser 1999" /> the tunnels had been among the first contracts to be awarded.<ref name="Cho 2000" /> Two shifts of workers excavated a trench measuring {{convert|25|ft}} deep, {{convert|100|ft}} wide, and {{convert|1000|ft}} long. The [[water table]] was as shallow as {{convert|5|ft}} beneath the surface, so contractors pumped water out of the trench during construction. For waterproofing, subcontractor Trevi-Icos Inc. poured a U-shaped layer of [[grout]], measuring {{convert|80|ft}} wide and between {{convert|50|and|90|ft}} deep.<ref name="Oser 1999">{{Cite news |last=Oser |first=Alan S. |date=January 31, 1999 |title=How to Build With a Firm Foundation |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/31/realestate/how-to-build-with-a-firm-foundation.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926173712/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/31/realestate/how-to-build-with-a-firm-foundation.html |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==== Reception, opposition, and complaints ====
[[File:JFK Airtran (5788298619).jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The Lefferts Boulevard station|alt=An AirTrain vehicle stopped outside the Lefferts Boulevard station, an elevated stop]]
The project was controversial from the outset: although several local politicians, community leaders, and the politically powerful construction industry supported the AirTrain, it faced opposition from the ATA and local residents.<ref name="p219159936" /> Community leaders supported the project because of its connections to the Jamaica and Howard Beach stations.<ref name="Herszenhorn 1999" /> Proponents, including retired U.S. congressman [[Floyd Flake]] and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, claimed the system would attract businesses to downtown Jamaica and create jobs.<ref name="p367951293">{{cite news |last=Regan |first=Jonathan |date=February 3, 1999 |title=JFK Rail Link Remains Heated Topic |page=1 |work=New Voice of New York |id={{ProQuest|367951293}}}}</ref> Queens community boards [[Queens Community Board 10|10]], [[Queens Community Board 12|12]], and [[Queens Community Board 13|13]] cast advisory votes in support of the project.<ref>{{Cite news |last=English |first=Merle |date=September 28, 2002 |title=Neighbors: Train Is Bad News / Many local residents fought monorail plans |page=A02 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279560093}}}}</ref>

Almost all civic groups along the Jamaica branch's route opposed it due to concerns about nuisance, noise, and traffic.<ref name="Herszenhorn 1999" /><ref name="p367951293" /> Opponents claimed that the system had not undergone the [[Uniform Land Use Review Procedure]] process,<ref name="p424989522" /> and more than 90 local organizations wanted the FAA to allow the public to discuss the PFC charges.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 13, 1999 |title=FAA Urged to Review Funds for JFK-Jamaica Light Rail |page=4 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313692324}}}}</ref> Residents of [[Briarwood, Queens|Briarwood]], a neighborhood that was not even near the AirTrain, also opposed the project because they feared the Jamaica branch would be extended to LaGuardia.<ref name="p367965481" /> There were multiple protests against the project, such as in 2000, when a crane caught fire in a suspected [[arson]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schwartzman |first=Bryan |date=June 8, 2000 |title=JFK Airtrain Project Fire Suspicious: Police |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2000/23/20000608-archive2.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902005037/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2000/23/20000608-archive2.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref> Homeowners believed the concrete viaducts would lower the value of their houses,<ref name="Woodberry 2000">{{Cite news |last=Woodberry |first=Warren Jr. |date=May 31, 2000 |title=Rockin' Boat Over AirTrain Neighbors of Rail Work Shaken Up by Tremors |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313724644}}}}</ref>{{sfn|UCL Bartlett|2011|p=22}}<ref name="Regan 1999">{{Cite news |last=Regan |first=Jonathan |date=February 3, 1999 |title=JFK Rail Link Remains Heated Topic |page=1 |work=New Voice of New York |id={{ProQuest|367951293}}}}</ref> and some residents reported that vibrations from construction had caused their homes to shake and crack.<ref name="Woodberry 2000" /> Residents were also concerned about the noise that an elevated structure would create;<ref name="Herszenhorn 1995" /> according to a 2012 study, the majority of residents' complaints were due to "nuisance violations".{{sfn|UCL Bartlett|2011|p=22}}

In light of the ATA's 1998 lawsuit, the Port Authority threatened to halt the development of a new terminal for [[American Airlines]] (one of the ATA's primary members) at JFK Airport unless American dropped its opposition to the system.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Lentz |first=Phillip |date=December 21, 1998 |title=Port Authority puts the brakes on JFK terminal |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=14 |issue=51 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|219168060}}}}</ref> The ATA filed a federal lawsuit in January 1999,<ref name="ATAA v. FAA" /> alleging misuse of PFC funds.<ref name="Regan 1999" /> In March, a federal judge vacated the project's approval because the FAA had collected and perused public comments after the public-comment deadline, but found that the PFC funds had not been misused.<ref name="ATAA v. FAA">{{caselaw source|case=''Air Transport Association of America, Petitioner, v. Federal Aviation Administration, United States Department Oftransportation, and United States of America, Respondents. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Intervenor,'' 169 F.3d 1 (D.C. Cir. 1999)|justia=http://supreme.justia.com/us/384/436/case.html}}</ref><ref name="Wald 1999 l860">{{cite web |last=Wald |first=Matthew L. |date=August 17, 1999 |title=F.A.A. Clears Way for Kennedy Train Project, Officials Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/17/nyregion/faa-clears-way-for-kennedy-train-project-officials-say.html |access-date=December 15, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215221535/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/17/nyregion/faa-clears-way-for-kennedy-train-project-officials-say.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, the judge found that the Port Authority and FAA had shut the ATA out of discussions.<ref name="Cho 2000" /> The FAA opened a second request for public comment{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=5}} and approved the project for the second time in August 1999.<ref name="Wald 1999 l860" /> The ATA and two local advocacy groups appealed the funding decision in late 1999.<ref>{{cite news |last=Willen |first=Liz |date=November 12, 1999 |title=Derailing Airtrain / Residents sour over JFK airport rail plans |page=A51 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279267099}}}}</ref>  The advocacy groups filed a second federal lawsuit in 2000, claiming that the FEIS had included misleading statements about the effects of the elevated structure on southern Queens neighborhoods.<ref name="nyt20000917">{{Cite news |date=September 17, 2000 |title=POSTINGS: Work Continues on Rail Route to JFK; First Test Nears for AirTrain |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/17/realestate/postings-work-continues-on-rail-route-to-jfk-first-test-nears-for-airtrain.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901073230/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/17/realestate/postings-work-continues-on-rail-route-to-jfk-first-test-nears-for-airtrain.html |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lowe |first=Herbert |date=September 8, 2000 |title=Lawyers Argue Kennedy Rail Link |page=A39 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279359522}}}}</ref> The ATA withdrew from the lawsuit, but one of the advocacy groups proceeded with the appeal and lost.<ref name="Bertrand 2000">{{Cite news |last=Bertrand |first=Donald |date=October 18, 2000 |title=Court Spurns AirTrain Lawsuit Upholds Use Of Airport Taxes |language=en |work=New York Daily News|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/court-spurns-airtrain-lawsuit-upholds-airport-taxes-article-1.877178 |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901070718/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/court-spurns-airtrain-lawsuit-upholds-airport-taxes-article-1.877178 |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |issn=2692-1251}}</ref><ref>{{caselaw source|case=''Southeast Queens Concerned Neighbors, Inc. and the Committee for Better Transit, Inc. Petitioners, v. Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, and United States of America Respondents, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Intervenors.'' 229 F.3d 387 (2nd Cir. 2000)|courtlistener=https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/770731/southeast-queens-concerned-neighbors-inc-and-the-committee-for-better/|other_source1=FindLaw|other_url1=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-2nd-circuit/1203915.html}}</ref>

The Port Authority also hired a community liaison in 1998 to address local residents' concerns.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lowe |first=Herbert |date=November 12, 2000 |title=Feeling Their AirTrain Pain / A community liaison aims to ease the jolts for residents along the giant rail projects path |page=G06 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279382126}}}}</ref> During the next two years, the liaison received 400 calls seeking damages or complaining about vibrations and construction.<ref name="Lowe August 2000">{{Cite news |last=Lowe |first=Herbert |date=August 25, 2000 |title=AirTrain Work Beating Schedule |page=A21 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279357333}}}}</ref> In response to complaints, the Port Authority imposed strict rules regarding disruptive or loud construction activity, as well as implementing a streamlined damage claim process to compensate homeowners.{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|pp=4–5}} Through 2002, there were 550 nuisance complaints over the AirTrain's construction, of which 98&nbsp;percent had been resolved by April of that year.<ref name="Dentch 2002">{{Cite news |last=Dentch |first=Courtney |date=April 18, 2002 |title=AirTrain System Shoots for October Start Date |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2002/16/20020418-archive360.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902003443/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2002/16/20020418-archive360.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref> By contrast, Queens Community District 12—which includes the neighborhood of [[South Jamaica, Queens|South Jamaica]], along the AirTrain's route—recorded few complaints about the construction process.<ref name="Scheinbart March 2001">{{Cite news |last=Scheinbart |first=Betsy |date=March 29, 2001 |title=No Hitches in AirTrain Construction |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2001/13/20010329-archive204.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902005549/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2001/13/20010329-archive204.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref>

