Airport operator Aena recorded a +2.1 % increase in retail revenue in the first quarter of 2026, below the +3.2% traffic growth in its Spanish network, which reached 65.6 million passengers. This follows the same downward trend set in FY2025.
Across the entire group – including Spain, London Luton Airport, and Aena Brasil – the company served 81.3 million passengers, up 3.8% from 2025.
Within the retail division, which delivered revenue of €263.07m/$308m*, the group saw another contraction in income from its Avolta-operated duty-free stores of -0.7% to €131.7m/$154.4m. This was offset by growth in food and beverage (F&B) of +3.5% to €85.7m, and a surge in speciality shops revenue of +9.3% to €32.1m. The remainder of the retail division’s revenue was made up by other commercial services such as banking, baggage wrapping, telecoms, and vending machines (see chart below).
Image Credit: Aena
F&B and speciality shops drove Aena’s retail revenue in Q1.
Healthy net profit achieved on double-digit revenue rise
Overall, Aena recorded total consolidated revenue for Q1 of €1,480m, an increase of +11.6% year-on-year (YOY). The core revenue streams of aeronautical and commercial both rose by over +5% to €719.4m and €465.4m respectively. These increases were driven by traffic volumes, increased aeronautical charges (since March 2026), and improved commercial activity.
The result was a net profit (attributable to shareholders) of €329.4m for Q1 2026, up by +9.3%. At the gross operating profit level, EBITDA stood at €661.1m, rising + 2.7% YOY.
The biggest news in the quarter came on 30 March when Aena announced that, through its subsidiary Aena Desarrollo Internacional (ADI), it has been awarded the concession for Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão Airport, the city’s main air gateway, following a public auction.
Aena bid approximately €482.5m for the concession, which runs until May 2039. Part of the transaction cost will be paid out of Aena’s own funds, and the rest is expected to be financed by issuing debt with a local institution without recourse to the parent company.
The retailer’s campaign features a guaranteed prize for every qualifying entry.
The Shilla Duty Free has launched a Summer Catch & Win campaign at Singapore Changi Airport, featuring guaranteed prizes, instant-use return vouchers, and exclusive offers for transit passengers.
The retailer described the initiative as a great opportunity for travellers to make additional savings on top of duty free prices for premium beauty and fragrance products.
Running until 27 May 2026, the activation provides shoppers spending S$250 (US$195) or more in a single transaction with access to the Catch & Win game-based mechanic that guarantees a prize.
However, in order to drive early participation during the Labour Day travel period, The Shilla Duty Free has temporarily removed the minimum spend requirement until 3 May, after which the S$250 threshold will be reinstated.
Rewards are issued as return vouchers, redeemable immediately within the same shopping trip, with values ranging up to S$200 (US$156) per terminal. Lower-tier vouchers include S$10 and S$20 denominations, each tied to subsequent minimum spend thresholds.
In parallel, transit and transfer passengers can also enjoy a S$10 discount on purchases of at least S$100. Eligibility is contingent on presentation of both inbound and outbound boarding passes, and the offer is limited to participating stores.
Sheriff (above right) will succeed McOwan (above left) on 8 June 2026.
WHSmith North America has announced that Chief Development Officer Roderick “Roddy” McOwan is set to retire, following a planned transition period.
McOwan will remain with the company through the end of 2026 to ensure continuity of operations and partnerships. His successor will be Yasmin Sheriff, who will assume the role effective 8 June 2026.
McOwan joined the company in 2012. Following the transition, he will move into an advisory role, continuing to support the company and its relationships across North America.
“It is nearly impossible to overstate Roddy’s impact on the business we have today,” noted WHSmith North America CEO Huw Crwys-Williams. “We are deeply grateful for the expertise, integrity and steady leadership he has brought to WHSmith North America over the past 14 years.”
McOwan commented: “The harder you work, the luckier you get, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with some of the finest clients, joint venture partners, colleagues and the best team a leader could hope for.”
