Why go
Airport choice affects the first hours of a trip. JFK is a major international gateway in Queens, Newark sits across the Hudson in New Jersey with rail connections, and LaGuardia serves a busy domestic market. None is simply 'the New York airport': compare the flight, the final neighborhood, luggage, and the number of transfers before deciding.
The full story
New York's air network is regional. John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens is a major international gateway, Newark Liberty International Airport lies in New Jersey west of Manhattan, and LaGuardia is another principal airport serving the city. Each has a different relationship to the city's rail, road, and bus network, so an airport that looks farther away may still offer the more straightforward onward connection. Transfers between airports can take substantial time and may involve several changes, particularly by public transport. A taxi or car service can simplify luggage handling but remains subject to traffic. For any arrival, leave time for immigration or security procedures where relevant, then check the airport's current ground-transport options and terminal information. The useful comparison is total door-to-door time, not the flight price or map distance alone.