==== Testing, delays, and completion ====
A website for the project was launched in April 2000.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Woodberry |first=Warren Jr. |date=April 13, 2000 |title=Light Rail Line Stops at Web Site |page=2 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313798116}}}}</ref> Pile-driving for elevated columns was nearly completed in late 2000,<ref name="Lowe August 2000" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bertrand |first=Donald |date=October 22, 2000 |title=Airtrain Work Flying Along; Van Wyck Pile Drivin' Nears End |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305562453}}}}</ref> when two-thirds of the system's columns had been installed.<ref name="Bertrand 2000" /> The United States Congress provided almost $2 million in November 2000 for wayfinding, marketing, and access projects and a study related to the AirTrain.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lowe |first=Herbert |date=November 14, 2000 |title=Congress Allots $2M for JFK AirTrain |page=A20 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279380782}}}}</ref> The system was ready for its first test trains by the end of the year,<ref name="nyt20000917" /> and two AirTrain cars were delivered and tested after the system's [[Automated guideway transit|guideway]] rails were complete by March 2001.<ref name="Scheinbart March 2001" /><ref name="Lowe 2001">{{Cite news |last=Lowe |first=Herbert |date=March 23, 2001 |title=First Cars For AirTrain Delivered / Officials: Project is right on track |page=A06 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279425308}}}}</ref> By then, workers had completed 140 columns for the guideways in the Van Wyck Expressway's median.<ref name="Lowe 2001" /> The guideways themselves were completed that August.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scheinbart |first=Betsy |date=August 23, 2001 |title=AirTrain's guideway above Van Wyck is complete |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2001/34/20010823-archive305.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902002730/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2001/34/20010823-archive305.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref> Although the Port Authority had planned to award 17% of contracts for the first phase of AirTrain's construction to [[Supplier diversity|minority- and women-owned business enterprises]] (MWBEs), only 8.6% of contracts had been awarded to MWBEs by mid-2001.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kalita |first=S. Mitra |date=June 13, 2001 |title=Runaway AirTrain / Contracts elude women, minorities |page=A07 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279475422}}}}</ref> Following a small protest by one group of minority workers, the Port Authority agreed to hire consultants<ref>{{Cite news |last=Woodberry |first=Warren Jr. |date=June 1, 2001 |title=AirTrain Gets Hire Advisers |page=5 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305627181}}}}</ref> and create a committee to oversee the awarding of contracts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kalita |first=S. Mitra |date=June 14, 2001 |title=Tracking AirTrain Contracts |page=A06 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279446286}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|305723117}} |title=AirTrain Bids Up for Grabs |first=Warren Jr. |last=Woodberry |date=September 7, 2001 |page=3 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251}}</ref> Despite the [[September 11 attacks]] later the same year, work on the project was not interrupted.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Klingbeil |first=Abigail |date=November 23, 2001 |title=AirTrain project still on track |page=D.1 |work=The Journal News |id={{ProQuest|908548623}}}}</ref>
As part of the AirTrain's construction, a renovation of the Jamaica LIRR station was announced in 2000.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=June 3, 2000 |title=Jamaica to Get New 386m Station |page=2 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313756656}}}}</ref> A $75 million renovation of the Howard Beach station was completed in May 2001,<ref name="Scheinbart May 2001">{{Cite news |last=Scheinbart |first=Betsy |date=May 10, 2001 |title=AirTrain construction starts on Jamaica station |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2001/19/20010510-archive326.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803040630/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2001/19/20010510-archive326.html |archive-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref> with an ADA-compliant transfer to and from the AirTrain.{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=4}} The same month, work started on the renovation of the Jamaica station, which entailed building a transfer passageway to the AirTrain;<ref name="Scheinbart May 2001" />{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=4}} the Port Authority planned to spend $326 million on the AirTrain terminal and some work on the LIRR station at Jamaica.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ain |first=Stewart |date=July 15, 2001 |title=Jamaica Station Project: Making Train-Changing More Pleasant (by 2005) |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/15/nyregion/jamaica-station-project-making-train-changing-more-pleasant-by-2005.html |access-date=December 13, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213034724/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/15/nyregion/jamaica-station-project-making-train-changing-more-pleasant-by-2005.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Though the Jamaica station's rehabilitation was originally supposed to be finished by 2005,<ref name="Dentch 2002" /> it was not completed until September 2006.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ain |first=Stewart |date=September 9, 2006 |title=Jamaica Station, $300 Million Later |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/09/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/10liupdate.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308215331/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/09/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/10liupdate.html |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>[[File:AirTrain JFK station vc.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=Interior of Terminal 5 station. There are platform screen doors on either side of the platform, and there is a skylight on the ceiling.|Terminal 5 station interior]]
Service was originally planned to begin on the Howard Beach branch in October 2002,<ref name="Chan 2005" /><ref name="Dentch 2002" /> followed by the Jamaica branch in 2003,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Newman |first=Philip |date=July 18, 2002 |title=AirTrain on track to begin runs to Jamaica next year |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2002/29/20020718-archive519.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902003158/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2002/29/20020718-archive519.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Bashinsky 2002">{{Cite news |last=Bashinsky |first=Ruth |date=August 19, 2002 |title=AirTrain Progress Right on Track |page=3 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305699235}}}}</ref> but the opening was delayed because of incidents during testing.<ref name="Boniello 2002" /> In July 2002, three workers were injured during an AirTrain derailment.<ref name="Boniello 2002">{{Cite news |last1=Boniello |first1=Kathianne |last2=Dentch |first2=Courtney |date=October 3, 2002 |title=Feds investigate fatal AirTrain accident |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2002/40/20021003-archive232.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902010316/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2002/40/20021003-archive232.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref> By the next month, the guideway, most of the stations and substations, and the rolling stock were complete, and test trains were running on the system.<ref name="Bashinsky 2002" /> Bombardier employee Kelvin DeBourgh was piloting a test train with concrete ballast blocks when his train derailed in September 2002, causing the blocks to tilt forward and kill him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polgreen |first=Lydia |date=September 28, 2002 |title=Train to Kennedy Derails in a Test |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/28/nyregion/train-to-kennedy-derails-in-a-test.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214022029/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/28/nyregion/train-to-kennedy-derails-in-a-test.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Woodberry |first1=Warren Jr. |last2=Siemaszko |first2=Corky |date=September 28, 2002 |title=AirTrain Driver Killed Testing JFK Rail Link |page=5 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305754067}}}}</ref> DeBourgh's death prompted an investigation by the [[National Transportation Safety Board]] (NTSB),<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cuza |first1=Bobby |last2=Alapo |first2=Lola |date=October 3, 2002 |title=Friends Mourn AirTrain Operator |page=A43 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279574410}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tarek |first=Shams |date=October 4, 2002 |title=Following AirTrain Accident, A Community Mourns |work=Southeast Queens Press |url=http://queenspress.com/archives/coverstories/2002/1004/coverstory.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=August 6, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927013011/http://queenspress.com/archives/coverstories/2002/1004/coverstory.htm |archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref> which found that the train had been speeding on a curve;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Randy |date=October 18, 2002 |title=Inquiry Shows Speed of Test Run Caused Derailment of AirTrain |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/18/nyregion/inquiry-shows-speed-of-test-run-caused-derailment-of-airtrain.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426061454/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/18/nyregion/inquiry-shows-speed-of-test-run-caused-derailment-of-airtrain.html |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dentch |first=Courtney |date=October 10, 2002 |title=AirTrain Was Near Top Speed at Time of Crash: Feds |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2002/41/20021010-archive240.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902003454/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2002/41/20021010-archive240.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref> in particular, it had been going as fast as {{cvt|55|mph}} on a segment of track that was meant to be traversed at {{cvt|25|mph}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cuza |first=Bobby |date=October 27, 2002 |title=Shuttle Was Going Too Fast / NTSB: AirTrain sped on curve |page=A02 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279576870}}}}</ref><ref name="Sebree 2003">{{Cite magazine |last=Sebree |first=G Mac |date=Feb 2003 |title=JFK AirTrain opening put off |magazine=Trains |volume=63 |issue=2 |page=31 |id={{ProQuest|206650316}}}}</ref> Further investigations found that DeBourgh's supervisors had not correctly trained him.<ref name="Kennedy 2003">{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Randy |date=April 16, 2003 |title=Tests to Resume on AirTrain; Crash Is Tied to Human Error |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/16/nyregion/tests-to-resume-on-airtrain-crash-is-tied-to-human-error.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214022028/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/16/nyregion/tests-to-resume-on-airtrain-crash-is-tied-to-human-error.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Robin |first=Joshua |date=April 16, 2003 |title=Training Factored in Rail Death / AirTrain testing to resume |page=A19 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279659653}}}}</ref>

The opening was postponed indefinitely as officials looked into the cause of the derailment that killed DeBourgh.<ref name="Sebree 2003" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 25, 2002 |title=Metro Briefing &#124; New York: Queens: Airtrain Delayed Indefinitely |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/25/nyregion/metro-briefing-new-york-queens-airtrain-delayed-indefinitely.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214022029/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/25/nyregion/metro-briefing-new-york-queens-airtrain-delayed-indefinitely.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2003, the Port Authority announced that the system could open that June,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dentch |first=Courtney |date=February 27, 2003 |title=AirTrain May Start Service by June Despite Sept. Crash |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2003/9/20030227-archive7.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902004927/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2003/9/20030227-archive7.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Lemire |first=Jonathan |date=February 24, 2003 |title=AirTrain Rolls Along PA Says JFK Rail Link May Be Ready by June |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305794908}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |title=PA Says AirTrain May Run by June |first1=Joshua |last1=Robin |first2=Katia |last2=Hetter |date=February 21, 2003 |page=A07 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279675737}}}}</ref> although the opening was then delayed further.{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=69}} Work on the stations continued throughout early 2003,<ref name="Newsday 2003">{{Cite news |date=April 23, 2003 |title=Port Authority Clears the Track to Start Up AirTrain |page=A30 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279644710}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Woodberry |first=Warren Jr. |date=February 10, 2003 |title=Stations Nearly Finished Despite AirTrain Shutdown |page=3 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305764433}}}}</ref> and the Port Authority resumed test runs of the system in April after its internal safety board found that DeBourgh's death had not been caused by the system's design.<ref name="Kennedy 2003" /><ref name="Newsday 2003" /> DeBourgh's family sued the Port Authority and Bombardier in September 2003, as the new Jamaica terminal was being unveiled.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 5, 2003 |title=Bombardier named in $200-million lawsuit |page=9 |work=Moose Jaw Times Herald |id={{ProQuest|345328736}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Woodberry |first=Warren Jr. |date=September 4, 2003 |title=200m AirTrain Suit Family of Victim Files as Terminal is Unveiled |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305830885}}}}</ref> At the time, the system was planned to open by the end of the year.<ref name="Robin September 2003">{{Cite news |last=Robin |first=Joshua |date=September 4, 2003 |title=AirTrain on Track for Year-End Start |page=A16 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279728280}}}}</ref> The AirRail Transit Consortium said in November 2003 that it would open the entire system later that month,<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=Nov 2003 |title=JFK's AirTrain set to fly this month |magazine=Railway Age |volume=204 |issue=11 |page=25 |id={{ProQuest|203756378}}}}</ref> but this date was subsequently delayed to December 17.<ref name="Robin December 3, 2003">{{Cite news |last=Robin |first=Joshua |date=December 3, 2003 |title=Train to Kennedy Set to Roll / After delays, link available for holidays |page=A04 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279766900}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2003 |title=New York: Queens: Airtrain Set To Run Dec. 17 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/03/nyregion/metro-briefing-new-york-queens-airtrain-set-to-run-dec-17.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214180306/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/03/nyregion/metro-briefing-new-york-queens-airtrain-set-to-run-dec-17.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|305842863}} |title=PA Says AirTrain is Ready to Roll This Month |first=Pete |last=Donohue |date=December 3, 2003 |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251}}</ref> The latter date was chosen to mark the centennial of the ''[[Wright Flyer]]''{{`s}} maiden flight, as well as to accommodate increased air traffic for the [[Christmas and holiday season]].<ref name="Robin December 3, 2003" />