Sheriff brings extensive experience in airport business development to the role. She previously held senior leadership positions with HMSHost, Stellar Partners and OTG, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Global Business Development.
“We are excited to welcome Yasmin to the WHSmith North America team,” said Crwys-Williams. “Her depth of experience and proven leadership in the airport concessions space will be instrumental as we continue to expand our footprint.”
Ankara Airport drove most of the duty-free growth in Q1.
TAV Airports, part of France’s Groupe ADP, had solid growth in duty-free revenue of +12% to €14.4m/$16.8m* in Q1 2026, outstripping a passenger rise of +7% to 19m across the group’s entire airport estate. Catering services performed even better than shopping, up +17% to €45.5m/$ 53.2m.
The Turkish airport operator said that the duty-free revenue increase was “mainly driven by growth in Ankara Esenboğa Airport” (ESB), helping duty-free spend per head across the group to rise by 1%.
TAV has a 50% stale in ATÜ Duty Free (partnering with Unifree–owned by Gebr. Heinemann), and operating in Turkiye, Georgia, Tunisia, North Macedonia, Latvia, Oman, Galataport, and IGA, Istanbul’s main airport. ATÜ commenced duty-free operations in Antalya in 2025.
While the first quarter unfolded amid heightened global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, TAV’s mix of airports—five in Türkiye and six outside (see chart)— demonstrated the resilience of a diversified portfolio.
Image Credit: TAV Airports
Traffic across TAV’s airport estate in Q1 2026.
TAV Airports CEO, Serkan Kaptan, commented: “Our passenger traffic outperformed global averages. While growth has long been one of TAV’s defining strengths, our focus today is increasingly the quality and sustainability of that growth by prioritizing long-term value creation over volume alone.
He added: “Recent years have been marked by decisive progress in securing strategic concessions and finalising major investments that will underpin this value creation. Among these, the new concession agreement for Ankara stands out. It recorded a 23% increase in international traffic, supported by new routes and an expanding low-cost carrier presence.” FY2026 will be the first year in which ESB’s performance is fully reflected in TAV’s results.
New infrastructure at Antalya beds in
Image Credit: TAV Airports
Revenue breakdown in Q1 2026.
Meanwhile, Antalya (AYT) – where Avolta is the duty-free operator – has rolled out its full-capacity offering ahead of the peak summer season, supported by a new terminal, in operation since April 2025. “Beyond its financial contribution, the project exemplifies TAV’s core values as a partnership-driven organisation bringing together stakeholders around a shared long-term vision,” said Kaptan.
Elsewhere, Almaty Airport (ALA) in Kazakhstan had strong international traffic growth of +10% but a decline in domestic passengers of -7%, with a second phase of an investment programme remaining on schedule. Kazakhstan has ambitions to become a regional transfer and logistics hub, which has led to market liberalisation. “We believe that improved cost efficiency and competitive pricing will signal a higher underlying trend in traffic growth over the medium term. We therefore view 2026 as a transition year for Almaty, focused on strengthening aviation revenues and optimising operations,” noted Kaptan.
He added: “As we closely monitor geopolitical developments and market conditions, we have already begun shaping our next five-year horizon, with a clear emphasis on disciplined expansion, resilience, and long-term sustainability.”
Shilla’s downtown business grew in double digits in Q1.
One of Asia’s largest duty-free operators, South Korea’s Shilla Duty Free, has become profitable again in the first quarter of 2026 as its recovery programme pays off. The performance was helped by rising revenue and a focused approach to operational activities and disciplined cost reductions.
Based on unaudited results released by Shilla Duty Free’s parent company, Hotel Shilla, this week, the travel retail business saw strong year-on-year (YOY) revenue growth of +7% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching KRW884.6bn/$600.2m*. The operating profit during the period was KRW12.2bn/$8.3m, up from a loss of KRW5bn/$3.4m in Q1 2025.
