Airports across the United States are undergoing significant improvement projects aimed at addressing increasing passenger demand, operational challenges, and the need for modern infrastructure. Five major airports—Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport—are currently at the center of large-scale construction and renovation efforts.
At Boston Logan International Airport, a safety-focused project is underway on Runway 09/27. The runway is closed until mid-November 2025 for the installation of a new FAA-compliant Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) and related safety work. This system, described by local officials as "a bed of crushable blocks, akin to a highway truck-arrestor that decelerates aircraft that overshoot or undershoot the runway," is designed to prevent aircraft overruns. The closure is expected to reduce the airport’s peak arrival and departure rates, particularly when winds favor the affected runway, and may cause delays during busy periods. The project is estimated to cost around $110 million, primarily funded by the Federal Aviation Administration.
John F. Kennedy International Airport is undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment, with several terminal projects in progress. The New Terminal One, a 2.6 million-square-foot, 23-gate complex, will be phased in from 2026 and become the airport’s largest international terminal. Terminal 6, a $4.2 billion project led by JFK Millennium Partners, will add 10 gates and connect to JetBlue’s Terminal 5, with completion expected in 2028. Terminal 4, home to Delta Air Lines, has recently finished a $1.5 billion expansion, consolidating Delta’s operations and adding 10 gates. Terminal 8, used by American Airlines and British Airways, also completed a $400 million upgrade. These efforts aim to improve capacity, reduce congestion, and enhance the passenger experience.