‍NEW YORK — New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is in the middle of a significant transformation, with construction moving ahead on the New Terminal One. 

The project, which is priced at around US$19 billion (US$9.5 billion for Terminal 1 alone), is part of the Port Authority’s plan to bring the airport up to modern international standards. 

The first phase of the terminal is expected to open in 2026, aiming to provide airlines with a larger and more efficient base, as well as a much smoother travel experience for passengers.

Qatar Airways Leads the Way

Qatar Airways (QR) was the first airline to confirm it will move into the New Terminal One officially. The carrier has already revealed plans to open a 15,000-square-foot lounge, which will be its first-ever lounge in the United States.

The lounge is expected to feature private check-in, prayer rooms, fine dining, and relaxation spaces, essentially mirroring the airline’s premium inflight experience but on the ground. New York is a vital market for Qatar Airways, with around 18 weekly flights from JFK to Doha, and then on to its vast global network.

The airline’s CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in a statement: “Our move demonstrates the evolution of Qatar Airways’ long-standing commitment to connecting global travellers to New York and expanding our services in the destination integral to our network in the US.”

A Diverse Line-Up of Global Airlines

Qatar Airways won’t be alone. Several other international carriers will be shifting operations to the new facility, making it one of the most diverse terminals in the country. Here’s the list of carriers that have already signed on to move into the New Terminal One:

Europe:

• Air France (AF)
• KLM (KL)
• LOT Polish Airlines (LO)
• SAS (SK)
• Air Serbia (JU)
• Neos (NO)
  
  

Middle East & Africa:

• Etihad Airways (EY)
• Turkish Airlines (TK)
• Royal Air Maroc (AT)
• Gulf Air (GF)
  
  

Asia-Pacific:

• Korean Air (KE)
• EVA Air (BR)
• Philippine Airlines (PR)
• Air China (CA)
• China Airlines (CI)
• Air New Zealand (NZ)

For travelers, this means easier connections and much better facilities, while for airlines, it opens up access to a brand-new hub explicitly built for long-haul international traffic.

What the Terminal Promises

When the whole build is complete in 2030, the New Terminal One will cover about 2.6 million square feet, making it JFK’s biggest terminal. Its design plans highlight large check-in areas with natural light, streamlined security and immigration processing, and eventually up to 23 gates capable of handling widebody aircraft. 

On top of that, there will be an expanded dining and retail offering, with both luxury international brands and homegrown New York favorites. Project leaders have said the terminal is meant to be more than just functional; the goal is for it to reflect the character of New York itself.

A Strategic Move for Carriers

For the airlines, the relocation is more than just a convenience play. Moving into a modern, purpose-built facility gives them room to grow, a chance to provide better premium services, and more visibility in one of the busiest international markets in the world. 

Jennifer Aument, CEO of The New Terminal One, summed it up, saying: “It’s a very exciting year where we are moving from construction to actually seeing that customer vision come together. The actual external building is completed….If you go into site right now, you will see the baggage handling system running, and so it’s all working toward next summer, where we will open and welcome our first customers.”

“It’s about a public-private partnership, bringing the best of government and the private sector together to deliver what’s going to be a new standard; it’s very unique.” 

Looking Ahead

The first gates are expected to open in 2026, which is when passengers will begin noticing the changes first-hand. The transition of airlines will happen in phases, and the full completion is not expected until 2030. 

If everything runs as planned, the New Terminal One could not only modernize JFK but also reshape the way millions of travelers move through New York every year!

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