The turnaround was helped by a double-digit revenue rise in downtown operations of +11.7% YOY, while growth in the airport segment was more modest, rising by +4.0% YOY.
Looking at the quarterly trend last year versus 2024, Q1 was stable, with the next two quarters registering reasonable increases. Q4 was the strongest quarter with revenue accelerating by +10.5% to KRW854.9bn. While the pace has slowed to +7% in Q1 2026, the return to profit is welcome news as it is the first quarter in the black since Q2 2024.
Image Credit: Hotel Shilla
Duty-free profitability returned in the first quarter.
Positive signs in the South Korean market
Shilla Duty Free – which operates downtown locations in Seoul and one in Jeju, plus almost 9,000sq m space at Incheon Airport (ICN), another 8,000sq m at Singapore Changi (SIN), and 3,600sq m at Hong Kong Airport (HKG) – has been the beneficiary of some positive market momentum.
There has been a revival in foreign visitors to Korea, with Q1 breaking records by reaching 4.67 million according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Meanwhile, Shilla DF’s K-pop strategy – like its rivals, Lotte DF and Shinsegae DF – has also been paying off, particularly with Chinese K-pop fanatics. A spokesperson for Shilla Duty Free also told TRBusiness last year that it was targeting certain high-value groups such as the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) market.
For Q2, Shilla DF will keep a close eye on how travel patterns and travel consumer profiles are changing, and adapt its marketing initiatives and product portfolio accordingly. Hotel Shilla said its duty-free arm would also continue to “focus on profitability recovery in response to changes in the internal/external environment and the travel retail market”.
BEAUTY&YOU by The Shilla Duty Free has launched a themed campaign with Line Friends at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), to mark the brand’s 15th anniversary. The initiative, titled “From BROWN to YOU – Pack the Joy at SHILLA”, runs until 6 July.
The campaign represents the first partnership between Line Friends and BEAUTY&YOU in Hong Kong, alongside the debut of the Line Friends Brown 15th anniversary celebrations across Hong Kong and Macau.
The partnership is said to offer travellers a one-stop shopping experience featuring photo opportunities, interactive surprises, and special collectibles.
Installations have been placed in the Level 7 Departures Hall near the north and south escalators, to increase visibility and passenger engagement post-immigration.
Additional elements have been introduced at the BEAUTY&YOU stores on Level 6 in the East Hall South near Gate 1 and East Hall North near Gate 5. Dedicated zones incorporate branded displays, digital screens and photo areas linked to the anniversary campaign.
Image Credit: The Shilla Duty Free
Customers spending HK$800 (US$102) are eligible to purchase the Line Friends Brown 15th Anniversary Special Edition Travel Kit at a promotional price.
Travellers who share content on selected social media platforms using campaign hashtags are eligible to receive limited-edition Line Friends Brown anniversary merchandise, including an anniversary handheld fan, subject to availability.
By following BEAUTY&YOU and Line Friends on Instagram, Facebook, Xiaohongshu or WeChat, travellers can receive an anniversary luggage sticker set and a HK$50 (US$6) shopping voucher and beauty gift coupon.
Retail incentives form part of the wider activation strategy. From 23 April, shoppers who spend HK$800 (US$102) or more are eligible to purchase the Line Friends Brown 15th Anniversary Special Edition Travel Kit for HK$159/US$20 (valued at HK$499/US$64).
Image Credit: The Shilla Duty Free
The “From BROWN to YOU – Pack the Joy at SHILLA” campaign aims to offer travellers a one-stop shopping experience featuring photo opportunities, interactive surprises and special collectibles.
The set includes travel accessories such as a passport holder, luggage strap and travel pouch. It will debut first at BEAUTY&YOU by The Shilla Duty Free stores at HKIA, before an online rollout via HKairportShop.com in mid-May.
Furthermore, travellers can enjoy discounts of up to 60% across more than 200 international beauty brands at BEAUTY&YOU, alongside fulfilment options including home delivery and arrival pick-up services.
The new retail concept features a flagship space from Boss.
