JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport

New York's primary international gateway with dedicated private jet terminals. JFK is the preferred FBO for long-haul international private aviation arriving in NYC.

New York, United States 24 hours
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York’s primary international aviation gateway, located 24km southeast of Manhattan. While Teterboro handles the majority of NYC private aviation traffic, JFK is the preferred FBO for long-haul international flights thanks to its 4,423m runway, full US Customs and Border Protection, and connections to onward commercial flights.

Two FBOs serve private aviation: Signature JFK and SheltAir JFK. The airport also hosts The Private Suite by JFK, an exclusive private terminal offering personal customs clearance in private suites with direct ramp access. Operations run 24 hours.

JFK is the natural choice for transatlantic and ultra-long-range arrivals (London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dubai) where the longer runway and CBP infrastructure matter most. Helicopter transfers to Manhattan via Blade take 15 to 20 minutes. Ground transfers run 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.

Distance
24km SE
Runway
4,423m / 14,512ft
Operating
24 hours
Fuel
Jet A
Customs
Available
FBOs
2 available

Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at JFK

Premium ground handling and concierge services on-airport.

Signature JFK

  • Full FBO
  • International Arrivals
  • Customs

SheltAir JFK

  • Premium Handling
  • Hangar
  • Fuel

Services at John F. Kennedy International Airport

What's available on-airport for arriving and departing private aviation clients.

24/7 Operations
US CBP Preclearance
Manhattan Transfers
Helicopter to NYC
International Connections
Private Suite Customs

Popular routes from JFK

Estimated flight times and typical aircraft for the most-flown corridors.

New York travel information

Essential context for visitors arriving via JFK.

Essential information

Timezone
EST/EDT
Currency
USD ($)
Language
English
Weather
Continental, hot humid summers and cold winters

Nearby attractions

  • Manhattan – 45 minutes (15 min helicopter)
  • Brooklyn – 20 minutes
  • Hamptons – 1.5 hours
  • JetBlue T5 (commercial connections) – 5 minutes

Frequently asked questions: JFK

JFK vs Teterboro for private jets?

JFK is better for long-haul international flights with full US CBP preclearance, 4,423m runway accepting the largest aircraft, and connectivity to commercial onward flights. Teterboro (TEB) is the workhorse for domestic and shorter international routes, with closer Manhattan access.

What is The Private Suite by JFK?

The Private Suite is JFK's exclusive private terminal offering ultimate privacy with personal customs clearance in your own suite, direct ramp access, and limousine transfers. Available as a membership or per-use basis for commercial flights, and accessible to private aviation clients as well.

Can helicopters transfer to Manhattan from JFK?

Yes. Helicopter transfers from JFK reach Manhattan heliports in 15 to 20 minutes via Blade and similar operators. Standard ground transfers run 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic and Manhattan destination.

What aircraft can land at JFK?

JFK accepts every business aircraft type up to and including BBJ and ACJ commercial-derived business jets. The 4,423m runway is one of the longest in North America.

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