=== Opening and early years ===
The system opened on December 17, 2003,{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=69}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Luo |first=Michael |date=December 18, 2003 |title=Century After Wright Brothers, a Train to J.F.K. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/18/nyregion/century-after-wright-brothers-a-train-to-jfk.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609165235/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/18/nyregion/century-after-wright-brothers-a-train-to-jfk.html |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Robin |first=Joshua |date=December 18, 2003 |title=All Aboard AirTrain / $1.9B loop to JFK takes off, and more such plans foreseen |page=A07 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279802153}}}}</ref><ref name="Yee 2003">{{Cite news |last=Yee |first=Amy |date=December 17, 2003 |title=Journey to JFK eased by $1.9bn rail link |work=Financial Times |id={{ProQuest|228825946}}}}</ref> and was fare-free on its first day.<ref name="Woodberry 2003">{{Cite news |last=Woodberry |first=Warren Jr. |date=December 18, 2003 |title=AirTrain Rollin'; Riders Not Sure if Quicker Trip to JFK Really Flies |page=12 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305850202}}}}</ref> According to ''Newsday'', politicians were optimistic about the AirTrain, but travelers' enthusiasm was dampened by the fact that travelers had to transfer—though, the paper said, "the stations where the schlepping will take place are polished and sleek".<ref name="Robin December 15, 2003" /> ''Newsday'', which sent several reporters to test out whether the LIRR and AirTrain were faster than a car and a taxi, said the AirTrain was ideal for people "looking for a modern ride removed from the stresses of the roadway".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tse |first1=Tomoeh Murakami |last2=Vargas |first2=Theresa |date=December 18, 2003 |title=Not Exactly Flying / Car beats AirTrain in race to JFK |page=A07 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279787831}}}}</ref> The ''New York Daily News'' said that riders had mixed opinions of the new system.<ref name="Woodberry 2003" /> A writer for ''The New York Times'' said that, while the system was superior to the bus routes that it replaced, the AirTrain was "a complicated travel experience" that required a transfer, necessitated an additional fare, and lacked adequate signage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stellin |first=Susan |date=April 4, 2004 |title=J.F.K. by AirTrain: Bag the Bus |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/04/travel/jfk-by-airtrain-bag-the-bus.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214204737/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/04/travel/jfk-by-airtrain-bag-the-bus.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Southeast Queens residents feared the project could become a [[boondoggle]],{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|pp=4–5}} as the construction cost of the system had increased to $1.9 billion.<ref name="Robin December 15, 2003" /><ref name="Stellin 2003">{{Cite news |last=Stellin |first=Susan |date=December 14, 2003 |title=Travel Advisory: A Train to the Plane, At Long Last |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/14/travel/travel-advisory-a-train-to-the-plane-at-long-last.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222002141/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/14/travel/travel-advisory-a-train-to-the-plane-at-long-last.html |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> This figure was $400 million over what had been budgeted for the system in 1999.<ref name="Robin September 2003" /> Like other Port Authority properties, the AirTrain did not receive subsidies from the state or city for its operating costs. This was one of the reasons cited for the system's relatively high initial $5 fare, which was more than twice the subway's fare at the time of the AirTrain's opening.{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=9}} The Port Authority predicted that the AirTrain's opening would create 118 jobs at JFK Airport.<ref name="Menchaca 2002">{{Cite web |last=Menchaca |first=Paul |date=July 18, 2002 |title=AirTrain Expected To Create 118 New Jobs At JFK Airport |url=http://www.qchron.com/news/south/airtrain-expected-to-create-new-jobs-at-jfk-airport/article_a70cc165-4962-561d-93bd-9caf1307d726.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929230431/https://www.qchron.com/editions/south/airtrain-expected-to-create-new-jobs-at-jfk-airport/article_a70cc165-4962-561d-93bd-9caf1307d726.html |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=Queens Chronicle}}</ref> ''Crain's New York Business'' said in 2003 that the system's opening and other upgrades at JFK Airport would allow the airport to accommodate 50 million annual passengers by 2007;<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Fernandez |first=Tommy |date=September 1, 2003 |title=JFK rebounds with JetBlue, renovation |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=19 |issue=35 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|219163735}}}}</ref> by comparison, the airport had recorded 31.7 million travelers in 2003.<ref name="p280033477">{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Chuck |date=July 26, 2006 |title=More aboard the AirTrain, Ridership on the Kennedy Airport line hits record highs, with over 11,000 riding per day last month |page=A14 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|280033477}}}}</ref>

Early riders had difficulty finding the trains because navigational signs were still covered up.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harmon |first=Brian |date=December 19, 2003 |title=AirTrain a Great, Yet Still Rare, Find |page=27 |work=New York Daily News|via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-airtrain-a-great-yet-still-r/136810390/ |access-date=December 14, 2023 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305848231}}}}</ref><ref name="Saulny 2004 u382" /> In its first month of service, the system experienced several outages, delays, and lower-than-expected ridership,<ref name="p279824321">{{Cite news |date=January 21, 2004 |title=AirTrain: Off to a Slow Start, But Still on Track |page=A28 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279824321}}}}</ref> and some travelers could not easily find the system because it was not shown on LIRR and subway maps.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Woodberry |first=Warren |date=January 8, 2004 |title=Getting rail lost; AirTrain to JFK not on subway map |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305861089}}}}</ref> These issues had subsided by the AirTrain's first anniversary, when Bombardier reported that the system had an uptime rate of between 97 and 99 percent.<ref name="Tyrrell 2004">{{Cite news |last=Tyrrell |first=Joie |date=December 13, 2004 |title=Gaining Popularity, AirTrain on Track After Bumpy Start |page=A04 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279871198}}}}</ref>

==== Effects on development ====
[[File:Airtrain building Jamaica station 20181017.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=Exterior of the AirTrain station building at Jamaica station. The building has a blue glass facade.|Exterior of the AirTrain station building at Jamaica station]]

Several projects were developed in Jamaica in anticipation of the system's opening,<ref name="Dunlap 2003" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Fickenscher |first=Lisa |date=September 8, 2003 |title=Revival of Jamaica, Queens, arrives ahead of AirTrain |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=19 |issue=36 |page=12 |id={{ProQuest|219136950}}}}</ref> and local civic leaders hoped the system would help revitalize downtown Jamaica.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kershaw |first=Sarah |date=November 27, 2000 |title=Preaching Gospel of Rebirth in Jamaica; Southeast Queens Residents Hope Good Economic News Spreads |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/27/nyregion/preaching-gospel-rebirth-jamaica-southeast-queens-residents-hope-good-economic.html |access-date=December 13, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213010707/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/27/nyregion/preaching-gospel-rebirth-jamaica-southeast-queens-residents-hope-good-economic.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Lowe October 2000" /> The Jamaica Center Mall, Joseph P. Addabbo Federal Building, the Civil Court, and a [[Food and Drug Administration]] laboratory and offices were all built in the five years before the AirTrain opened.<ref name="Dunlap 2003" /> As early as 2000, local leaders had envisioned hotels, offices, and parking around the AirTrain station in Jamaica.<ref name="Lowe October 2000">{{Cite news |last=Lowe |first=Herbert |date=October 22, 2000 |title=AirTrain / Economic Engine?/ Area Leaders Are Hoping the Bucks Also Stop Here |page=A08 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279393530}}}}</ref> One development firm began constructing a {{convert|300000|ft2|adj=on}} office building at the site in 2001.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wax |first=Alan J. |date=November 30, 2001 |title=MTA to Take Space in Jamaica / Agency to lease a third of planned JFK Center |page=A77 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279512704}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|305658960}} |title=JFK Village Plan Taking Off Corporate Project for Jamaica |first=Warren Jr. |last=Woodberry |date=November 30, 2001 |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251}}</ref> Another project, a 250-room hotel above the AirTrain terminal,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bertrand |first=Donald |date=May 8, 2001 |title=Jamaica Fixup Eyed $1m Station Plan to Ride With AirTrain |page=6 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305674065}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 28, 2003 |title=Study Recommends 250-Bed Hotel And Conference Center On Top Of AirTrain Terminal In Jamaica |page=9 |work=New Voice of New York |id={{ProQuest|368107685}}}}</ref> was deferred after the September 11 attacks.<ref name="Holusha 2004" /> By mid-2003, a {{Convert|500000|ft2|m2|adj=on}}, 16-story building was being planned on Sutphin Boulevard across from the Jamaica station;<ref name="Dunlap 2003">{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=July 6, 2003 |title=Change at Jamaica |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/06/realestate/change-at-jamaica.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902101847/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/06/realestate/change-at-jamaica.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> this structure was the first building in a planned [[mixed-use]] development spanning {{Convert|4500000|ft2|m2}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bertrand |first=Donald |date=March 30, 2003 |title=Office Plan Set to Fly; Jamaica Bldg. Is 1st Phase of JFK Project |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305801761}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Phan |first=Monty |date=March 26, 2003 |title=Jamaica Project Gets $21M in Tax Credits |page=A34 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279653177}}}}</ref>

After AirTrain JFK began operating, Jamaica saw a boom in commerce,<ref name="Holusha 2004" /> and the area around Sutphin Boulevard in particular was expected to attract more business activity.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bertrand |first=Donald |date=August 25, 2003 |title=Newtown, Biz Zone on Agenda; Nods on Landmark & BID Likely |page=1 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305829032}}}}</ref> A 15-screen [[movie theater]] opened in the area in early 2004, and developers were also planning a 13-floor building in the area.<ref name="Holusha 2004">{{Cite news |last=Holusha |first=John |date=February 29, 2004 |title=Commercial Property; Jamaica Seeks to Build on AirTrain |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/29/realestate/commercial-property-jamaica-seeks-to-build-on-airtrain.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902054615/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/29/realestate/commercial-property-jamaica-seeks-to-build-on-airtrain.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 2004, the city proposed rezoning 40 blocks of Jamaica, centered around the AirTrain station, as a commercial area. According to the RPA, the rezoning was part of a proposal to re-envision Jamaica as a "regional center" because of the area's high usage as a transit hub. During the average weekday, 100,000 LIRR riders and 53,000 subway riders traveled to or from Jamaica, and the Port Authority had estimated that the AirTrain JFK would carry 12.4 million passengers a year.<ref name="Holusha 2004" /> The area was rezoned in September 2007, and the first development to be proposed in the rezoned area, a 13-story merchandise mart and showroom building, was announced the next month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pristin |first=Terry |date=October 24, 2007 |title=A Planned 'Airport Village' Near J.F.K. Finds a Cornerstone |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/24/business/24queens.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214204736/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/24/business/24queens.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

A ''New York Times'' reporter wrote that the presence of AirTrain JFK riders was one factor in the redevelopment of downtown Jamaica, where, by 2011, three budget hotels had been developed near the Jamaica station.<ref name="Berger 2011">{{Cite news |last=Berger |first=Joseph |date=December 30, 2011 |title=Jamaica Comes Alive With Airport Arrivals |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/30/nyregion/jamaica-queens-is-reborn-with-airtrain-riders-help.html |access-date=December 12, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212012050/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/30/nyregion/jamaica-queens-is-reborn-with-airtrain-riders-help.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The area west of the Jamaica station was still underdeveloped, so many travelers chose to transfer to the LIRR or subway in Jamaica rather than stay there overnight.<ref name="Berger 2011" />

==== Unbuilt extensions ====
Plans to extend the AirTrain to Manhattan were examined even before the system's opening.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dentch |first=Courtney |date=February 12, 2004 |title=Agencies Seek Extension of AirTrain Service |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2004/7/20040212-archive75.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902091359/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2004/7/20040212-archive75.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref> In 1998, the Port Authority examined the possibility of reactivating the abandoned [[Rockaway Beach Branch]], allowing LIRR trains to run from Manhattan directly onto the Howard Beach Branch.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bazzi |first=Mohamad |date=March 17, 1998 |title=Light-Rail Link / System to offer ride from Manhattan to Kennedy |page=A24 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279058568}}}}</ref> The RPA also published a report in 1999, in which it recommended the construction of new lines and stations for the New York City Subway. The plan included one service that would travel from Grand Central Terminal to JFK Airport via what eventually became the AirTrain.{{sfn|Regional Plan Association|1999|pp=2, 12}} Ultimately, the MTA rejected the RPA's proposal.{{sfn|Regional Plan Association|1999|pp=17–19}}