Hyderabad International Airport has strengthened its travel retail offer with the launch of a new luxury shopping destination, bringing together a curated selection of leading global fashion and lifestyle brands.
The new retail concept features flagship spaces from Boss, Michael Kors, Brooks Brothers and Chanel, designed to elevate the passenger experience through premium, immersive environments.
Positioned as destination-led retail spaces, the stores aim to transform dwell time into moments of discovery and indulgence. Boss showcases its signature menswear collections, including tailored suits, casualwear, footwear and accessories, while Michael Kors brings its globally recognised range of handbags, watches and eyewear, targeting style-conscious travellers.
Heritage brand Brooks Brothers adds a classic dimension to the offer, presenting a selection of timeless American menswear spanning suits, shirts, knitwear and accessories. Meanwhile, Chanel completes the line-up with a curated assortment of fragrances, beauty and selected fashion accessories, combining heritage craftsmanship with contemporary appeal.
Spanning expansive, carefully designed retail areas, the new luxury zone introduces a more refined and cohesive shopping environment at the airport. The initiative reflects a broader shift towards premiumisation in travel retail, with airports increasingly focusing on high-end brand partnerships to enhance passenger engagement and overall experience.
With this latest development, Hyderabad International Airport continues to position itself as a key gateway for luxury retail in India, offering travellers an elevated, style-led journey from departure to destination.
A WHSmith blended retail store at London Heathrow Terminal 2.
UK-based travel retailer WHSmith has revealed sales of £748m/$1,007m in the half-year 2026 (to 28 February), up by +5% on a constant currency basis. However, the group’s H1 headline trading profit of £32m was down -32%% from £47m in the same period last year, while profit before tax and non-underlying items was down -86% to £3m from £21m.
Across the company’s three geographical regions, the UK grew by +2%, North America by +10%, and Rest of the World and Other by +8%, generating £392m, £204m, and £152m, respectively (see chart).
Conditions have not improved since the end of February. In the first seven weeks of H2 2026 trading, group like-for-like (LFL) revenue slowed to +2%. By geographic division, the UK delivered flat LFL revenue growth, reflecting a softening of the airport channel following disruption to flights to the Middle East. In North America, LFL growth fell to +2%, though the core ‘travel essentials’ business saw better LFL growth of +6%. The Rest of the World delivered LFL growth of +5%.
Image Credit: WHSmith
H1 2026 hit by store development
WHSmith H1 2026 revenue and % change by geographic division.
Within the UK, the airports business in H1 only grew by 1%, which the company says “reflects the expected trading disruption resulting from the division’s largest ever store development programme”. Since the beginning of the financial year, six one‑stop shops have opened ahead of the summer, including refurbished stores at Heathrow, Liverpool, Belfast, and East Midlands airports.
Over the past four weeks, WHSmith has opened three flagship stores at Heathrow’s terminals 3, 4 and 5. Each location showcases the full breadth of the company’s travel essentials proposition, including a health and beauty offer and in-store pharmacies. These new-format stores broaden the offer to customers and “will improve convenience and basket size, setting a new global benchmark for ‘travel essentials’, claims the company.
In North America, airports performed very well in H1, up by 15% at constant currency. However, the resorts stream contracted by -6% due to a continued reduction in visitors to Las Vegas. The trend has continued in the first seven weeks of H2 with resorts down -8%. WHSmith has begun a controlled exit of fashion stores and is reducing the number of speciality stores in the resorts stream. The North America division currently operates from 282 stores in airports (including 120 InMotion stores), and 80 stores across its resorts and rail streams.
At the headline trading profit level, the Rest of the World became loss-making in H1 2026, despite delivering total revenue growth of +8% (constant currency) and +6% LFL. The £4m loss after a profit of £2m in the same period a year earlier, reflects what WHSmith called “a challenging performance in some locations and the inflationary pressures on staff and logistics costs”.
