FIRST LOOK: JetBlue opens sprawling green rooftop at JFK International Airport

Today, JetBlue Airways opened the T5 Rooftop atop Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York. Designed by Gensler, the vegetated rooftop is open to everyone who clears security at the terminal and offers spectacular views of Manhattan and the adjacent TWA Terminal.

In keeping with the vision for all of Terminal 5, the design emphasizes well-being and offers customers unexpectedly delightful places to spend time at the airport. Even traveling pets will enjoy the park, as it boasts the first airside, post-security dog walk area on a rooftop.

The 4,046-sf rooftop includes landscaped green spaces, seating for 50 people, 400-sf children’s play area, and a 400-sf dog-walk area. Unlike other rooftop clubs at U.S. airports, the park is open to all customers who clear security at T5, not just VIPs or “elite-status” flyers.

Photo: © Paúl Rivera, courtesy of Gensler

“We are New York’s Hometown Airline, so T5 was designed to show off the pride we have for our city. We brought many elements of our city into T5, including the new T5 Rooftop," said Rich Smyth, vice president, corporate real estate, JetBlue.

“Gensler’s design strategy was to look for ways to make the most of moments that travelers take for granted, and part of that is seeking out spaces at the airport that designers typically overlook. The roof park is yet another way to surprise JetBlue customers with fun experiences that you don’t usually have at an airport,” said Gensler architect and Principal Ty Osbaugh.

Also on the Building Team: Arup, Turner Construction, and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Photo: © Paúl Rivera, courtesy of Gensler