U.S. senator [[Chuck Schumer]] had proposed a direct rail link from JFK Airport to Manhattan's [[Fulton Center]] the day the AirTrain opened.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Robin |first=Joshua |date=December 17, 2003 |title=Schumer Plan: Link Manhattan, JFK / Would use some of 9/11 federal funds |page=A16 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279789081}}}}</ref> Between September 2003 and April 2004, several agencies, including the MTA and the Port Authority, conducted a feasibility study of the [[Lower Manhattan–Jamaica/JFK Transportation Project]], which would allow trains to travel directly from JFK Airport to Manhattan.{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=7}} The study examined 40 alternatives,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parsons/SYSTRA Engineering, Inc. |year=2004 |title=Feasibility Study: Final Report |url=http://www.renewnyc.com/plan_des_dev/transportation/pdf/Final_Report.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924090025/http://www.renewnyc.com/plan_des_dev/transportation/pdf/Final_Report.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=February 5, 2017 |publisher=Lower Manhattan Development Corporation |pages=6–12}}</ref> and four options for extending the AirTrain had been announced by early 2004.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=Mar 2004 |title=New York plans AirTrain expansion |magazine=Railway Age |volume=205 |issue=3 |page=22 |id={{ProQuest|203762968}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Luo |first=Michael |date=February 5, 2004 |title=Four Options Presented for J.F.K. Rail Link |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/05/nyregion/four-options-presented-for-jfk-rail-link.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214204738/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/05/nyregion/four-options-presented-for-jfk-rail-link.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The project was halted in 2008 before an environmental impact statement could be created.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parsons/SYSTRA Engineering, Inc. |date=December 2008 |title=Lower Manhattan-Jamaica/JFK Transportation Project, Summary Report, Prepared for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, and PANYNJ |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/13398352/1225401337 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916015659/https://www.scribd.com/doc/13398352/1225401337 |archive-date=September 16, 2017 |access-date=February 5, 2017 |via=Scribd}}</ref> Though a direct route to Grand Central was never built, the LIRR's [[East Side Access]] project opened in 2023, connecting the [[East Side (Manhattan)|East Side]] of Manhattan to the Jamaica station. However, passengers were still required to transfer between the LIRR and AirTrain at Jamaica.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fox |first=Alison |title=It Just Got Easier to Get to New York City from JFK Airport |website=Travel + Leisure |date=January 26, 2023 |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/new-york-city-grand-central-madison-jfk-7099572 |access-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403021531/https://www.travelandleisure.com/new-york-city-grand-central-madison-jfk-7099572 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Renovation of JFK Airport ===
On January 4, 2017, the office of New York Governor [[Andrew Cuomo]] announced a $7–10 billion plan to renovate JFK Airport.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barone |first=Vincent |date=January 4, 2017 |title=JFK airport renovation proposal unveiled by Cuomo |url=http://www.amny.com/transit/jfk-airport-renovation-proposal-unveiled-by-cuomo-1.12865198 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105203623/http://www.amny.com/transit/jfk-airport-renovation-proposal-unveiled-by-cuomo-1.12865198 |archive-date=January 5, 2017 |access-date=January 6, 2017 |website=am New York}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirby |first=Jen |date=January 5, 2017 |title=New York City's Second-Worst Airport Might Also Get an Upgrade |url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/01/nycs-second-worst-airport-might-also-get-an-upgrade.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913051914/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/01/nycs-second-worst-airport-might-also-get-an-upgrade.html |archive-date=September 13, 2017 |access-date=January 6, 2017 |website=Daily Intelligencer}}</ref> As part of the project, the AirTrain JFK would either see lengthened trainsets or a direct track connection to the rest of New York City's transportation system, and a direct connection between the AirTrain, LIRR, and subway would be built at Jamaica station.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Airport Advisory Panel |date=January 4, 2017 |title=A Vision Plan for John F. Kennedy International Airport |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/JFKVisionPlan.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105050708/https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/JFKVisionPlan.pdf |archive-date=January 5, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2017 |publisher=Government of New York |via=Office of Governor [[Andrew Cuomo]]}}</ref> Shortly after Cuomo's announcement, the Regional Plan Association published an unrelated study for a possible direct rail link between Manhattan and JFK Airport.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2017 |title=Creating a One-Seat Ride to JFK |url=http://library.rpa.org/pdf/RPA-Creating-a-One-Seat-Ride-to-JFK.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126170228/http://library.rpa.org/pdf/RPA-Creating-a-One-Seat-Ride-to-JFK.pdf |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |access-date=August 30, 2017 |publisher=[[Regional Plan Association]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Plitt |first=Amy |date=January 6, 2017 |title=One-Seat Rides to JFK Airport Are a Reality in This Public Transit Proposal |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2017/1/6/14194860/jfk-airport-renovation-regional-plan-association |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831091324/https://ny.curbed.com/2017/1/6/14194860/jfk-airport-renovation-regional-plan-association |archive-date=August 31, 2017 |access-date=August 31, 2017 |website=Curbed NY}}</ref> Yet another study in September 2018, published by the MTA, examined alternatives for an LIRR rail link to JFK as part of a possible restoration of the abandoned [[Rockaway Beach Branch]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=[[SYSTRA]] |date=September 21, 2018 |title=Reactivating the Rockaway Beach Branch: LIRR RBB JFK Study – Phase Two JFK OSR Rail Study |url=https://new.mta.info/document/10986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008211424/https://new.mta.info/document/10986 |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |access-date=October 9, 2019 |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |language=en |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |url=https://new.mta.info/document/10991 |title=Reactivating the Rockaway Beach Branch: LIRR RBB JFK Study – Phase Two JFK OSR Rail Study: Diagrams |date=September 21, 2018 |author=[[SYSTRA]] |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |language=en |access-date=October 9, 2019 |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008211426/https://new.mta.info/document/10991 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2017, Cuomo's office began accepting submissions for master plans to renovate the airport.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 19, 2017 |title=New York launches next stage in JFK Airport overhaul |url=http://www.dw.com/en/new-york-launches-next-stage-in-jfk-airport-overhaul/a-39746118 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901080204/http://www.dw.com/en/new-york-launches-next-stage-in-jfk-airport-overhaul/a-39746118 |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |access-date=September 1, 2017 |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] |language=en |agency=Reuters and Bloomberg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 18, 2017 |title=Governor Cuomo Announces RFP for Planning and Engineering Firm to Implement JFK Airport Vision Plan |language=en |publisher=Government of New York |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-rfp-planning-and-engineering-firm-implement-jfk-airport-vision-plan |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901110140/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-rfp-planning-and-engineering-firm-implement-jfk-airport-vision-plan |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |via=Office of Governor [[Andrew Cuomo]]}}</ref> The next year, Cuomo released details of the project, whose cost had grown to $13 billion. The improvements included lengthening AirTrains as well as adding lanes to the Van Wyck Expressway.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGeehan |first=Patrick |date=October 4, 2018 |title=Cuomo's $13 Billion Solution to the Mess That Is J.F.K. Airport |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/04/nyregion/jfk-airport-cuomo.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004230428/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/04/nyregion/jfk-airport-cuomo.html |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=October 5, 2018 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barone |first=Vincent |date=October 4, 2018 |title=Cuomo: JFK Airport renovation includes central hub, 2 new terminals |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/jfk-airport-renovation-new-terminals-1.21473621 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004225755/https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/jfk-airport-renovation-new-terminals-1.21473621 |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=October 5, 2018 |website=Newsday |language=en}}</ref> The Terminal 2 station was closed on July 11, 2022, prior to the permanent closure of Terminal 2 six months later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tara |first=Serena |date=June 29, 2022 |title=Here's What to Expect from JFK Airport's New Terminal 1 Construction Project |url=https://www.thrillist.com/news/new-york/jfk-airport-terminal-one-construction-guide |access-date=April 28, 2023 |website=Thrillist |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604134621/https://www.thrillist.com/news/new-york/jfk-airport-terminal-one-construction-guide |url-status=live}}</ref> To accommodate the reconstruction of Terminal 1, the PANYNJ closed the Terminal 1 station for seven months starting on May 1, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mongelli |first=Lorena |date=April 25, 2023 |title=JFK overhaul to bring traffic, AirTrain disruptions for fliers but officials promise a plan |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/jfk-traffic-disruptions-sxt8to4f |access-date=April 28, 2023 |website=Newsday |archive-date=June 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615145859/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/jfk-traffic-disruptions-sxt8to4f |url-status=live}}</ref> The station was reopened in December 2023<!-- initially with a shuttle between terminals 1 and 8, before the Airport Terminals Loop resumed its normal route in February 2024 -->.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2023 |title=AirTrain JFK |url=https://www.jfkairport.com/to-from-airport/air-train |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207003228/https://www.jfkairport.com/to-from-airport/air-train |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |publisher=[[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]}}</ref> [[Alstom]], which had purchased Bombardier's rail operations in 2021,<ref>{{cite web |date=January 29, 2021 |title=Alstom completes Bombardier rail purchase for 5.5 billion euros |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/europe/alstom-completes-bombardier-rail-purchase-for-55-billion-euros-idUSKBN29Y1K5/ |access-date=April 3, 2025 |website=Reuters}}</ref> extended its contract with the Port Authority in 2025, agreeing to operate the AirTrain for seven more years.<ref name="Trains 2025">{{cite web |date=April 1, 2025 |title=Alstom signs seven-year contract extension for JFK AirTrain |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/alstom-signs-seven-year-contract-extension-for-jfk-airtrain/ |access-date=April 3, 2025 |website=Trains}}</ref><ref name="Progressive Railroading">{{cite web |title=Alstom signs 7-year contract to maintain AirTrain at JFK |url=https://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/Alstom-signs-7-year-contract-to-maintain-AirTrain-at-JFK--74231 |access-date=April 3, 2025 |website=Progressive Railroading}}</ref> In November 2025, as part of its 2026–2035 capital plan, the Port Authority announced plans to renovate AirTrain stations so they could accommodate trains with higher passenger capacities.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shah |first=Aashna |date=November 13, 2025 |title=Newark Airport Revamp Hinges on $45 Billion Port Authority Plan |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-13/newark-airport-revamp-hinges-on-45-billion-port-authority-plan |access-date=November 14, 2025 |website=Bloomberg.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=May |first=Tiana |date=November 14, 2025 |title=PANYNJ Outlines Airport Modernisation in Proposed $45 Billion Capital Plan |url=https://airportindustry-news.com/panynj-outlines-airport-modernisation-in-proposed-45-billion-capital-plan/ |access-date=November 14, 2025 |website=Airport Industry-News}}</ref>

== <span class="anchor" id="Routes and stations"></span>System ==
<!-- [[List of rapid transit systems]] links here -->

