The nearest airport is in John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), located 8.5 mi (13.8 km) from the city centre. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to Newark, NJ (EWR-Liberty Intl.), which is 13.1 mi (21.1 km) away.
Catch a ride on the metro at Jefferson St. Station for ease of access to the rest of the city.