These locations are part of a review of the division taking place now, while further investment will go into markets where the company has already scaled and has expertise. These include Ireland, Spain, and Australia to help strengthen profitability.
WHSmith makes profitable growth a priority
In a statement about the company as a whole, Leo Quinn, Executive Chair at WHSmith, said: “The immediate focus is to restore confidence and ensure the right foundations are in place to support profitable growth and long‑term value creation. Moving forward, the board and management team will have a relentless focus on driving cash, cost discipline and strengthening the balance sheet. As a first step, the board has taken the prudent decision to suspend the dividend.”
For the rest of the year, the company stated: “In light of the uncertainty arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the group is taking a more cautious outlook reflecting the impact on passenger numbers and weaker consumer confidence. At this stage, the group expects to deliver FY26 headline group profit before tax and non-underlying items of £90m – £105m ($121m – $141m).”
Terminal 3 is all set to receive its first passengers on Thursday.
Frankfurt Airport’s new Terminal 3 was officially opened today, bringing 64 retail units on a footprint of 12,000sq m into play at the world’s ninth busiest international gateway. Earlier this week, TRBusiness was invited by Fraport, FRA’s operator, to an in-person preview of the terminal and the architecturally spectacular concourse.
For departing passengers using T3 starting tomorrow – when non-Star Alliance airlines currently in T2 start a gradual move lasting until June – their first hint of the shopping offer will be a walk into a distinctive passageway post-security. Here, very colourful 3D-effect artwork from influential contemporary artist Tobias Rehberger is designed to excite. Art is an integral part of the terminal designed by Christoph Mäckler.
Exiting the 3D tunnel, the first shops in view are a Capi Electronics store and Sunglass Hut. Once inside the concourse, it is relatively easy for passengers to see the other stores and F&B concepts present. The departures lounge, also referred to as the non-Schengen central marketplace, is anchored by an Avolta-operated bar and grill called Origin. Located under a unique futuristic construction, it dominates the space, giving it a relaxed vibe.
Image Credit: Kevin Rozario
How to make an entrance. Artwork by Tobias Rehberger.
Surrounding Origin are 15 retail outlets, plus F&B destinations. On one side, they include luxury and prestige boutiques, including Boss, Montblanc, Polo Ralph Lauren, Weekend MaxMara, Falke, Longchamp, Christ, and a high-quality souvenir shop called Germany On My Mind, whose products include cuckoo clocks and Steiff toys, operated by Wöllhaf Group. The group also has a similar range in a shop called Germany’s Selection in Pier J.
Image Credit: Fraport
Avolta’s Origin bar is the centrepiece of the T3 marketplace.
On the other side are a Tumi store; Gatezero, the on-trend mixed-category boutique primarily focused on fashion that epitomises ‘cool’; a Lumas art store operated by Media Frankfurt as a test for a year with items starting at €250; Victoria’s Secret run by Turkey’s Setur; and the largest space in the terminal, the 1,700sq m duty-free shop operated by Frankfurt Airport Retail (FAR), the joint venture between Fraport and Gebr. Heinemann. Central to the store is the ‘beacon’ traffic stopper, a debut activation designed to lift cross‑category sales across liquor, tobacco, and confectionery.
Image Credit: Gebr. Heinemann
The beacon is designed to lift cross‑category sales across liquor, tobacco, and confectionery.
In Terminal 3, both airside and landside, Media Frankfurt also has media billboards that form part of the non-aeronautical strategy. Head of Marketing Angela Markovic said the LED screens in the check-in area are among the largest in Europe, each spanning 120sq m. Across the terminal, the screen portfolio is designed to integrate with the retail environment, creating new opportunities to extend brand visibility.
Image Credit: Fraport
The Polo Ralph Lauren store at T3.
Julia Kranenberg, Executive Board Member & Chief Human Resources Officer, with board responsibility for retail, commented: “The new terminal building is an outstanding setting for presenting brands and concepts. During the selection process, the retail team went out of their way to ensure concessionaires came up with unique designs and unmistakable accents.”
