JFK’s New Terminal One to host Qatar’s 1st US lounge: Which other airlines are moving there?
August 22, 2025
Qatar Airways has announced it will base operations out of the New Terminal One (NTO) at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in 2026.
It joins a growing list of airlines that will occupy the new state-of-the-art terminal. In its announcement, Qatar Airways also revealed that it will build its first dedicated lounge in the United States at NTO.
The airline cited the new terminal’s “modern architecture, light-filled spaces, and advanced technology” as distinctive features that will ensure a “seamless and relaxing customer journey” for its customers.
Qatar Airways 1st US Lounge at JFK’s New Terminal Lounge
Qatar Airways’ new exclusive 15,000-square-foot lounge will offer guests direct access to the boarding gate.
“The new facility will provide an elevated experience featuring premium food and beverage options and best-in-class amenities including VIP check-in services, relaxation zones, prayer rooms, children’s play areas, premium dining options, and duty-free shopping for Qatar Airways Business Class passengers,” the airline shared.
“We, at Qatar Airways, look forward to launching our operations at JFK Airport’s New Terminal One and welcoming Qatar Airways Business Class passengers to our first-ever exclusive lounge in the US,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
“Our new state-of-the-art lounge will provide an enhanced experience at each touchpoint and complement our industry-leading Business Class travel experience. From dedicated airport transfers to VIP check-in to the finest of retail and dining options, premium passengers will be offered the World’s Best service at New Terminal One.”
What’s in the $19 billion New Terminal One?
The New Terminal One is part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion investment to transform JFK Airport. The project includes adding two new terminals, modernising and expanding two existing terminals. It will also make it easier for travellers to reach the airport with a new ground transportation centre and a simplified roadway network.
The New Terminal One accounts for $9.5 billion of the project’s budget. It is built on sites occupied by JFK’s Terminal 1 and the former Terminals 2 and 3, anchoring the international airport’s south side.
Construction of the New Terminal One kicked off in September 2024. The terminal is scheduled to open in phases starting in 2026 and is expected to be completed by 2030. Phase A of the NTO’s opening is planned for June 2026, with a new headhouse and 14 widebody gates.
When completed, it will be the largest terminal at JFK, with a total footprint of 2.6 million square feet enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows. The completed terminal will have 23 gates and more than 300,000 square feet of retail, dining, and lounge space.
Airlines announced as moving into the New Terminal One at JFK
Airlines will begin their transition to the new terminal upon completion of Phase A. So far, 17 airlines have announced their move, many joining their alliance partners at the new terminal.
- Air China
- Air France
- Air New Zealand
- Air Serbia
- China Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- EVA Air
- Gulf Air
- KLM
- Korean Air
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Neos
- Philippine Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- SAS
- Turkish Airlines
Lounges announced at JFK’s New Terminal One
In addition to Qatar Airways, other airlines have announced they will build new lounge facilities at the terminal.
Last year, Korean Air revealed it would build a 16,000-square-foot lounge at the New Terminal One. It will be one of the largest in Korean Air’s global network, outside of its lounges at Seoul Incheon Airport. The airline teased that the lounge will feature a show kitchen and bar, with fresh meals prepared in the on-site kitchen.
“We are delighted to announce our plans to launch a new lounge at The New Terminal One (NTO) at JFK,” says David Pacey, Executive Vice President & Chief of In-flight Service and Lounges at Korean Air.
“This premier facility, with panoramic airfield views, will offer our customers departing from New York an elevated experience, featuring top-notch technology and service. We look forward to collaborating closely with NTO as we prepare for the unveiling of this state-of-the-art lounge in 2026.”
Turkish Airlines also announced plans to open a new 11,000-square-foot lounge at JFK’s New Terminal One last year. The new lounge will feature “premium amenities, expansive views of JFK Airport’s airfield, and provide direct boarding access to aircraft,” the airline stated.
The Port Authority also issued a request for proposals last year from operators for two common-use lounges in the terminal. The largest will be a post-security 9,100 square feet lounge, near the security checkpoint and at the centre of the terminal’s headhouse. A second pre-security 4,000-square-foot lounge will serve both international arriving and departing passengers.
