ISTANBUL- Turkish Airlines (TK) plans to commence operations at New Terminal One (JFK) in 2026. The airline will open a cutting-edge club for luxury travelers, reflecting its development ambition at a major US entry point.
New Terminal One, the largest international terminal in the US, offers enhanced amenities and technical advances to improve passenger travel experiences.
The terminal’s goal is to provide efficient and revolutionary passenger experiences through cutting-edge infrastructure and customer-centric design.
Turkish Airlines New Lounge at JFK
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is planning a $19 billion renovation of JFK Airport. The project consists of two new terminals, modernization of existing facilities, a ground transportation center, and a revamped roadway network.
Turkish Airlines (TK) will move its operations to New Terminal One while retaining its 19 weekly flights to Istanbul. The airline plans to build an 11,000-square-foot lounge, more than doubling the size of its current Terminal 1 facility.
This upgraded lounge will provide premium facilities, airport airfield views, and direct airplane boarding access to business class and frequent flyer guests. The strategic expansion demonstrates Turkish Airlines’ commitment to improving the passenger experience at a critical U.S. gateway.
Turkish Airlines received the World Class Award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for the fourth year in a row. Only 10 global airlines have achieved this distinguished award.
Skytrax named the airline the “Best Airline in Europe” nine times. The airline is frequently recognized for its Business and Economy Class amenities and lounges.
Turkish Airlines serves 351 destinations, with 25 in the Americas. As a Star Alliance member, the airline will share New Terminal One with alliance partners LOT Polish Airlines, EVA Air, and Air China.
Executives Remark
Jennifer Aument, the new CEO of Terminal One, expressed enthusiasm for the relationship with Turkish Airlines, underlining the importance of matched customer service goals. The terminal intends to provide a superior travel experience beginning in 2026.
Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Ahmet Bolat emphasized the airline’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the United States with the new cutting-edge lounge.
New Terminal One has formed alliances with a number of international airlines, including Air France (AF), KLM (KL), Etihad (EY), LOT Polish Airlines (LO), Korean Air (KE), EVA Air (BR), Air Serbia (JU), SAS (SK), Neos (NO), Philippine Airlines (PR), and Air China (CA).
These strategic alliances aim to improve international passenger experiences at JFK Airport.
JFK New Terminal One
New Terminal One at JFK Airport is a significant infrastructural development in the Port Authority’s $19 billion airport redevelopment initiative. The terminal’s goal is to obtain a Top 5 Skytrax ranking as a world-class international gateway.
Construction will take place on the sites currently occupied by Terminals 1, 2, and 3 on JFK’s south side. The first phase, which includes 14 new gates, will open in 2026, with full completion scheduled for 2030. The terminal will be 2.6 million square feet, the largest at JFK Airport.
The facility will have 23 international-only gates with sustainable architecture and cutting-edge technology. Expansive, naturally light spaces will prioritize better passenger experiences.
The terminal’s innovative amenities and architecture will put it up against top-rated global airport terminals. The project will be developed by a collaboration that includes Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle.
The terminal is committed to local inclusion, with participation goals of 30% minority and women-owned enterprises, 10% local business enterprises, and 3% service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Union labor will build the terminal, with an emphasis on community and workforce development.
