Flight Logic

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Islamabad International Airport vs New York John F. Kennedy International Airport

Detailed comparison of ISB and JFK on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.

Verdict

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 7.2/10. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport leads on lounges at 8.4/10.

Score comparison

Metric Islamabad International Airport New York John F. Kennedy International Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.4 7.2
On-Time Performance 7.2 6.8
Passenger Experience 7.3 7.0
Facilities & Comfort 7.7 7.8
Lounge Score 7.5 8.4
City Islamabad New York
Country Pakistan United States
Terminals 1 integrated terminal (New Islamabad Airport) 6 active terminals (T1, T4, T5, T7, T8 + T6 opening)
Annual passengers 8M+ 62M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy ISB — Islamabad JFK — New
Rail / public transport ——
To city centre ——
Lounge day pass ——
Min. connection time ——
Primary hub carriers ——

Detailed profiles

Islamabad, Pakistan · ISB · #1 in this comparison

Islamabad International Airport

1 integrated terminal (New Islamabad Airport) · 8M+ passengers/year

7.4 / 10

How good is Islamabad International Airport?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.2), passenger experience (7.3), and facilities (7.7). Lounge quality rates 7.5/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Islamabad ISB scores 7.4/10 — Pakistan capital gateway. PIA from MAN/BHX; Gulf hub connections via QR/EK. See /guides/uk-pakistan-flights-guide and /guides/islamabad-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.4 Very Good
On-time 7.2 Departure reliability
Experience 7.3 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.7 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.5 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.2
Passenger Experience
7.3
Facilities & Comfort
7.7
Lounge score 7.5/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK–Pakistan gateway for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and northern Punjab
  • PIA direct MAN–ISB and BHX–ISB; Gulf carriers via DXB/DOH most competitive on price
  • New integrated terminal (2018) — Marhaba and Priority Pass lounges
  • e-Visa or visa on arrival for UK passport holders — apply online before travel

Overview

Pakistan's capital gateway — PIA direct from Manchester and Birmingham plus one-stop via Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul for UK–Punjab and KPK VFR traffic.

UK VFR routing

Compare direct PIA vs one-stop Qatar/Emirates — Gulf carriers often cheaper in business with superior lounge product.

Allow 60+ min immigration at peak UK arrival banks (Jun–Aug, Dec–Jan).

New York, United States · JFK · #2 in this comparison

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport

6 active terminals (T1, T4, T5, T7, T8 + T6 opening) · 62M+ passengers/year

7.2 / 10

How good is New York John F. Kennedy International Airport?

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) scores 7.2/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.8), passenger experience (7.0), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

JFK (JFK) is New York's primary international airport, rated 7.2/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 4 has the deepest lounge mix (Delta, Virgin, Centurion, Priority Pass). Terminal 8 is American's flagship hub. Allow extra time — security and terminal transfers are slower than European hubs. See /guides/jfk-airport-lounge-guide-2026 for terminal-by-terminal access.

FlightLogic Score 7.2 Very Good
On-time 6.8 Departure reliability
Experience 7.0 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
6.8
Passenger Experience
7.0
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 8.4/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 4 is the international hub — Delta Sky Club, Virgin Clubhouse, Amex Centurion, and Plaza Premium
  • Terminal 8 hosts American Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club for AA long-haul departures
  • No unified post-security connector — lounge access is terminal-specific; misconnects often require re-security
  • FlightLogic lounge score 8.4/10 — among the strongest US airport lounge ecosystems when you depart from the right terminal

Overview

Primary US gateway for transatlantic traffic — terminal-specific lounges, fragmented airside connections, and strong premium options in T4 and T8.

Terminal layout and lounge access

JFK is split across six terminals with no single airside link between all of them. Your lounge options depend entirely on which terminal your flight departs from — Amex Centurion in Terminal 4 is useless if you depart from Terminal 8 without a long landside transfer.

Terminal 4 serves Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and many SkyTeam and international carriers. Terminal 8 is American Airlines' home. JetBlue Mint Lounge in Terminal 5 is among the best domestic US airline lounges. British Airways still uses Terminal 7 on select departures.

UK traveller notes

Most UK–JFK routes arrive into T4 (Virgin, Delta, BA on some flights) or T8 (BA, AA). For connections onward within the US, verify whether your itinerary stays airside or requires baggage reclaim and re-check — many JFK connections are not protected through a single terminal.

Global Entry and Mobile Passport can shorten immigration; TSA PreCheck helps on domestic connections. Pair with /guides/jfk-airport-lounge-guide and Heathrow guides for round-trip transatlantic planning.

More comparisons

Compare Islamabad International Airport (ISB) against 59 other airports
Compare New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) against 59 other airports
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FAQ

Which is better, Islamabad International Airport or New York John F. Kennedy International Airport?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 7.2/10. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport leads on lounges at 8.4/10.

Which has better lounges, ISB or JFK?

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) scores higher for lounges at 8.4/10, versus Islamabad International Airport at 7.5/10.

Which airport is more on-time, ISB or JFK?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) has stronger on-time performance at 7.2/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 6.8/10.