A new $270 million consolidated cargo handling facility has officially opened at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens. Developed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in partnership with Realterm and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), the 350,000-square-foot facility consolidates operations previously spread across four separate zones. The structure is the first new cargo hub built at JFK in 25 years and represents the initial phase of the Port Authority’s larger plan to redevelop the airport’s north cargo area. The facility is being operated by WFS.
Photograph of new consolidated cargo handling center at John F. Kennedy International Airport, courtesy of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The new facility replaces two outdated buildings and spans 26 acres. It is designed to streamline cargo operations, reduce truck congestion, and free up land for future development. Among its features are an advanced truck dock management system that leverages real-time scheduling and digital communication to minimize queuing and idle wait times. The center also includes JFK’s first dedicated temperature-controlled space for pharmaceuticals and perishables, with 3,000 square feet of cooler storage.
Sustainability is a core component of the new facility, which includes electric forklifts, EV charging stations, and automated systems to reduce energy use. The project surpassed its MWBE participation goals, with over 42 percent of construction contracts awarded to minority and women-owned firms. It is expected to create 100 new permanent jobs, prioritizing local hiring through community outreach and partnerships.
Photograph of new consolidated cargo handling center at John F. Kennedy International Airport, courtesy of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
JFK handled 1.67 million tons of cargo in 2024, solidifying its position as a major hub for high-value goods and international e-commerce.
“Queens continues to grow and with it, so must our airports,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “As we invest nearly $20 billion into the redevelopment of Kennedy Airport, upgrading the facility’s ability to handle cargo here in the nation’s biggest city, both by population and by economy, is just as important as adding new passenger amenities. With Building 260, we’re doing just that, and I couldn’t be more excited to cut the ribbon on it today.”
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Who paid for this? Hopefully not New York State.
It says it was a joint project of the PANYNJ and a private company, What did you miss?
So, the tax payers of Ny and NJ.
I know the saying that’s there’s no such thing as a wrong question, but sometimes there is such a thing as a dump question when someone is just being ridiculous. So you’re saying that The Port Authority shouldn’t pay for building port facilities?
Why isn’t that roof loaded with solar panels?
Sounds like a ripoff as always when govt is involved probably cost 100 million and rest was gifted away
And you know this how? How much should it cost?Please enlighten us plebians who are not experts like yourself. It states that the project covers 26 acres of land and 350,000 square ft of space, including 3000 sqft of cold storage.
Reader name doesn’t suit you well cause if you do some research before commenting you can actually look up how much warehouse space cost to build or rent for that matter to see that the number is outrageously high and yea covers 26 acres of land do you even realize how big that is for just 1 warehouse with “cold” storage that’s just refrigerated.Would you like for me to look up and post how much a 350,000 sq foot storage building costs so then you can see
A 350,000 square foot warehouse can cost anywhere from $11,900,000 to $26,250,000 to build. This range is based on a cost per square foot of $34 to $75, which includes factors like construction method, materials, and location. Here you go for the plebians and this is a simple search
A joint venture between Invesco Real Estate and The Hampshire Companies has secured $34.5 million to construct a two-building warehouse and distribution center at 30 Cross Street in Bogota, New Jersey. When complete, the development will comprise 187,530 square feet spread across 11.7 acres. And another one for you Reader this was posted here on NY yimbys site so doesn’t take a genius to see 270 million dollars is way more than what it should cost