In reference to the German element of the offer, Fraport noted: “We attach great importance to ensuring a shopping experience that also reflects the local culture. We’re therefore showcasing our modern interpretations of ‘typically German’ and ‘typically European’. We’re at the heart of Hesse, Germany, and Europe, and we’re actively emphasising this.”
Debuting at FRA in T3 is the Change Group, which will operate five outlets and 12 ATMs. Under the Prosegur Change brand name, services include currency exchange, international money transfers, and tax refunds. Global Blue also provides a tax refund service at two locations in the terminal.
Two operators for Terminal 3 F&B
The 2,900 sq m F&B offer is split between two operators: Avolta, which has the higher-end units, and Lagardère Travel Retail. As well as Origin with fresh tapas and sushi, Avolta runs another 11 spaces in T3: in the non-Schengen central marketplace, the Schengen pier, and landside. Among those in the marketplace are a chic Italian restaurant named Sofia Loren, German home cooking from Hausmann’s, Asia Street Cooking, and an expected crowd-puller, Brot by Axel Schmitt, well-known in Germany for his expertise in bread‑making.
Image Credit: Fraport
There are two food courts in Terminal 3, operated by Avolta and Lagardére, which are close to the retail stores as shown here.
Lagardére TR has 10 spaces in the non-Schengen central marketplace, the non-Schengen pier, and in T3’s arrivals hall, as well as six additional spaces for “travel needs”. In its marketplace food court, which is more casual and family oriented, there are EL&N London units serving up coffee, cakes and other meals, and Burger King. The company also operates a large Relay store for travel essentials that includes a bakery.
Fraport noted that “both companies display an impressive innovative spirit and will greatly enrich the F&B options at the airport”. Kranenberg added: “We are expecting many international guests in T3 and have designed the terminal to meet their needs and provide an incredible experience.”
Nina Kristin Gür, Vice President, Retail Key Account Management at Fraport, told TRBusiness: “We actively decided not to have one master concessionaire for F&B in order to drive competition, quality and innovation. We were very involved in the conceptual planning and offered specific details of what we expected.”
Long-term ties – and extending FAR’s reach at Frankfurt
Many of the T3 retail brands will be familiar to FRA users. For example, Capi Electronics is a long-time concessionaire, as is Christ, which sells high-quality jewellery and watches. Sunglass Hut, Tumi and Longchamp are also well-established at FRA, and the Falke hosiery brand has been present at the airport for 12 years. Following a long break, Victoria’s Secret is also marking its return.
Image Credit: Kevin Rozario
The Lumas art shop is a trial operated by Media Frankfurt.
“The offering in Terminal 3 combines innovation with continuity,” explained Kranenberg. “We’re proud to host returning brands and extend our collaborations, some over many years. Fraport has a history of cultivating close cooperation with our concessionaires, supporting the evolution of their business models by jointly developing new ideas and working closely as a team – also in challenging times. We are delighted that so many well-known brands have renewed their commitment to our location.”
With the opening of T3, the FAR joint venture will increase its number of stores from four to a total of 23. The JV has recruited, on an exclusive basis, the Boss fashion label and Montblanc at the new terminal. FAR has also brought Gatezero to Frankfurt, its debut at a German airport. The shop targets young, affluent, lifestyle-inspired travellers with the latest in both luxury and street culture.
Image Credit: Fraport
Gatezero offers an eclectic mix of styles targeting younger travellers.
A deliberately limited landside offer
On T3’s landside, Fraport has prioritised processes to enable swifter check-in and flow of passengers into security. The retail offer is therefore limited to customer essentials. Two of the six convenience stores located in the publicly accessible part of Terminal 3 belong to the Relay chain from Lagardère TR, which also operates two food areas in the arrivals hall. Avolta runs two bars in the check-in area, plus a Burger King, Rewe To Go self-service supermarket, and a sandwich concept in arrivals.
