From Terminal to Takeoff: Why Brands Target Flyers at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark

2024: The Busiest Year Ever for New York City’s Airports

Passenger traffic at New York City’s airports has soared to historic highs. In 2024, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) announced a record-breaking 145.9 million passengers across its four powerhouse airports: JFK, LGA, EWR and SWF. These airports, where Clear Channel Outdoor’s Airport Division (CCO) is the exclusive media partner, now serve 52.3 million international travelers annually, surpassing pre-pandemic peaks and cementing New York City as one of the world’s premier gateways.

$30 Billion to Transform the Travel Experience

To elevate the passenger journey, PANYNJ has invested $30 billion into transforming its airports into world-class hubs designed for scale, storytelling, and brand immersion. These modernized spaces not only move record numbers of travelers, but they also offer brands access to an affluent, global audience. NYC airports are no longer just places to pass through; they are setting the bar for modern aviation and consumer engagement.

A Global Benchmark for Airport Excellence

New York’s airports are gaining global recognition for their bold reinvention. The following upgrades reflect a new era of airport design, and set the stage for immersive advertising opportunities delivered through CCO:

Inside NYC’s Four Powerhouse Airports

Each of the four NYC airport offers a distinct audience profile and CCO’s media is designed to help advertisers connect with these travelers in meaningful ways.

JFK is the pulse of international air travel and a magnet for global and luxury brands. As both a retail and cultural gateway, JFK connects a worldwide audience to renowned shopping and flagship stores plus unique experiences. From Jägermeister to T.J. Maxx, experiential activations turn JFK into a high-impact platform where brands can forge lasting, personal connections. With large-scale takeovers like the Disney Tunnel or Christian Dior domination, CCO helps brands transform the airport into an immersive storytelling space.

Just across the river from Manhattan, EWR is a major hub for both New Jersey and New York travelers. While it attracts a broad mix of national advertisers, it’s also become a favorite for hometown brands. Local heavyweights like Rutgers University, Audible and Middlesex County have made their mark with bold, multi-touchpoint campaigns that dominate the terminal and connect directly with travelers in powerful and memorable ways.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is just 8 miles from Manhattan, making it the airport of convenience for business travelers and city dwellers alike. Its curated media landscape features everything from Broadway plays to B2B tech and fashion – reflecting the city’s diverse, fast-moving audience. With bold, high-impact placements that captivate without overwhelming, LGA delivers premium brand exposure within a stunning, modernized space tailored to the discerning New York traveler.

Just 60 miles from New York City, Stewart International Airport (SWF) is an economical, convenient alternative to the more trafficked PANYNJ airports. Breeze Airways’ 2024 launch expanded service to major destinations, driving a 9% year-over-year passenger increase. For advertisers, SWF delivers airport-wide coverage with guaranteed 100% share of voice in high-traffic areas.

Leading the Future of Air Travel

As NYC’s airports break records and push innovation’s boundaries, they’ve become more than city gateways, they’re the future of air travel. Through visionary investment, award-winning design, and CCO’s expansive media network, JFK, LGA, EWR, SWF are redefining what’s possible for brand storytelling in transit environments.

^{Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Skytraxratings; Airports Council International, 2025}