=== Routes ===
[[File:AirTrain_Junction.jpg|thumb|The tracks diverge at the Federal Circle station. The track continuing straight goes to [[Jamaica, Queens|Jamaica]], while the track diverging to the left goes to [[Howard Beach]].|alt=View of a track switch north of the Federal Circle station, with a track going straight and another diverging to the left. The track continuing straight goes to Jamaica, while the track diverging to the left goes to Howard Beach.]]
AirTrain JFK connects the airport's [[airport terminal|terminals]] and parking areas with the Howard Beach and Jamaica stations. It runs entirely within the New York City borough of [[Queens]]. The system consists of three routes: two connecting the terminals with either the Howard Beach or Jamaica stations, and one route looping continuously around the central terminal area.<ref name="panynj-official" />{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|pp=2–3}} It is operated by Alstom under contract to the Port Authority.<ref name="Trains 2025" /><ref name="Progressive Railroading" /> Trains to and from Jamaica and Howard Beach were originally planned to run every two minutes during peak hours, with alternate trains traveling to each branch.{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=2}} The final environmental impact statement projected that trains in the central terminal area would run every ninety seconds.{{Sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=1.5}} By 2014 actual frequencies were much lower: each branch was served by one train every seven to 12 minutes during peak hours. Trains arrived every 10 to 15 minutes on each branch during weekdays; every 15 to 20 minutes during late nights; and every 16 minutes during weekends.{{sfn|Port Authority|2015|pp=1, 2}}

The '''Howard Beach Train''' route (colored green on the official map) begins and ends at the [[Howard Beach–JFK Airport station]], where there is a direct transfer to the [[New York City Subway]]'s {{NYCS trains|Rockaway north}}.<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004">{{Cite news |date=March 1, 2004 |title=AirTrain JFK opens for service |work=[[Railway Gazette International]] |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/airtrain-jfk-opens-for-service.html |url-status=dead |access-date=July 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822091917/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/airtrain-jfk-opens-for-service.html |archive-date=August 22, 2016}}</ref> It makes an additional stop at Lefferts Boulevard, where passengers can transfer to parking lot shuttle buses; the [[Q3 (New York City bus)|Q3]] bus to Jamaica; the [[B15 (New York City bus)|B15]] bus to Brooklyn; and the [[Q10 (New York City bus)|Q10]] rush and [[Q80 (New York City bus)|Q80]] local buses.<ref name="panynj-official" /><ref name="Metropolitan Transportation Authority 2022">{{Cite NYC bus map|Q}}</ref> The segment from Howard Beach to Federal Circle, which is about {{convert|1.8|mi|km}} long, passes over the long-term and employee parking lots.{{Sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=1.12}}

The '''Jamaica Train''' route (colored red on the official map) begins and ends at the [[Jamaica station]], adjacent to the [[Long Island Rail Road]] platforms there. The Jamaica station contains a connection to the [[Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport station]] on the New York City Subway's {{NYCS trains|Archer}}.<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" />{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=3}} The AirTrain and LIRR stations contain transfers to the subway, as well as to ground-level bus routes.<ref name="panynj-official" />{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|pp=2–3}} West of Jamaica, the line travels above the north side of 94th Avenue before curving southward onto the Van Wyck Expressway. The segment from Jamaica to Federal Circle is about {{convert|3.1|mi|km}} long.{{Sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=1.12}}

The Howard Beach Train and Jamaica Train routes merge at Federal Circle for car rental companies and shuttle buses to hotels and the airport's cargo areas. South of Federal Circle, the routes share track for {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} and enter a tunnel before the tracks separate in two directions for the {{convert|2|mi|km|adj=on}} terminal loop.{{Sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=1.13}} Both routes continue counterclockwise around the loop, stopping at Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 in that order.{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|pp=2–3}} A connection to the Q3 local bus is available at Terminal 8.<ref name="panynj-official" /><ref name="Metropolitan Transportation Authority 2022" /> The travel time from either Jamaica or Howard Beach to the JFK terminals is about eight minutes.{{sfn|Arema|1999|p=1}}

The '''Airport Terminals Loop''' (colored gold on the official map), an [[List of airport circulators|airport terminal circulator]], runs clockwise around each terminal, in the opposite direction from the Howard Beach Train and Jamaica Train routes.<ref name="panynj-official">{{Cite web |title=AirTrain JFK |url=https://www.jfkairport.com/to-from-airport/air-train |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706073111/https://www.jfkairport.com/to-from-airport/air-train |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey}}</ref>{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|pp=2–3}} The terminal area loop is {{convert|1.8|mi|km}} long.{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=2}}

=== Stations ===
[[File:AirTrain JFK Terminal 7 station.jpg|thumb|Terminal 7 station interior]]
[[File:Howard Bch JFK 03 - AirTrain JFK.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=A glass and metal platform screen door at the AirTrain JFK's Howard Beach station|[[Platform screen doors]] (shown here at Howard Beach station) are present on all AirTrain JFK platforms.]]
All AirTrain JFK stations contain elevators and are compliant with the [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990]] (ADA).{{sfn|Port Authority|2015|p=2}} Each platform is {{convert|240|ft|m}} long and can fit up to four cars.{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=2}} The stations include air conditioning, as well as [[platform screen doors]] that protect passengers and allow the unmanned trains to operate safely.<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" />{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES9}} Escalators and elevators are included in each station, and moving walkways are incorporated into the design of the terminal-area stations.{{sfn|Ytuarte|2001|pp=36–37}} Each station also contains safety systems such as [[closed-circuit television|CCTV cameras]], alarms, and emergency contact points, and is staffed by attendants.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES9}}

All the stations have [[island platform]]s except for Federal Circle, which has a bi-level [[split platform]] layout.{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|pp=2–3}} The Jamaica and Howard Beach stations are designed as "gateway stations" to give passengers the impression of entering the airport.{{sfn|Arema|1999|pp=2–3}} There are also stations at Lefferts Boulevard, as well as Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.  Three former terminals, numbered 3, 6, and 9, were respectively served by the stations that were later renamed Terminals 2, 5, and 8.{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|pp=2–3}}{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=1}}  The four stations outside the Central Terminal Area were originally designated with the letters A–D alongside their names;{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=1}} the letters were later dropped.{{sfn|Port Authority|2015|p=2}} After Terminal 2 station closed in 2022, Terminal 1 station temporarily served passengers for both terminals until the closure of Terminal 2 in January 2023.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Bridges, Tunnels and Rail Advisory for July 5 to 7 |date=July 2022 |publisher=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |url=https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2022-press-releases/bridges--tunnels-and-rail-advisory-for-july-5-to-7.html |access-date=July 11, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711151509/https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2022-press-releases/bridges--tunnels-and-rail-advisory-for-july-5-to-7.html |archive-date=July 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moldonado |first=Zinna |date=January 13, 2023 |title=JFK Airport closing Terminal 2 this weekend for major renovations |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/jfk-airport-closing-terminal-2-this-weekend-for-major-renovations/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |publisher=[[WCBS-TV|CBS New York]] |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123153520/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/jfk-airport-closing-terminal-2-this-weekend-for-major-renovations/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

STV Inc., the AirTrain's main architectural and engineering designer, was tasked with creating a consistent design for the stations and infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Larson |first=Soren |date=November 1999 |title=STV Named Designer for JFK Airport's Long-Awaited Rail Link |url=https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1999-11.pdf |magazine=Architectural Record |volume=187 |issue=11 |page=43 |id={{ProQuest|222107295}} |access-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215221535/https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1999-11.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The Jamaica station was designed by Voorsanger Architects, and Robert Davidson of the Port Authority's in-house architecture department designed the Howard Beach station.{{sfn|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=69}} Most stations in the airport are outdoors, but the Terminal 4 station is within the mezzanine of that terminal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kilgannon |first=Corey |date=November 30, 2003 |title=A Possible Holiday Bonus: The AirTrain to Kennedy Airport May Soon Be Running |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/30/nyregion/a-possible-holiday-bonus-the-airtrain-to-kennedy-airport-may-soon-be-running.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214183657/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/30/nyregion/a-possible-holiday-bonus-the-airtrain-to-kennedy-airport-may-soon-be-running.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The Jamaica station was designed with a footbridge leading from the AirTrain terminal above the LIRR tracks to the subway,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cho |first=Aileen |date=August 18, 2003 |title=An 'Airport Station' Marks Homestretch for Megaproject |magazine=Engineering News-Record |volume=251 |issue=7 |page=17 |id={{ProQuest|235712858}}}}</ref>{{sfn|Ytuarte|2001|p=36}} as well as space for a hotel on top of it.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lemire |first=Jonathan |date=May 15, 2003 |title=Hotel May Follow AirTrain; Study Shows Big Need at Jamaica Hub |page=6 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305796997}}}}</ref> Each station's construction was divided into nine components (such as connections to parking garages), and construction materials were customized to the specific needs of each station site.<ref name="Cho 2000" />