Summarising the entire retail and F&B offer, Kranenberg said: “Our retail areas are exceptional in their diversity and quality and have been created to make the guest experience in our new terminal one to remember. We no longer regard Frankfurt Airport as just a transportation facility; we define it as an environment where people spend time and have unique experiences. Our carefully chosen retail mix is an important part of achieving this.”
PANYNJ, American Airlines, ASUR Airports, and Phoenix Infrastructure Group celebrated the completion of JFK’s T8 transformation on 21 April.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines, ASUR Airports, and Phoenix Infrastructure Group are celebrating the completion of John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 8 transformation with the grand opening of a $125 million commercial programme.
The major upgrade, unveiled on 21 April 2026, has given rise to more than 60 new dining, retail, duty-free and experiential concepts that reflect the ‘culture, tastes and creative spirit’ of the airport’s home borough and city.
There’s a total of 20 local dining and retail brands operating alongside global favourites, giving travellers passing thorugh T8 a distinctive Queens and New York City inspired experience.
The debut of the new commercial programme makes T8 the first completed terminal redevelopment project in the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK.
The commercial redesign follows the $400 million expansion and modernisation of the terminal, which was completed in 2022 by American Airlines, encompassing five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions, an expanded and upgraded baggage handling system and 130,000 square feet of new and refurbished space.
“Nearly a decade ago, the Port Authority unveiled its vision plan for the transformation of JFK International Airport into a world class global gateway that would once again be worthy of the city it calls home,” said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia.
“With the completion of Terminal 8 and the debut of its diverse, locally inspired commercial programme, we are giving passengers their first glimpse into what a new JFK will represent with a best-in-class experience from curb to gate.”Commented Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole: “Terminal 8 and its new, locally inspired commercial programme will create a unique sense of place that elevates the travel experience to what is now an enjoyable part of the journey.
“As we’ve done at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A, at LaGuardia Airport and now at JFK, the Port Authority is making historic investments with our private partners to create a passenger experience that will be among the best in the world.”
Image Credit: PANYNJ/American Airlines/ASUR Airports/Phoenix Infrastructure Group
Outlets such as Natchie and alchemy., operated by small, local, women- and minority-owned entrepreneurs, opened as part of the small business accelerator programme.
To build a ‘best-in-class’ concessions programme, the Port Authority and ASUR conducted outreach with local elected officials and community partners to attract local and diverse businesses, with ASUR going the extra mile by pairing local operators with leading brands and partners.Five graduates of the Port Authority’s Institute of Concessions, including the minority owners behind Bklyn Blend, Rincón Salvadoreño, Harisa Hot Honey, Beautiful Amore Skincare and the historic Neir’s Tavern, have joined Terminal 8 through licensing deals, product placement and joint venture partnerships, creating an authentic reflection of the surrounding communities.“We are proud to partner with the Port Authority, American Airlines, and our many suppliers, joint-venture partners and entrepreneurs to deliver a dynamic experience rooted in the heart of New York and built to set a new standard for what’s possible in an airport terminal,” said ASUR Airports VP, JFK, Ian Carter.
“By elevating local businesses and expanding opportunities for diverse operators, we are transforming the passenger journey and strengthening the neighbourhoods and communities that make New York City.”
Image Credit: PANYNJ/American Airlines/ASUR Airports/Phoenix Infrastructure Group
New retail destinations include W. 12th St. Market, Beauty on 5th, The Park @ T8, BKLYN Shopping, and an expanded collection of luxury boutiques.
Added Phoenix Infrastructure Group CEO and Founder Jeremy Ebie: “As a minority‑owned infrastructure firm ourselves, Phoenix Infrastructure Group is proud to help deliver a concessions programme that expands real opportunity for local, diverse, and emerging businesses.
“We are proud to deliver this terminal redevelopment with our partner ASUR Airports in sharing a joint commitment to people, place, and opportunity.
