Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Expects Record-Breaking 13.8 Million Travelers at Airports from December 2024 to January 2025

Published on December 21, 2024

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey declared an anticipated surge in year-end travelers, forecasting a historic 13.8 million people utilizing its airports and road crossings from Dec. 21, 2024, to Jan. 2, 2025. This period is poised to break previous records, rounding off a year that could be the busiest yet for the authority’s key airports.

About 5.2 million passengers are expected to pass through John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and New York Stewart International airports during these 13 days. This figure is a 3 percent rise over the peak numbers recorded during the same timeframe in 2023. The peak days for airport traffic are projected to be Dec. 22 and 23, with significant numbers also on Dec. 27 and Jan. 2.

With the rise in traveler numbers, the Port Authority urges travelers to prepare in advance and allocate more time for their journeys. Elevated traffic could lead to extended wait times, exacerbated by ongoing airport construction. It is advised that passengers on domestic flights arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight, while those on international flights should arrive three hours early. To help travelers, the Port Authority has made available various travel tips, including real-time information on security wait times, parking availability, AirTrain schedules, and public transport and ride-share options.

On its bridges and tunnels, the agency anticipates about 8.6 million vehicles during the holiday stretch, aligning with the traffic from last year’s same period. All construction and repair work at these sites will be paused from Dec. 23, 2024, at 5 a.m., until Jan. 2, 2025, at 5 a.m. For updates on lane closures or adjustments up to Dec. 19. Further updates on post-Jan. 2 service alterations can be found online.

Airports and AirTrain Advisory:

In response to the high demand for on-airport parking, the Port Authority is urging air travelers using Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport to opt for mass transit and reserve parking spots in advance if traveling by private car. Those who fail to reserve parking may face a peak period drive-up surcharge and potential difficulties in finding available parking. To secure a spot and avoid higher fees, it is advised to book parking at least 24 hours before arriving at the airport, especially for parking durations exceeding three hours.

John F. Kennedy International Airport Update:

Travelers and motorists should prepare for potential delays and rerouting due to the ongoing $19 billion redevelopment at JFK Airport. The Port Authority recommends using mass transit options, such as the MTA New York City Transit subway or buses, or the MTA Long Island Rail Road, which offers 20-minute train services from Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station to the AirTrain JFK station at Jamaica.

To circumvent congestion around terminal frontages, the use of the free drop-off and pick-up lot at the AirTrain JFK’s Lefferts Boulevard station is encouraged. This location provides a connection to a quick eight-minute AirTrain ride directly to the terminals.

Specific Terminal Updates at JFK Airport:

• Terminal 1: The JFK Expressway is currently closed for access to/from Terminal 1. Motorists are directed to follow on-airport road detours and signage, accounting for an extra 10-15 minutes in travel time.
• Terminal 4: Access modifications due to construction include:
  • The inbound JFK Expressway ramp to Terminal 4 is rerouted to the Van Wyck Expressway.
  • The inbound Van Wyck Expressway ramp to Terminal 4 arrivals is now a dedicated exit, immediately following the Terminal 4 departures exit.
  • For-hire vehicle and yellow taxi pick-ups from noon to 2 a.m. are relocated to the Remote Ride App & Car Services Lot, serviced by a free shuttle every 1-2 minutes from Terminal 4 arrivals.
• Terminal 5: For-hire vehicle pick-up has moved to Terminal 7’s Orange Garage roof. Taxi services are now based at the ground level of Terminal 5’s Yellow Parking Garage, accessible via skywalk.

LaGuardia Airport:

The LaGuardia Link Q70 bus service remains fare-free to promote public transit use to and from the airport. Detailed transit options can be found on the MTA’s travel page for LaGuardia Airport.

Newark Liberty International Airport:

All rental car operations are centralized in the new consolidated rental car center located within Parking A, levels 1-3, accessible via AirTrain Newark and a pedestrian bridge from Terminal A.

PATH Service Notifications:

• Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will see PATH trains running on a modified Saturday schedule. Additional details on holiday service changes are available online.
• The 9 St and 23 St stations will operate 24/7 from Dec. 23 to Jan. 5. Regular overnight closures will resume on Jan. 5 at 11:59 p.m. Access to the PATH World Trade Center station overnight should be through the street level entrances at Fulton Street or Vesey Street. Limited access to Oculus from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. for enhanced cleaning and security measures.