{{clear}}

{|class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col"|Station{{sfn|Port Authority|2015|p=2}}
! scope="col"|Lines{{sfn|Port Authority|2015|p=2}}
! scope="col" |Connections<ref name="Metropolitan Transportation Authority 2022" />{{sfn|Port Authority|2015|pp=1, 2}}
! scope="col" |Notes
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center"|[[Howard Beach–JFK Airport station|{{vanchor|Howard Beach}}]]<br /><small>{{coord|40.661043|-73.829455|name=Howard Beach Station|format=dms}}</small>
| rowspan="2" |
{{color box|#21B259}} Howard Beach Train
|
* Long-term parking (area C)
* [[New York City Subway]]: {{NYCS trains|Rockaway north}} (at {{stl|NYCS|Howard Beach–JFK Airport}})
* [[MTA Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|Q11}}
| Entrance and exit fare required (except long-term parking); originally designated Station&nbsp;A{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=1}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{vanchor|Lefferts Boulevard}}<br /><small>{{coord|40.661374|-73.822660|name=Lefferts Boulevard Station|format=dms}}</small>
|
* Vehicular drop-off, pick-up, and waiting area<ref>{{cite web | last=Escallón | first=Sandra | title=JFK opens a free drop-off and pickup lot ahead of summer traffic mess | website=NBC New York | date=June 13, 2024 | url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/jfk-opens-a-free-drop-off-and-pickup-lot-ahead-of-summer-traffic-mess/5504445/ | access-date=June 27, 2024|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Rizk | first=Jonathan | title=Free drop-off, pickup and waiting lot opens at JFK Airport | website=PIX11 | date=June 11, 2024 | url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/queens/free-drop-off-pickup-and-waiting-lot-opens-at-nycs-jfk-airport/ | access-date=June 27, 2024}}</ref>
* Long-term parking (areas A and B)
* [[New York City Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|B15|Q3}}
* MTA Bus: {{NYC bus link|Q10|Q80}}
| Originally designated Station&nbsp;B{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=1}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |[[Jamaica station#AirTrain station|{{vanchor|Jamaica}}]]<br /><small>{{coord|40.69904|-73.80807|name=Jamaica Station|format=dms}}</small>
|
{{color box|#EE3E34}} Jamaica Train
|
* [[Long Island Rail Road]]: [[Jamaica station]]
* [[New York City Subway]]: {{NYCS trains|Archer}} (at {{stl|NYCS|Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport}})
* [[New York City Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|Q1|Q20|Q24|Q30|Q31|Q43|Q44 SBS|Q54|Q56|Q75}}
* [[MTA Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|Q6|Q8|Q9|Q25|Q40|Q41|Q60|Q65}}
* [[Nassau Inter-County Express]]: {{LI bus link|n4}}
| Entrance and exit fare required; originally designated Station&nbsp;D{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=1}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{vanchor|Federal Circle}}<br /><small>{{coord|40.659898|-73.803602|name=Federal Circle Station|format=dms}}</small>
|
{{plainlist|
* {{color box|#21B259}} Howard Beach Train
* {{color box|#EE3E34}} Jamaica Train
}}
|
* Rental car facilities
* Shuttles for hotels, cargo areas, and off-airport rental car lots
* Long-term parking (Federal Circle)
| Originally designated Station&nbsp;C{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=1}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{vanchor|Terminal 1}}<br /><small>{{coord|40.643577|-73.789348|name=Terminal 1 Station|format=dms}}</small>
| rowspan="6" | {{plainlist|
* {{color box|#FEC422}} Airport Terminals Loop
* {{color box|#21B259}} Howard Beach Train
* {{color box|#EE3E34}} Jamaica Train
}}
|
* [[John F. Kennedy International Airport#Terminal 1|Terminal 1]]
|
|-
!{{strike|{{vanchor|Terminal 2/3}}}}<br />(closed)<br /><small>{{coord|40.64195724402666|-73.78685736329358|name=Terminal 2 & 3 Station|format=dms}}</small>
|
* [[John F. Kennedy International Airport#Terminal 2|Terminal 2]] (closed 2023)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Brian |date=January 13, 2023 |title=JFK Airport's Oldest Terminal Is Closing for Good. So What Is Taking Its Place? |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/jfk-airports-oldest-terminal-is-closing-for-good-so-whats-taking-its-place/4046116/ |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=NBC New York |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018040059/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/jfk-airports-oldest-terminal-is-closing-for-good-so-whats-taking-its-place/4046116/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[John F. Kennedy International Airport#Terminal 3|Terminal 3]] (demolished 2013)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Issler |first=Mackenzie |date=July 5, 2013 |title=JFK Airport's iconic Pan Am terminal being demolished |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/jfk-airport-s-iconic-pan-am-terminal-being-demolished-o20780 |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=Newsday |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009194403/https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/jfk-airport-s-iconic-pan-am-terminal-being-demolished-o20780 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| Permanently closed and demolished<ref>{{cite web | title=PANYNJ / JFK International Airport: Redevelopment | website=Gedeon GRC | date=December 12, 2025 | url=https://www.gedeongrc.com/portfolio/panynj-jfk-international-airport-redevelopment | access-date=December 13, 2025}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{vanchor|Terminal 4}}<br /><small>{{coord|40.643974|-73.782273|name=Terminal 4 Station|format=dms}}</small>
|
* [[John F. Kennedy International Airport#Terminal 4|Terminal 4]]
* Short-term parking (Blue Garage)
* 
|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{vanchor|Terminal 5}}<br /><small>{{coord|40.646878|-73.780067|name=Terminal 5 Station|format=dms}}</small>
|
* [[John F. Kennedy International Airport#Terminal 5|Terminal 5]]
* Short-term parking (Yellow Garage)
* [[TWA Hotel]]
| Originally named Terminals&nbsp;5/6{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=1}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{vanchor|Terminal 7}}<br /><small>{{coord|40.648266|-73.783422|name=Terminal 7 Station|format=dms}}</small>
|
* [[John F. Kennedy International Airport#Terminal 7|Terminal 7]]
* Short-term parking (Orange Garage)
|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center"|{{vanchor|Terminal 8}}<br /><small>{{coord|40.646781|-73.788709|name=Terminal 8 Station|format=dms}}</small>
|
* [[John F. Kennedy International Airport#Terminal 8|Terminal 8]]
* Short-term parking (Red Garage)
* New York City Bus: {{NYC bus link|Q3}}
| Originally named Terminals&nbsp;8/9{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=1}}
|}

=== Tracks and infrastructure ===
[[File:JFK Airport Tower.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=JFK Airport's control tower in the background and an AirTrain guideway in the foreground|View of JFK Airport's control tower from the AirTrain guideway]]

The AirTrain has a route length of {{convert|8.1|mi|km}}.{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|p=2}}<ref name="Robin September 2003" /><ref name="Woodberry 2003" />{{Efn|Also cited as {{convert|8.2|mi|km}}<ref name="Cho 2000" />}} The system consists of {{cvt|6.0|mi|km}}{{sfn|Ytuarte|2001|p=35}} or {{convert|6.3|mi|km}} of single-track [[Automated guideway transit|guideway]] viaducts,{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=1}} as well as {{convert|3.2|mi|km}} of double-track guideway viaducts.{{sfn|Ytuarte|2001|p=35}}{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=1}} AirTrain JFK is mostly elevated, though there are short segments that run underground or at ground level, totaling about {{convert|1.5|mi|km}}.{{sfn|Ytuarte|2001|p=35}} Trains are operated from and maintained at a {{convert|10|acre|0|adj=on}} train yard between Lefferts Boulevard and Federal Circle, atop a former employee parking lot.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|pp=ES9, 1.18}}

The elevated sections were built with precast single and dual guideway spans, the underground sections used cut-and-cover.{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=2}} The ground-level sections, including the train yards, used concrete [[railroad tie|ties]] and [[Track ballast|ballast]] [[trackbed]]s.<ref name="Cho 2000" />{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=2}} The single guideway viaducts carry one track each and are {{convert|19|ft|3|in|m}} wide, while the double guideway viaducts carry two tracks each and are {{convert|31|ft|0|in|m}} wide. Columns support the [[precast concrete]] elevated sections at intervals of up to {{convert|40|ft|m}}.{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=2}} The elevated structures run up to 40 feet above the Van Wyck Expressway.{{sfn|Ytuarte|2001|p=36}} Workers fabricated 5,500 precast concrete sections in [[Cape Charles, Virginia]], which were then shipped to [[Camden, New Jersey]], before being installed in Queens.<ref name="Cho 2000" /> The elevated structures use [[seismic isolation]] bearings and [[Soundproofing|soundproof barriers]] to protect from small earthquakes as well as prevent [[noise pollution]].{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=10}} AirTrain JFK's tunnels, all within the airport, pass beneath two taxiways and several highway ramps.<ref name="Oser 1999" />

The AirTrain runs on steel [[track (rail transport)|tracks]]{{Sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=1.5}} that are [[Continuously welded rail|continuously welded]] across all joints except at the terminals; the guideway viaducts are also continuously joined.{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=5}} Trains use [[Railroad switch#Crossover|double crossovers]] at the Jamaica and Howard Beach terminals in order to switch to the track going in the opposite direction. There are also crossover switches north and south of Federal Circle, counterclockwise from Terminal 8, and clockwise from Terminal 1.{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=3}}

The tracks are set at a [[Track gauge|gauge]] of {{track gauge|ussg}}.{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=2}} This enables possible future conversion to LIRR or subway use, or a possible connection to LIRR or subway tracks for a one-trip ride into Manhattan, since these systems use the same track gauge.<ref name="Chan 2005" />{{sfn|Arema|1999|p=1}}{{sfn|Gosling|Freeman|2012|pp=3–4}}{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|pp=12–13}} AirTrain's current [[rolling stock]], or train cars, are not able to use either LIRR or subway tracks due to the cars' inadequate structural strength and the different methods of propulsion used on each system. In particular, the [[linear induction motor]] system that [[propulsion|propels]] the AirTrain vehicles is incompatible with the [[traction motor]] manual-propulsion system used by LIRR and subway rolling stock.{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|pp=12–13}} If a one-seat ride is ever implemented, a hybrid-use vehicle would be needed to operate on subway or LIRR tracks in addition to AirTrain tracks.{{sfn|Arema|1999|p=1}}{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|pp=12–13}}

There are seven [[electrical substation]]s. The redundancy allows trains to operate even if there are power outages at one substation.<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" /> Since there are no emergency exits between stations, a control tower can automatically guide the train to its next stop in case of an emergency.<ref name="Dentch 2002" />

== Fares ==
[[File:AirTrain JFK Howard Beach vc.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=Turnstiles at Howard Beach-JFK Airport station. The station building has a high, sloped ceiling with glass skylights.|Faregates at [[Howard Beach–JFK Airport (IND Rockaway Line)|Howard Beach–JFK Airport]]]]
AirTrain JFK is free to use for travel within the terminal area, as well as at the Lefferts Boulevard station, which is next to the long-term parking, and at the Federal Circle station, where there are shuttle buses to hotels and car rental companies.<ref name="Port Authority of New York and New Jersey" /> Passengers entering or leaving the system at the Jamaica or Howard Beach stations must pay using [[MetroCard]] or [[OMNY]] (which includes [[contactless payment]] using bank cards or mobile devices).<ref name="Port Authority of New York and New Jersey" /><ref name="MTA Fares" /> AirTrain JFK started accepting OMNY on October 10, 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizk |first=Jonathan |date=October 10, 2023 |title=OMNY payment available at JFK AirTrain stations |url=https://pix11.com/news/transit/omny-payment-available-at-select-jfk-airtrain-stations/ |access-date=December 12, 2023 |website=PIX11 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212005535/https://pix11.com/news/transit/omny-payment-available-at-select-jfk-airtrain-stations/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2023 |title=AirTrain at John F. Kennedy International Airport in NYC will now accept OMNY payments |url=https://abc7ny.com/airtrain-jfk-omny-tap-to-pay/13886835/ |access-date=December 12, 2023 |website=ABC7 New York |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212005535/https://abc7ny.com/airtrain-jfk-omny-tap-to-pay/13886835/ |url-status=live}}</ref> although only some turnstiles initially had OMNY readers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brachfeld |first=Ben |date=October 4, 2023 |title=OMNY finally being installed on JFK AirTrain this month |url=https://www.amny.com/transit/omny-finally-installed-jfk-airtrain/ |access-date=October 4, 2023 |website=amNewYork |archive-date=October 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005020717/https://www.amny.com/transit/omny-finally-installed-jfk-airtrain/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

AirTrain JFK charges passengers $8.50 to enter or leave the system at the Jamaica and Howard Beach stations.<ref name="MTA Fares" /> MetroCard and OMNY [[Ticket machine|vending machines]] are located on both sides of the faregates at each station, a $1 fee was charged for new MetroCards.<ref name="Port Authority of New York and New Jersey">{{Cite web |title=Cost and Tickets – AirTrain – Ground Transportation – John F. Kennedy International Airport |url=http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-cost-tickets.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524001810/http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-cost-tickets.html |archive-date=May 24, 2014 |access-date=May 1, 2017 |publisher=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey}}</ref> In addition to single ride fares, MetroCard machines sold a 30-Day AirTrain pass for $40 and a 10-Trip AirTrain pass for $26.50 (plus $1 for the card).<ref name="MTA Fares">{{Cite web |title=MTA/New York City Transit: Fares and MetroCard |url=http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm#jfk10trip |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915224327/http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm#jfk10trip |archive-date=September 15, 2015 |access-date=November 19, 2019 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref name="Port Authority of New York and New Jersey" />

There are no free transfers between AirTrain JFK and connecting transit services. For passengers transferring to local buses or the subway, an additional $2.90 fare is charged, and may be paid with MetroCard. Patrons transferring to a Manhattan-bound LIRR train at Jamaica pay an additional $7 during peak hours or $5 during off-peak hours and weekends, using the railroad's [[CityTicket]] program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AirTrain JFK |url=https://new.mta.info/guides/airports/jfk |access-date=November 1, 2019 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220044433/http://new.mta.info/guides/airports/jfk |url-status=live}}</ref>

