Port Authority launches redesigned airport websites with AI-powered travel assistants
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has launched redesigned websites for its four commercial airports, introducing airport-specific artificial intelligence assistants to help travelers find real-time information before and during their trips.
The updated websites serve John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and New York Stewart International Airport. The agency said the redesign simplifies navigation and gives travelers access to real-time flight information, security and customs wait times, parking availability, airport amenities and concession listings.
The new AI assistants, developed and trained by Port Authority staff, are tailored to each airport and can answer questions about topics including security wait times, dining options, accessibility services, pet relief areas and other airport amenities.
“Having a virtual assistant embedded into our airport websites gives travelers an easy one-stop shop for their questions about a particular airport, which is what digitally savvy travelers expect from their online search experiences,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said. “A truly useful website and web search shouldn’t require multiple click-throughs and endless scrolling.”
“Our new airport websites make it easier to find information when you need it, without an online scavenger hunt that may or may not be updated,” said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia. “We rebuilt our airport websites with the goal of helping first-time visitors coming here this summer for World Cup games and America250 events to navigate our airports. Beyond those millions of new visitors, locals who usually favor one specific airport in our large airport network will also find it useful to learn where they can get a Taylor Ham breakfast sandwich at Newark Liberty as a change from their usual New York bagel at JFK.”
“The airport experience begins before customers even arrive at our airports, so it was important to provide customers with website tools that make travel as simple and streamlined as possible,” said Sarah McKeon, the director of aviation at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “Researching the airport before a customer arrives can help to alleviate the anxiety of unfamiliar environments. Our upgraded websites and their AI assistants make planning easier, especially for anyone who has never been here before.”
According to the Port Authority, each AI assistant is trained using information specific to its airport and draws from a curated knowledge base maintained by airport experts. The assistants also access operational data and information from agencies including the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as live flight and concessions data.
The agency said the AI assistants do not process payments or reservations and do not save or store personally identifiable information.
Additional website features are planned, including an airport experience planner that will provide customized recommendations based on travelers’ needs and, at JFK, live AirTrain departure times.
The redesigned websites are part of the Port Authority’s broader effort to modernize the customer experience as major redevelopment projects continue at JFK, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia and New York Stewart airports.
