NYC’s Airports: How They Stack Up in the Latest Airport Rankings

The tradition of complaining about New York City’s airports is practically written into the city’s cultural DNA. From late-night comedy routines to everyday taxi conversations, New Yorkers love to grumble about their travel experiences. But a recent J.D. Power survey offers some objective insight into just how justified these complaints might be, revealing a nuanced picture of airport satisfaction across North America.

According to the 2025 survey, there’s actually good news for airports as a whole across the United States and Canada. Overall passenger satisfaction scores have climbed by 10 points on a 1,000-point scale, a significant improvement that experts attribute to thoughtful airport renovations and a revolution in food, beverage, and retail offerings. As Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality, and retail at J.D. Power explains, “Even though we’re seeing record numbers of travelers, many of whom are dealing with delays and cancellations, passengers are still enjoying their airport experiences.” This seems counterintuitive given the post-pandemic travel surge, but airports have responded by improving facilities and incorporating more local culture into their terminals, creating more authentic and enjoyable environments for travelers despite the crowds.

When it comes to New York City’s airports, the story becomes more complicated. JFK International Airport emerged as the city’s highest performer, securing a respectable 4th place ranking among “mega” airports. This relatively strong showing reflects the substantial investments made in expanding terminal spaces, streamlining security processes, and upgrading dining options throughout the sprawling Queens complex. However, even with these improvements, JFK hasn’t completely shed its challenges – passengers still contend with the inevitable crowding and wait times that come with being one of the world’s busiest international gateways. The airport seems caught in that familiar New York paradox: impressive by objective standards, yet still frustrating in daily experience.

LaGuardia Airport, which has undergone a widely celebrated $8 billion transformation in recent years, delivered surprisingly mediocre results in the survey. Categorized as a “large” rather than “mega” airport, LGA ranked 17th out of 27 in its class – a middling performance that might perplex those who’ve witnessed its dramatic physical makeover. The disconnect between LaGuardia’s gleaming new infrastructure and its passenger satisfaction scores suggests that beautiful architecture alone doesn’t necessarily translate to a seamless travel experience. Despite Governor Kathy Hochul and the Port Authority’s proud declarations about LaGuardia’s renaissance, travelers appear to be sending a message that operational improvements still need to catch up with the aesthetic ones. The airport that was once compared to “a third-world country” by then-Vice President Biden has certainly improved its appearance, but apparently still has work to do on the fundamentals of passenger experience.

Newark Liberty International Airport, technically a New Jersey facility but considered part of New York’s airport system, confirmed its notorious reputation by landing dead last among mega airports in the survey. This dismal showing comes despite significant investment in a new terminal and ongoing renovation projects designed to modernize the aging complex. Newark’s struggles appear particularly acute in the wake of widespread cancellations earlier this year, with passengers reporting persistent issues with congestion, extended wait times, and overall operational inefficiency. The airport’s position at the bottom of the rankings provides cold comfort to New Yorkers who have long considered it the least desirable option among the region’s three major airports, validating years of anecdotal complaints with hard data.

For travelers seeking airport excellence, the survey offers clear guidance on where to find it across different airport categories. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport retained its crown as the top mega airport for the second consecutive year, followed by Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. In the large airport category, John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California held onto its top position, with Tampa International and Dallas Love Field completing the top three. Meanwhile, Indianapolis International Airport continued its remarkable run as the nation’s best medium-sized airport for the fourth consecutive year, with Ontario International (California) and Buffalo-Niagara International rounding out that category’s leaders. These consistently high-performing facilities demonstrate that exceptional airport experiences are possible in America – they just might require a connection outside of New York to enjoy them.