The fare to enter or exit at Howard Beach and Jamaica was originally $5,<ref name="Stellin 2003" /> though preliminary plans included a discounted fare of $2 for airport and airline employees.{{Sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=1.5}} In June 2019, the Port Authority proposed raising AirTrain JFK's fare to $7.75,<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 25, 2019 |title=Port Authority plans toll, fare hikes, $4 airport tax for taxis, app-based for-hire cars |url=https://abc7ny.com/5364072/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319080436/https://abc7ny.com/5364072/ |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |access-date=June 27, 2019 |website=ABC7 New York}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guse |first=Clayton |date=June 25, 2019 |title=Port Authority plans to jack up bridge, tunnel, AirTrain prices, add $4 airport tax for taxis and app-based rides |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-port-authority-airtrain-toll-prices-20190625-v7krjipmfncu7juoqjf4737mby-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107234617/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-port-authority-airtrain-toll-prices-20190625-v7krjipmfncu7juoqjf4737mby-story.html |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |access-date=June 27, 2019 |website=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251}}</ref> and the fare increase was approved that September.<ref name="PIX11 2019">{{Cite web |last=Mocker |first=Greg |date=September 26, 2019 |title=Port Authority approves fare and toll hikes, including new fee for airport rides |url=https://pix11.com/2019/09/26/port-authority-approves-hikes-including-for-bridges-and-tunnels-air-train-tickets/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319080502/https://www.pix11.com/2019/09/26/port-authority-approves-hikes-including-for-bridges-and-tunnels-air-train-tickets |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2019 |website=PIX11}}</ref> The new fares took effect on November 1, 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Higgs |first=Larry |date=October 31, 2019 |title=Fare hikes from the Port Authority start Friday |url=https://www.nj.com/traffic/2019/10/fare-hikes-from-the-port-authority-start-friday.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929052319/https://www.nj.com/traffic/2019/10/fare-hikes-from-the-port-authority-start-friday.html |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |access-date=October 1, 2019 |website=The Star-Ledger}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2019 |title=1st phase of Port Authority toll and fare hikes start Friday |url=https://abc7ny.com/5662719/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028235002/https://abc7ny.com/5662719/ |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=October 1, 2019 |website=ABC7 New York}}</ref> representing the first fare raise in the system's history.<ref name="PIX11 2019" /> In November 2021, the Port Authority discussed plans to raise the fare a second time, to $8;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duggan |first=Kevin |date=November 18, 2021 |title=Port Authority plans fare hike to $8 for AirTrains in 2022 |url=https://www.amny.com/transit/airtrain-fare-hike-port-authority/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119002351/https://www.amny.com/transit/airtrain-fare-hike-port-authority/ |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |access-date=November 19, 2021 |website=amNewYork}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guse |first=Clayton |date=November 18, 2021 |title=Port Authority seeks $8 AirTrain fare come 2022, a 25-cent hike |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-port-authority-airtrain-fare-hike-20211118-4y4wiheuhjfq3kpl5thxynbwpm-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119002350/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-port-authority-airtrain-fare-hike-20211118-4y4wiheuhjfq3kpl5thxynbwpm-story.html |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |access-date=November 19, 2021 |website=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251}}</ref> this fare increase took effect on March 1, 2022.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Bridges, Tunnels and Rail Advisory for February 18 to 24 |publisher=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |url=https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2022-press-releases/BRIDGES-TUNNELS-AND-RAIL-ADVISORY-FOR-FEBRUARY-18-TO-24.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303134802/https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2022-press-releases/BRIDGES-TUNNELS-AND-RAIL-ADVISORY-FOR-FEBRUARY-18-TO-24.html |archive-date=March 3, 2022}}</ref> The fare was increased once more to $8.25 on March 5, 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2023 |title=AirTrain Fares Get Second Increase in 2 Years |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-barbershop-bandits-pistol-whip-man-71-in-morning-mugging/4136018/ |access-date=March 14, 2023 |publisher=WNBC |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514220949/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-barbershop-bandits-pistol-whip-man-71-in-morning-mugging/4136018/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lazar |first=David |date=March 5, 2023 |title=AirTrain fare increase goes into effect Sunday |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2023/03/05/airtrain-fare-increase-goes-into-effect-sunday |access-date=March 14, 2023 |publisher=NY1 |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314213847/https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2023/03/05/airtrain-fare-increase-goes-into-effect-sunday |url-status=live}}</ref> then to $8.50 on March 3, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brachfeld |first=Ben |date=November 19, 2023 |title=AirTrain fare will soar to $8.50 per ride next spring, Port Authority says; commuter advocates seethe |url=https://www.amny.com/transit/airtrain-fare-hike-port-authority-spring-2024/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |website=amNewYork |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120011751/https://www.amny.com/transit/airtrain-fare-hike-port-authority-spring-2024/ |url-status=live}}</ref> From July 1 through September 2, 2024, fares were reduced by 50% to $4.25 due to road construction at JFK Airport;<ref name="ABC7 New York 2024 u002">{{cite web | title=AirTrain JFK single-ride fare to be reduced by 50% during peak summer travel months | website=ABC7 New York | date=June 28, 2024 | url=https://abc7ny.com/post/airtrain-jfk-single-ride-fare-reduced-50-during/15008881/ | access-date=June 28, 2024|postscript=none}}; {{Cite press release |title=Governor Hochul and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Announce 50 Percent Fare Reduction for AirTrain JFK to Encourage Use of Public Transit During Peak Summer Construction Activity at JFK |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-and-port-authority-new-york-and-new-jersey-announce-50-percent-fare-reduction |access-date=2024-06-28 |publisher=[[Governor of New York]] |language=en}}</ref> the fare was again reduced to $4.25 between June 30 and September 1, 2025.<ref>{{cite web | last=Shah | first=Aashna | title=JFK AirTrain Cuts Fares 50% This Summer to Lure Riders Off Roads | website=Bloomberg | date=June 17, 2025 | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-17/jfk-airtrain-cuts-fares-50-this-summer-to-lure-riders-off-roads | access-date=June 18, 2025|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Andres | first=Czarinna | title=AirTrain JFK fare discounted to $4.25 through Labor Day to ease congestion at airport |work=Queens Chronicle | date=June 17, 2025 | url=https://qns.com/2025/06/airtrain-jfk-fare-reduced-through-labor-day/ | access-date=June 18, 2025}}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
[[File:JFK AirTrain 02.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.1|alt=The Innovia ART 200, a type of rolling stock that is used on AirTrain JFK|The [[Bombardier Innovia Metro|Innovia Metro ART 200]] rolling stock used on AirTrain JFK]]
AirTrain JFK uses [[Bombardier Innovia Metro|Innovia Metro ART 200]] rolling stock and technology, similar to those used on the [[SkyTrain (Vancouver)|SkyTrain]] in [[Vancouver]], the [[Everline]] in [[Yongin]], and the [[Kelana Jaya Line]] in [[Kuala Lumpur]].<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" /> The computerized trains are fully [[Automatic train operation|automated]] and use a [[communications-based train control]] system with [[moving block]] signals to dynamically determine the locations of the trains.<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" /> AirTrain JFK is a wholly [[driverless train|driverless]] system,<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" /> and it uses [[SelTrac]] train-signaling technology manufactured by [[Thales Group]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=SelTrac™ CBTC Signalling Projects |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/thales_master_project_list_2016_0.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901071925/https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/thales_master_project_list_2016_0.pdf |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |access-date=February 3, 2017 |publisher=Thales Group |page=2}}</ref> The system originally used pre-recorded announcements by New York City traffic reporter [[Bernie Wagenblast]], a longtime Port Authority employee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamlett |first=Rosalyn |date=February 13, 2017 |title=The Airport Voice Speaks to Metropolitan Airport News |url=https://metroairportnews.com/voice-port-authority-transportation-speaks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601005047/https://metroairportnews.com/voice-port-authority-transportation-speaks/ |archive-date=June 1, 2019 |access-date=May 1, 2019 |website=Metropolitan Airport News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Robin |first=Joshua |date=January 25, 2004 |title=A 'Welcoming' Voice |page=A06 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279847114}}}}</ref><!--{{efn|The voice was replaced by a computerized male voice by 2018.
* See for instance, {{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg4qecHW2Xs |title=JFK airtrain ride - Terminal A-B |date=June 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/vg4qecHW2Xs |archive-date=November 14, 2021 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}}}-->

The 32 individual, non-[[Articulated train|articulated]] Mark II vehicles operating on the line draw power from a 750 V DC top-running [[third rail]]. A linear induction motor pushes magnetically against an [[aluminum]] strip in the center of the track. The vehicles also have steerable trucks that can navigate sharp curves and [[Grade (slope)|steep grades]], as well as align precisely with the platform doors at the stations.<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" />{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=4}} The cars can run at up to {{convert|60|mph|kph}},{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=3}} and they can operate on trackage with a [[minimum railway curve radius]] of {{convert|230|ft|m}}.{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=2}}{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=3}}

Each car is {{convert|57|ft|9|in|m}} long and {{convert|10|ft|2|in|m}} wide,{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=2}} similar to the dimensions of the rolling stock used on the New York City Subway's [[B Division (New York City Subway)|B Division]].<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" /> Trains can run in either direction and can consist of between one and four cars.<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" />{{sfn|Ytuarte|2001|p=37}} The cars have two pairs of doors on each side; each door opening is {{convert|10|ft|5|in|m}} wide.{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=2}} An individual car has 26 seats and can carry up to 97 passengers with luggage, or 205 without luggage.{{sfn|Bombardier Transportation|2004|p=2}} Because most passengers carry luggage, the actual operating capacity is between 75 and 78 passengers per car.{{sfn|Englot|Bakas|2002|p=4}}

== Ridership ==
[[File:AirTain Tracks.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|A section of tracks that runs along the [[Van Wyck Expressway]]|alt=A section of the line that runs along the Van Wyck Expressway. There are two tracks connected by switches. The expressway is to the left, behind a fence.]]
When AirTrain JFK was being planned, it was expected that 11,000 passengers per day would pay to ride the system between the airport and either Howard Beach or Jamaica,<ref name="Chan 2005" />{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES10}} evenly split between employees and airline passengers.<ref name="Chan 2005" /> Projections also showed that 23,000 more daily passengers would use the AirTrain to travel between terminals. This would amount to about 4 million paying passengers and 8.4 million in-airport passengers per year.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|p=ES10}} According to the FEIS, the system could accommodate over 3,000 daily riders from Manhattan, and its opening would result in approximately 75,000 fewer vehicle miles ({{convert|75,000|mi|km|disp=number}} kilometers) being driven each day.{{sfn|EIS Volume 1|1997|pp=ES10–ES11}} The Port Authority's research showed that, when the system opened, eight percent of its riders would be from Long Island, while up to 70 percent would travel from Manhattan.<ref name="Yee 2003" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tyrrell |first=Joie |date=December 15, 2003 |title=A New Way to Get There / AirTrain provides another option for JFK passengers |page=A02 |work=Newsday |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-a-new-way-to-g/136810356/ |access-date=December 14, 2023 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279830850}} |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214183657/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-a-new-way-to-g/136810356/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

