Visitors arriving at one of America's busiest airports are receiving a jarring introduction to New York City, encountering groups of homeless people camped within the public transport hub.
A Troubling Welcome at the Transport Nexus
For travellers exiting John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) via the $8.50 AirTrain to Jamaica, Queens, the sight of homeless individuals and their belongings is now a common first impression. This station provides crucial access to the Subway and other transit options, serving as a gateway for thousands of tourists and residents daily.
A Metropolitan Transit Authority employee reported to the Daily Mail that the number of people sheltering in the station has grown noticeably over recent years. She attributed this rise to a lack of safe city shelter options, with many simply seeking warmth, especially during the harsh New York winter.
Tourist Perceptions and Systemic Failures
Irving Ruiz, a Queens resident who uses JFK several times a year, consistently observes homeless people in the terminal, particularly in winter and during daytime hours with lighter security. "It's the first sight for tourists," Ruiz remarked. "Let's say they're coming from... a nice country, and they'll see them here. It's not a good look for the city."
This issue compounds existing problems for JFK, which was ranked the sixth-worst airport in the US last year by Frommer's. The airport frequently tops lists for the longest security waits, most flight delays, and highest rates of mishandled luggage.
The scene at Jamaica Station underscores New York City's overwhelming homelessness challenge. According to USAFacts, NYC's homeless population exceeded 140,000 people in 2024, far surpassing Los Angeles (approx. 71,000) and Chicago (approx. 18,800).
Seeking Solutions Amid Shelter Distrust
Despite a legal Right to Shelter mandate, city shelters are often plagued by overcrowding and crime, leading many to view public infrastructure like the AirTrain station as a safer alternative. Travellers like Shannon Ferguson expressed empathy, noting shelter rules that restrict belongings can deter those with large bags. "I just wish it was easier to get services that are actually helpful to people," she said.
There is cautious hope that new Mayor Zohran Mamdani will address the crisis. In his first week, he repealed emergency orders from former Mayor Eric Adams that had suspended certain Right to Shelter requirements. Mamdani has since ordered officials to draft a plan to bring shelters into compliance with health and safety codes within 45 days and pledged to increase outreach through a new Department of Community Safety.
The Port Authority NY NJ, which manages JFK and the AirTrain, stated it works with partners to maintain a "safe, orderly, and welcoming environment" but is not immune to regional homelessness. The Port Authority Police Department conducts regular outreach with service providers to offer shelter and social services.
While interviewed travellers did not feel threatened, there was a unanimous consensus that the situation presents a poor first impression of New York City and that greater efforts are needed to provide meaningful assistance and relocation for its most vulnerable residents.
