John F. Kennedy International Airport is set to introduce a new Terminal 6, a $4.2 billion project slated for completion in 2026. Anticipated to revolutionize the travel experience for millions of passengers annually, the development is being undertaken through a collaboration between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners.

The consortium is responsible for constructing and managing the facility, with project leaders affirming that progress remains on track. The installation of the final steel beams is scheduled for this summer, paving the way for a partial opening in 2026.

In commemoration of one year since the commencement of construction, recently unveiled photographs showcase the magnitude of the project and the strides made in its advancement. Additionally, a collection of new concept images and a fly-through video have been released.

“Observing the emergence of the steel framework for the new Terminal 6 serves as a tangible indication that JFK’s evolution into a premier global gateway is firmly in progress,” stated Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority, in a statement.

In our commitment to seamless transportation, we frequently cater to the needs of individuals traveling from New York to Logan Airport for international flights, ensuring smooth transitions to their onward domestic connections. Not only do we provide reliable services to and from JFK Airport, but we also extend our taxi cab services to connect an array of diverse locations, offering convenience and reliability throughout our extensive service network.

What is the Estimated Completion Date for JFK Terminal 6?

The project is divided into two phases. The first five aircraft gates are scheduled to open in early 2026, followed by the remaining five gates by the end of 2028. Nine out of the ten gates will have the capacity to accommodate widebody planes. While JetBlue Airways is an investor in the project and will operate some services from Terminal 6, another major player will serve as the primary tenant. The Lufthansa Group will relocate from its current terminal to Terminal 6.

In addition to the German flag carrier, the European aviation conglomerate oversees brands such as Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Swiss. All these entities are slated to move to the new facility, where a ‘world-class’ premium lounge is also in the works. Project leaders are currently engaged in “advanced discussions” with other airlines.

JetBlue will maintain its current base at Terminal 5, with plans for new landside and airside connections to Terminal 6.

Some of the promised passenger experience highlights include:

Some of the key passenger experience highlights include:

  • The longest departures curb among all JFK terminals, featuring distinct airline-branded passenger drop-off zones.
  • Up to five premium airline lounges, along with a new arrivals lounge.
  • Retail and dining options inspired by New York City, covering nearly 100,000 square feet.
  • An automated baggage system and state-of-the-art TSA screening technologies.
  • A newly integrated ground transportation center and shared taxi stand with Terminal 5.

Beyond Terminal 6

The construction of the 1.2 million square foot facility is anticipated to generate over 4,000 jobs and constitutes a significant component of a comprehensive renovation effort aimed at modernizing the airport’s outdated infrastructure.

According to the Port Authority, an investment of $3.9 billion is earmarked for the transformation of JFK Airport “from curb to gate” over the upcoming years. Additionally, private-sector investors are contributing an additional $15 billion to the project.

The redevelopment of Terminal One, totaling $9.5 billion, commenced in September 2022, alongside a $1.5 billion expansion of Delta’s Terminal 4, currently in progress. Additionally, a redesigned Terminal 8, now housing American Airlines and British Airways, was revealed in November 2022.

Correction: This story has been revised to clarify that although JetBlue is expected to operate from the terminal, the primary anchor tenant will be the Lufthansa Group.