During the first month of service, between 15,000 and 20,000 passengers rode the system each day, less than the expected daily ridership of 34,000.<ref name="Saulny 2004 u382">{{Cite web |last=Saulny |first=Susan |date=January 20, 2004 |title=Finding J.F.K. Is Easy: First, Find the AirTrain |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/20/nyregion/finding-jfk-is-easy-first-find-the-airtrain.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214191559/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/20/nyregion/finding-jfk-is-easy-first-find-the-airtrain.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="p279824321" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Donohue |first=Pete |date=January 18, 2004 |title=AirTrain on Track to Reach Rider Goal |page=25 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305854996}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Dentch |first=Courtney |date=January 22, 2004 |title=AirTrain Ridership On Track to Meet Year-End Goal: PA |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2004/4/20040122-archive6.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902010432/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2004/4/20040122-archive6.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref> Nonetheless, the AirTrain JFK had become the second-busiest airport transportation system in the United States.<ref name="Railway Gazette International 2004" /> Within its first six months, AirTrain JFK had transported one million riders;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simon |first=Mallory |date=June 17, 2004 |title=AirTrain Awaits Millionth Rider Six Months Later |language=en |work=Times Ledger |url=http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2004/25/20040617-archive109.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902050539/http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2004/25/20040617-archive109.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017}}</ref> this had increased to 2.5 million by the first anniversary of the AirTrain.<ref name="Tyrrell 2004" />  By the end of 2004, the system had about 8,000<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fried |first=Joseph P. |date=December 5, 2004 |title=AirTrain's First Year Is Seen as a Success |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/05/nyregion/airtrains-first-year-is-seen-as-a-success.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214204737/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/05/nyregion/airtrains-first-year-is-seen-as-a-success.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Craghead |first=Alexander B. |date=Mar 2005 |title=New York City's JFK AirTrain caps successful first year |magazine=Trains |volume=65 |issue=3 |page=27 |id={{ProQuest|206637053}}}}</ref> or 8,500 paying riders per day, although only 1,500 of these riders were employees.<ref name="Chan 2005" /> The Jamaica route had 4,500 paying riders, making it slightly more popular than the Howard Beach route, which had 4,000 paying riders.<ref name="Chan 2005" /> Paid ridership had reached 11,000 per day by 2006, when one in nine people flying to or from JFK used the AirTrain.<ref name="p280033477" />

In the decade after the AirTrain opened, it consistently experienced year-over-year ridership growth.<ref name="LongIsland.com 2015">{{Cite web |date=February 12, 2015 |title=Governor Cuomo Announces AirTrain JFK Reaches Record High Ridership in 2014 |url=https://www.longisland.com/news/02-12-15/airtrain-jfk-reaches-record-high-ridership-in-2014.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901045825/http://www.longisland.com/news/02-12-15/airtrain-jfk-reaches-record-high-ridership-in-2014.html |archive-date=September 1, 2022 |access-date=July 13, 2022 |website=LongIsland.com}}</ref><ref name="Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 2020">{{Cite web |date=May 19, 2020 |title=2019 Airport Traffic Report |url=https://www.panynj.gov/content/dam/airports/statistics/statistics-general-info/annual-atr/ATR2019.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127110141/https://www.panynj.gov/content/dam/airports/statistics/statistics-general-info/annual-atr/ATR2019.pdf |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |access-date=September 14, 2020 |publisher=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |pages=4, 61}}</ref> A ''New York Times'' article in 2009 observed that one possible factor in the AirTrain's increasing ridership was the $7.75 fare for AirTrain and subway, which was cheaper than the $52 taxi ride between Manhattan and JFK.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levere |first=Jane L. |date=August 10, 2009 |title=Trains and Vans May Beat Taxis to the Airport |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/business/11transfer.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929230431/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/business/11transfer.html |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>  In 2019, there were 8.7 million passengers who paid to travel between JFK Airport and either Howard Beach or Jamaica. This represented an increase of more than 300 percent from the 2.6 million riders who paid during the first full year of operation, 2004.<ref name="LongIsland.com 2015" /> An additional 12.2 million people were estimated to have ridden the AirTrain for free in 2019, placing total annual ridership at 20.9 million.<ref name="Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 2020" /> Amid a [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation|decline in air travel]] caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2021 |title=JFK getting $9.5B for new international terminal |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/transportation/jfk-getting-95b-new-international-terminal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619052023/https://www.crainsnewyork.com/transportation/jfk-getting-95b-new-international-terminal |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=July 13, 2022 |website=Crain's New York Business |agency=Bloomberg}}</ref> the AirTrain had 3.4 million total riders in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 10, 2022 |title=Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2021 |url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-Q4-Ridership-APTA.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401061616/https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-Q4-Ridership-APTA.pdf |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |access-date=June 7, 2022 |publisher=[[American Public Transportation Association]] |page=25}}</ref> In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system carried a total of {{American transit ridership|NY AirTrain total annual}} passengers,{{American transit ridership|annualcitation}} or about {{American transit ridership|NY AirTrain total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.{{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}

== See also ==
* [[AirTrain LaGuardia]], a canceled system that would have been built for LaGuardia Airport
* [[AirTrain Newark]], a similar system at Newark Liberty International Airport
* [[List of airport people mover systems]]
* {{section link|Lists of rapid transit systems|North America}}

== References ==
=== Notes ===
{{Notelist}}

=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite web |year=2004 |title=Advanced Rapid Transit System AirTrain JFK International Airport, New York, USA |url=http://www2.bombardier.com/en/1_0/pdf/AirTrain_JFK.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801125034/http://www2.bombardier.com/en/1_0/pdf/AirTrain_JFK.pdf |archive-date=August 1, 2014 |access-date=February 2, 2017 |publisher=Bombardier Transportation |ref={{harvid|Bombardier Transportation|2004}}}}
* {{Cite web |date=March 2015 |title=AirTrain JFK: The Fast, Affordable Connection |url=https://www.jfkairport.com/static/jfk/pdf/jfk-airtrain-brochure-english.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121173026/https://www.jfkairport.com/static/jfk/pdf/jfk-airtrain-brochure-english.pdf |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |access-date=September 22, 2020 |publisher=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |ref={{harvid|Port Authority|2015}}}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Englot |first1=Joseph M. |last2=Bakas |first2=Paul T. |date=September 2002 |title=Performance/Design Criteria for the Airtrain JFK Guideway |url=http://www.ga.com/websites/ga/docs/transportation/magnetruck/JFK%20Airtrain%20Design%20Paper.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=AREMA 2002 Annual Conference & Exposition |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718030712/http://www.ga.com/websites/ga/docs/transportation/magnetruck/JFK%20Airtrain%20Design%20Paper.pdf |archive-date=July 18, 2018}}
* {{Cite news |last=Firestone |first=David |date=July 31, 1994 |title=The Push Is On for Link to Airports: Port Authority Confident of Rail Plan Despite Opposition |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/31/nyregion/push-for-link-airports-port-authority-confident-rail-plan-despite-opposition.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902003242/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/31/nyregion/push-for-link-airports-port-authority-confident-rail-plan-despite-opposition.html |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}
* {{Cite web |last1=Gosling |first1=Geoffrey D. |last2=Freeman |first2=Dennis |date=May 2012 |title=Case Study Report: John F. Kennedy International Airport AirTrain |url=http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/2503/2503_cases/2503-cs2-jfk-airtrain.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924215316/http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/2503/2503_cases/2503-cs2-jfk-airtrain.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |access-date=July 24, 2016 |publisher=Mineta Transportation Institute}}
* {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l_g0AQAAMAAJ |title=JFK International Airport Light Rail System: Environmental Impact Statement |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration; New York State Department of Transportation |year=1997 |volume=1 |ref={{sfnref|EIS Volume 1|1997}} |access-date=August 26, 2017}}
* {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jfk0AQAAMAAJ |title=JFK International Airport Light Rail System: Environmental Impact Statement |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration; New York State Department of Transportation |year=1997 |volume=2 |ref=<!--{{sfnref|EIS Volume 2|1997}}--> |access-date=August 26, 2017}}
* {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mPk0AQAAMAAJ |title=JFK International Airport Light Rail System: Environmental Impact Statement |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration; New York State Department of Transportation |year=1997 |volume=3 |ref=<!--{{sfnref|EIS Volume 3|1997}}--> |access-date=August 26, 2017}}
* {{Cite web |date=January 1999 |title=MetroLink |url=http://www.rpa.org/pdf/metrolink.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802231532/http://www.rpa.org/pdf/metrolink.pdf |archive-date=August 2, 2010 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |publisher=[[Regional Plan Association]] |ref={{harvid|Regional Plan Association|1999}}}}
* {{Cite web |date=September 6, 2011 |title=Project Profile; USA; New York Airtrain |url=http://www.omegacentre.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/USA_AIRTRAIN_PROFILE.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817073215/http://www.omegacentre.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/USA_AIRTRAIN_PROFILE.pdf |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |access-date=July 23, 2016 |publisher=University College London [[The Bartlett|Bartlett School of Planning]] |ref={{harvid|UCL Bartlett|2011}}}}
* {{cite New York 2000}}
* {{Cite magazine |last=Ytuarte |first=Christopher |date=Jul 2001 |title=Track to the future |magazine=Railway Age |volume=202 |issue=7 |pages=33–37, 50 |id={{ProQuest|203743297}}}}
* {{Cite web |year=1999 |title=The Airtrain Airport Access System John F. Kennedy International Airport |url=https://www.arema.org/files/library/1999_Conference_Proceedings/00002.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718055116/https://www.arema.org/files/library/1999_Conference_Proceedings/00002.pdf |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |publisher=[[American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association]] |ref={{harvid|Arema|1999}}}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{GeoGroup}}
{{attached KML|display=inline,title}}
{{external media
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| image10 = [https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6467117,-73.7886667,3a,90y,84.06h,88.49t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipPmERaeaTjVjmQwnipVMDkbkTYbUT8NwgfaSjKj!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPmERaeaTjVjmQwnipVMDkbkTYbUT8NwgfaSjKj%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya208.31398-ro0-fo100!7i5376!8i2688!5m1!1e2 Terminal 8]
}}
* {{commons and category inline|AirTrain JFK|AirTrain JFK}}
* {{official website|https://www.jfkairport.com/to-from-airport/air-train}}

{{Navboxes|list=
{{JFK Airport}}
{{PANYNJ navbox}}
{{North American airport people movers}}
{{New York metro area rail}}
{{New York City Area Airports}}
{{Transportation in New York City}}
}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Airtrain Jfk}}
[[Category:2003 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:750 V DC railway electrification]]
[[Category:Airport people mover systems in the United States]]
[[Category:Airport rail links in the United States]]
[[Category:ART people movers]]
[[Category:Aviation in New York City]]
[[Category:Electric railways in New York (state)]]
[[Category:John F. Kennedy International Airport]]
[[Category:Passenger rail transport in New York City]]
[[Category:Port Authority of New York and New Jersey AirTrain| ]]
[[Category:Railroads on Long Island]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 2003]]
[[Category:Rapid transit in New York (state)]]