Major Overhaul at JFK: New Terminal One Set to Open in 2026

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is undergoing a monumental $19 billion transformation, with the highly anticipated opening of two new terminals set for next year. Among these, the new Terminal One is scheduled to debut in June 2026, promising to elevate the travel experience for millions of passengers.

Jennifer Aument, CEO of New Terminal One, announced the project’s progress during a recent event, revealing that the expansive 2.6 million square-foot terminal will accommodate at least 15 airlines, including major carriers such as Air France, China Airlines, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, and Turkish Airlines. The first phase will feature 13 gates, plus one temporary gate, marking a significant step in JFK’s evolution.

Manny Ciminiello, deputy general manager of JFK Airport at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, emphasized the scale of this project, noting that Terminal One alone is comparable in size to the combined new terminals B and C at LaGuardia Airport. The ambitious plans for JFK also include the new Terminal 6, which is expected to open in early 2026 and will serve airlines like Air Canada, ANA, Cathay Pacific, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, and Lufthansa.

In total, Aument anticipates that around 50 airlines will switch terminal locations at JFK in 2026, representing more than two-thirds of the airport’s total airlines. This comprehensive redevelopment, which includes enhancements to JetBlue’s Terminal 5 and American Airlines’ Terminal 8, aims to transform JFK from one of America’s least favored airports into a premier international travel hub.

JFK serves as the largest international air gateway to the United States, welcoming 17.5 million international travelers in 2024 alone—nearly 50% more than its closest competitor, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), according to U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics data.

Aument recently led one of the final hardhat tours of the new Terminal One, showcasing its impressive scale. The terminal is designed to integrate the JFK AirTrain, with the ticketing hall soaring above the aircraft ramp. The architectural design, inspired by a butterfly and reminiscent of a bowtie, features a light-filled, weathertight structure that is set to undergo interior outfitting soon.

Once completed, Terminal One will boast 300,000 square feet dedicated to dining, retail, lounges, and recreational spaces. Six lounges are planned, including five airside (post-security) and one landside for arriving travelers. While Aument has not disclosed the specific concessionaires yet, she hinted that they will feature both iconic New York brands and international cuisine.

A central highlight of Terminal One is the expansive third-floor ticketing lobby, which spans 100,000 square feet. The space is designed to intuitively guide travelers through the terminal, leading them to security and the gates beyond. The design emphasizes transparency, allowing travelers to see from the drop-off curb through to the aircraft apron, enhancing the overall journey experience.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint will feature 14 screening lanes located at the back of the ticketing hall, ensuring an efficient flow for travelers. Although artwork is currently absent from the under-construction space, Aument noted that a signature “Instagrammable” piece will be installed at the end of the central axis after security, with more art planned throughout the terminal, including a “celestial” installation in the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) hall.

Arriving international travelers will experience a unique customs process at Terminal One. Unlike many airports where travelers descend to a basement for border control, JFK’s design allows them to enter a bright third-floor customs hall filled with natural light. After passing through customs, travelers will then descend to the basement to claim their luggage and exit to the U.S.

The tour concluded at the baggage claim area, situated in the basement but designed to feel welcoming with high ceilings and modern lighting fixtures that will brighten the space upon completion.

Phase A of Terminal One will occupy the site of the former terminals 2 and 3 at JFK, with demolition of the existing Terminal 1—dating back to 1998—set to begin once Phase A opens. Phase B, which will add an additional 10 gates, is scheduled for completion in 2030.

As JFK continues to evolve, these changes promise to enhance the travel experience for millions, making it a more efficient and enjoyable gateway for international travelers. Whether you’re planning a trip abroad or welcoming visitors to New York, the new Terminal One is poised to redefine the airport experience in the years to come.