JFK’s T8 expansion will bring together a mix of global luxury names, New York City icons and emerging local businesses.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) have announced 24 new duty free and food hall brands set to open at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 8.

The additions form part of a $125 million commercial redevelopment programme, with all leasable retail and dining space now fully awarded and new concessions beginning to open in phases through Q1 2026.

The expansion will bring together a mix of global luxury names, New York City icons and emerging local businesses – a combination designed to elevate the passenger experience and celebrate the city’s diverse culture.

The Boroughs Food Hall to showcase New York’s culinary diversity

A key highlight of the redevelopment is The Boroughs Food Hall, operated by a joint venture led by MERA US alongside small businesses including New York City-based Tsion Enterprises, Texas-based Food Cycle LLC and Massachusetts-based South River Partners.

The concept will deliver a one-of-a-kind dining experience with local specialties, street food, upscale dining and comfort classics, featuring standout local operators such as Cobblestones, Black Star Bakery & Café, Mito, Naya, Flavortown Kitchen, BKLYN Blend, Bagel Boss and Le Petit Gourmet.

MERA US Division President Rafael Aguirre said, “For this innovative space, we’ll bring together a curated selection of culinary offerings from renowned local and global brands, ensuring every traveller can enjoy fresh, high-quality meals while on the go. The food hall is a testament to our commitment to providing passengers with both exceptional convenience and a taste of the diverse flavours that New York has to offer.”

These latest new openings will form part of a $125 million commercial redevelopment programme.

Duty Free gets a makeover with Avolta’s Dufry concept

Terminal 8’s duty free offering will be operated by Avolta’s Dufry, which is introducing a refreshed retail environment inspired by New York City’s open-air markets and neighbourhoods.

The new line-up includes high-end boutiques such as Longchamp, Marc Jacobs, Lacoste, BOSS, TAG Heuer, Breitling and Montblanc, alongside a Suncatcher sunglasses concept and beauty zone featuring Dior, Lancôme, Estée Lauder, Kiehl’s, La Mer, YSL and Charlotte Tilbury.

Specialty spaces will include W. 12th St. Market, The Park @ T8, BKLYN Shopping and The Connoisseur Collection, which will house Blinded Tiger, a speakeasy-inspired bar concept that nods to New York’s Prohibition-era drinking culture. Avolta will also introduce Pre-Loved Luxury, offering upcycled leather goods and fine watches.

Avolta North America President and CEO Steve Johnson said, “We have an ambitious vision to redefine the duty-free shopping experience at Terminal 8 and are proud that the Port Authority, URW and American Airlines share that vision. This is a pivotal moment in JFK’s evolution, and it is an honour to be selected as the partner that will transform T8.”

The new line-up includes high-end boutiques such as Longchamp, BOSS, TAG Heuer and Breitling.

Local icons join the line-up

Adding further depth to the food and beverage mix, the iconic Bowery Meat Company and Queens landmark Neir’s Tavern, one of New York’s oldest operating bars, will join the terminal’s dining collection. Additional operators include Singas Pizza, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s and three Currency Exchange locations by 100 percent woman-owned business Susan Druckman.

Amanda Zhang, American Airlines Vice President of Corporate Real Estate, commented, “We are excited to transform the food hall and create an all-new duty free to modernise the customer experience at JFK Terminal 8. The additional brands announced today continue to showcase our partnership with the Port Authority and URW to bring the culture and community of Queens, New York City and New York State to Terminal 8.”

Transforming JFK into a world-class gateway

The Terminal 8 redevelopment forms part of JFK’s wider $19 billion transformation, which includes major investments across Terminals 1, 4, 5 and 6. Privately financed in partnership with the Port Authority, the programme aims to deliver one of the most comprehensive airport upgrades in the world.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, “Terminal 8’s new line-up featuring food and beverage concessions and shopping experiences from around the region as well as notable global brands will create a passenger experience that is uniquely New York and best in class.”

URW’s Vice President, JFK, Ian Carter, added, “This bold line-up embodies our commitment to creating destinations that bring together the best cuisines and shopping venues reflective of Queens and New York City, iconic global brands and unique products and experiences to benefit our customers and our communities.”

With over 60 new concessions opening in phases through early 2026, JFK Terminal 8 is positioning itself as both a retail and cultural showcase, where local heritage and global luxury meet under one roof.

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