A man sleeps on a New York subway train, April 13, 2020. © REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
(Queens, NY) – Over 20 years ago the AirTrain at JFK launched, providing a way to get to and from the airport — without battling vehicular traffic. But the experience has become a symbol of urban blight in a different way, with hundreds of homeless making the AirTrain terminal their de factor home. That’s particularly true during the winter months, and when bitter cold sets in — much like what New York City is experiencing right now.
Dozens of homeless New Yorkers bed down in the JFK terminal each night, meaning air travelers must navigate those individuals while handling luggage and trying to follow an itinerary. It’s also been reported that many of these homeless aggressively panhandle — with some vagrants demanding money, event attempting to walk travelers to nearby ATMs. All the while, Port Authority cops reportedly do not intervene.
The New York Post interviewed a number of beleaguered travelers there at the terminal, with Michael (who was returning from Florida) saying: “The second we came in the station there was guys yelling, ‘Can you buy me something?’ All the cops did nothing while that guy followed us, asking us for money. The entire time, wouldn’t leave us alone. I told him I had no cash and he was telling me to take something out and pointing to ATMs.”
God forbid you have to use the bathroom while at the terminal, they’re more or less unusable given the amount of homeless camped out there. Stalls are routinely occupied by homeless who are either sleeping inside or doing who knows what. Arata is a 69-year-old newsstand worker who says: “Yes, it’s a problem. There are four or five homeless outside here every day. They confront customers. No, the police do not make them move.”
Both the New York City subway system and LIRR trains link to JFK Airport via the AirTrain. Aishik Deb, a Stony Brook University student, told The Post: “I think the city should definitely do something.”
It’d be one thing if this was truly just a bitter cold, winter months problem. But reports say the AirTrain issue persists even on milder days. The Daily Mail notes 50 degree days from earlier in January also saw large encampments of homeless inside the terminal.
The Posts reporting also spoke to several homeless individuals, such as Griffin, a 67-year-old man who lives many of his days in the AirTrain terminal. He prefers it over traditional shelters: “The shelter is no good. They pick you clean. You can’t even let your shoes dry without somebody taking them. Then you walk around in socks. Now you’re in trouble. This is alright. Don’t act the fool and it works out. They don’t bother anybody here. Getting too crowded now, though. Crazies up there. All night with the arguing and screaming, fighting in the bathroom.”
All of it puts a spotlight on New York City’s enduring homeless crisis, in which more than 158,000 homeless lived in the Empire State, as of 2024. That marked a 53% increase from the previous year. It also means for every 10 homeless people in the US, two live in New York. That’s based off the 771,000 homeless nationwide, as estimated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
HUD blames the high number on COVID-era backlogs, a severe shortage of affordable housing, ever-increasing rents, and the migrant crisis that exploded during the Biden presidency. Per every 10,000 New York residents, 81 are homeless. Estimates say New York City’s five boroughs are home to 140,134 homeless people.
As for the AirTrain terminal, homeless living there constantly is nothing new. One MTA employee told the Post: “This is what I’m used to.” According to Port Authority, they have police officers present at Jamaica station 24-7, and they routinely enforce rules against trespassing or “non-transportation use.” Outreach partners are tasked with outreach, such as Urban Pathways — who are supposed to connect homeless individuals with shelters, services, and healthcare options.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration does bring a new element into the mix, as he is an avowed socialist. He’s also already ended so-called “homeless encampment sweeps,” something Mayor Eric Adams embraced. Some say his “hands off” approach toward homelessness (or the “unhoused” as the politically correct dictionary requires) will exacerbate the issue. For example, he recently announced plans to set up 30 public toilets around the city — which many assume will soon be overrun by the homeless.
