New York airports win ACI‑NA award for best airport websites
New York’s four commercial airports have been named the 2026 Airports Council International–North America winners for best airport websites. The award was announced on 30 October 2026 and applies to travellers using the JFK, Newark, LaGuardia and Stewart airport sites.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Four New York airport websites win the 2026 ACI‑NA Best Airport Websites award
- Timing
- Award announced on 30 October 2026
- Who is affected
- Travellers accessing the JFK, Newark, LaGuardia and Stewart airport websites
The details
- Announced by
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- Takes effect
- 30 October 2026
- Previous rule
- Before the redesign, the four airport websites had not received the ACI‑NA Best Airport Websites award.
- New rule
- The websites of JFK, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia and New York Stewart International airports have now been awarded the 2026 ACI‑NA Best Airport Websites prize.
Award Announcement
On 30 October 2026 the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey disclosed that its four commercial airport websites earned the 2026 Airports Council International–North America award for Best Airport Websites. The accolade recognises excellence in design, communication, accessibility and navigation across nearly 500 submissions.
Digital Transformation Features
The award follows a major redesign that introduced airport‑specific artificial‑intelligence assistants on each site. These assistants draw on curated knowledge bases maintained by subject‑matter experts and retrieve real‑time operational data such as flight details, security wait times and facility information. They can answer queries about restaurants, dietary options, prayer rooms, pet relief areas and accessibility services, adapting responses as the conversation evolves.
- AI assistants are airport‑specific, not generic chatbots
- Information is pulled from verified government and airport sources
- No personal data is stored; assistants do not process payments or reservations
Industry Context
The recognition highlights a shift in airport competition toward digital customer experience. While San José reported over 13,600 AI‑assisted passenger conversations and Boston introduced a multilingual holographic avatar, New York’s strategy focuses on integrating comprehensive information across web channels before passengers reach the terminal. The award underscores the relevance of these tools ahead of major travel periods such as the 2026 World Cup and America250 events.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travellers can use the updated airport websites for real‑time flight, security and facility information before arriving at the terminal
- No changes to existing flight bookings or itineraries result from the award
Cost and documents
- There are no new fees associated with accessing the AI assistants on the websites
- No additional documents are required to use the digital services
What you need to do
- Check the official JFK, Newark, LaGuardia or Stewart website for the latest operational information
- Monitor the sites for any future updates to AI assistant capabilities
Who this affects
-
Passengers using JFK, Newark, LaGuardia or Stewart websites
These travellers rely on the airport websites for pre‑travel information and now benefit from award‑winning digital tools
What to do Use the websites to obtain real‑time guidance; no further steps required
-
First‑time visitors to New York metropolitan airports
The AI assistants provide personalised navigation and facility details that reduce uncertainty for unfamiliar travellers
What to do Ask the website assistants about terminal maps, accessibility options and amenities
-
Travel agents planning itineraries to New York
Agents can reference the award‑winning sites for accurate, up‑to‑date airport information when advising clients
What to do Incorporate website data into client briefings; no additional documentation needed
Frequently asked questions
What award did New York airports win in 2026?
The four commercial airports—JFK, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia and New York Stewart International—won the 2026 Airports Council International–North America Best Airport Websites award, announced on 30 October 2026.
When was the award announced?
The award was announced on 30 October 2026 by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Do the new AI assistants store personal data?
No, the assistants do not process payments or reservations and do not save personally identifiable information, according to the Port Authority’s July announcement.
Can I use the AI assistants on a mobile device?
Yes, the airport‑specific AI assistants are accessible through each airport’s website, which is mobile‑friendly and provides real‑time operational information.
Will the award affect my flight bookings?
The award recognises website design and digital services only; it does not change flight schedules, ticket prices or booking procedures.