“Airports are among the most dynamic infrastructure assets and economic drivers a community can have, powering economic growth, connecting people to places, and creating meaningful development beyond the terminal.
“JFK is a tremendous asset, and it’s rewarding to see this transformation not only within Terminal 8 but also throughout the Queens community.”
The centrepiece of the redevelopment is The Boroughs Food Hall by MERA, featuring a mixture of beloved New York institutions and emerging local concepts, including Cobblestones, Black Star Bakery & Café, Mito, Naya, Flavortown Kitchen by Guy Fieri, Bklyn Blend, Bagel Boss, and Le Petit Gourmet.
The newly launched programme also features the first US airport locations of Eataly and Peach Palace by Momofuku.
Plus, T8 introduces some of New York’s most recognisable dining names, including Bowery Meat Company and the Black Tap portfolio of brands.
Travellers can discover local staples such as Black Tap Singles & Doubles, Black Tap Bar, Tender Crush, Zaro’s Family Bakery, Alidoro, Dos Toros Taqueria, Neir’s Tavern and Golden Krust – that’s on top of global favourites including Pret a Manger, Shake Shack, Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Jimmy John’s.
Image Credit: PANYNJ/American Airlines/ASUR Airports/Phoenix Infrastructure Group
The centrepiece of the redevelopment is The Boroughs Food Hall by MERA, featuring a mix of beloved New York institutions and emerging local concepts such as BKLYN BLEND.
Alongside the food hall, passengers can experience a completely reimagined duty-free environment created by Avolta’s Dufry team.
New retail destinations include W. 12th St. Market, Beauty on 5th, The Park @ T8, BKLYN Shopping, and an expanded collection of luxury boutiques featuring Longchamp, Marc Jacobs, Lacoste, BOSS, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Montblanc, premium designer sunglasses through Avolta’s Suncatcher concept plus Pre Loved Luxury offering jewellery, watches, and upcycled high-end leather goods.
The Connoisseur Collection introduces a curated selection of fine spirits, tobacco, and the terminal’s new hidden speakeasy, Blinded Tiger, while Bubbles on 5th weaves together fragrances with Champagne and wine.
Retail offerings include I Love NY, Dear NYC, iPorte, five Hudson stores, MAC and M&Ms. The new LEGO store features an extensive selection of LEGO sets and exclusive airport products, along with demonstration tables for hands-on play.
Natchie and Alchemy., operated by small, local, women- and minority-owned entrepreneurs, opened as part of the small business accelerator programme, which now includes The Collective, a curated retail concept bringing together independent New York brands.
Passengers can also enjoy upgraded amenities through Gameway’s immersive video lounge, the private workspace suites of Minute Suites and three local, woman-owned Currency Exchange locations.
Image Credit: PANYNJ/American Airlines/ASUR Airports/Phoenix Infrastructure Group
JFK T8 features a completely reimagined duty-free environment created by Avolta’s Dufry team.
“Being part of the commercial redevelopment of Terminal 8 is a significant opportunity to help shape the next era of the JFK passenger experience,” said North America, Avolta President & CEO, Steve Johnson.
“This project reflects a bold vision for modern travel, and we’re proud to contribute through a retail and dining programme that elevates local businesses, showcases New York’s culture, and delivers world‑class hospitality. Working alongside the Port Authority, American Airlines, ASUR Airports, and our local partners, we’re committed to creating a terminal that brings lasting value and pride to the community it serves.”
As American Airlines Vice President for Corporate Real Estate Amanda Zhang summarised: “Everything we do at Terminal 8 is rooted in one simple goal: making our customers’ journeys more enjoyable and more comfortable from the moment they arrive.
“This commercial transformation builds on our significant investment in Terminal 8 and reflects our relentless focus on improving the customer experience.
“By bringing together iconic New York brands, modern amenities, and thoughtful spaces, we’re creating an experience that feels welcoming, intuitive, and worthy of the customers who fly with us every day while also supporting local businesses, jobs, and the communities that make New York such a special place to travel through and call home.”
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