
Artist’s impression of Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s New Terminal One. Image credit: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Duty Free Americas’ (DFA) revenue climbed to $2.2 billion in 2024 – up from $2.07 billion achieved in 2023 – with growth driven by strong global expansion and the performance of key markets.
Falic Group President Leon Falic describes 2024 as a “transformative” time for the company – and it’s easy to understand why.
“A key milestone was our successful bid for JFK’s New Terminal One in New York [the contract was signed in 2025 and announced in April – Ed], with operations set to commence in 2026 – a strategic win that reinforces our ambitions in major global hubs,” he told TRBusiness. “We also launched new ventures across Europe, supported by the opening of a new European warehouse hub. In the Middle East, the launch of UETA MEA and the opening of our first Middle Eastern office and team in Dubai marked a significant step forward, establishing us as the only truly global diplomat supplier operating out of the region and further aligning with our international growth strategy.”
At the same time, substantial capital expenditure was allocated to driving growth in its Duty Free Americas stores. The investment is paying off; the stores are performing well, according to Falic.
“We have enhanced our store formats, expanded our presence, and improved the customer experience,” he explained.
“In Latin America, the market continues to grow and presents numerous untapped opportunities. We are particularly focused on diversifying our product categories and introducing new brands to meet evolving consumer preferences.”
All eyes on JFK T1
Being selected to operate the duty free programme at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) New Terminal One with its bespoke brand Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas is a major victory for the company. The retailer has worked closely with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New Terminal One, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield on plans for this element of the privately funded $9.5 billion development. Its New York skyline inspired retail concept will span nearly 20,000 square feet and anchor the World’s Runway retail district with a blend of global brands and local products. It’s the cash-and- carry proposition, however, that’s opening up a whole new world of opportunity for DFA and travelling consumers.

Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas, the New York skyline inspired retail concept, will span nearly 20,000 square feet. Image credit: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
“As the only international-only terminal in the US, it enables a true cash & carry model, removing the need for gate delivery and allowing passengers to take purchases onboard directly,” explained Falic.
“This marks a major shift in US duty free retail, offering greater convenience and aligning with global standards.”
From this angle, it’s a major notch in the belt for DFA with regards to more such opportunities in the future.

Falic Group President, Leon Falic.
“With the New Terminal One’s international-only enplanement structure, the terminal will be the only US airport to offer the benefit of cash & carry. However, we believe this model has strong potential to be replicated in future international-only terminals across the United States. The success of JFK’s New Terminal One will set a new benchmark,” continued Falic. “Duty Free Americas is exceptionally well positioned to lead in this space. With extensive global experience, a deep understanding of international best practices, and a proven ability to adapt to new retail environments, we are ready to introduce innovative, passenger-focused retail concepts. The flexibility and efficiency of the cash & carry model align perfectly with our ongoing commitment to enhancing and modernising the travel retail experience.”
Capital expenditure boosts border business
DFA’s border business has been streamlined with Falic confirming to TRBusiness in April last year that the company is no longer operating in Brazil. It is, however, performing “exceptionally” in Uruguay.
“We have been, as well, strengthening the US-Mexico and US-Canada border store business – a channel that has demonstrated exceptional customer loyalty, particularly in the post-pandemic period,” said Falic. “We see this as a unique advantage and are capitalising on it by continuing to expand our product offerings and allocating significant capital expenditure to drive growth in this area. Duty Free Americas is proud to be by far the largest landowner of border stores in the Americas, with a retail presence at every single land border crossing in the US.”
Special attention is also being paid to expanding the product mix.
“We have expanded into homeware, lifestyle products, fashion and jewellery, toys, perfumes and cosmetics,” detailed Falic. “We have also deployed the Falic Group own brand portfolio which is doing extremely well in categories like P&C, W&S and tobacco. These additions not only enhance the overall shopping experience but also position our border stores as comprehensive retail destinations – going well beyond the traditional duty free offering.”
From China to the Middle East
Beyond the Americas, operations in Macau, where DFA operates at The Venetian Macao hotel and casino resort and at Macau International Airport, are “holding steady”, confirmed Falic. “The spending patterns of the Chinese customer have shifted looking for promotions as a primary purchase motivation, and we are closely monitoring this trend, anticipating a further positive change this year.”
He went on to say: “We remain optimistic about a positive shift this year.”
In the Middle East, the Dubai-headquartered UETA MEA, a global supplier dedicated to serving diplomats worldwide which launched in November 2024, is advancing in a number of ways.

DFA at Tocumen International Airport, Panama.
“UETA MEA has been performing extremely well, exceeding expectations in its first year of operation with a clear focus behind the diplomatic channel,” confirmed Falic. “It has significantly strengthened our presence across the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent, laying a strong foundation for expansion into the region. We are also excited to share that the UETA MEA e-commerce platform dedicated to embassies and diplomats is launching very soon – a key step in enhancing accessibility and convenience for our customers while further reinforcing our omni-channel strategy.”
Looking to the future, DFA’s commitment to sustained expansion is the key driver behind its anticipated revenue growth in 2026.
Falic summarised: “With a network that now exceeds 270 stores across airports and border crossings, we are actively growing our footprint, supported by significant capital investment that fuels this strong trajectory. As we expand internationally, we are constantly evolving our product offerings and enhancing the customer experience to ensure every shopper enjoys a premium and engaging retail environment. This strategic focus will remain at the heart of our growth as we explore new opportunities and strengthen our presence throughout the Americas.”

A version of this feature first appeared in the Top 10 International Operators Report 2025. Click here to read.
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