Air India selects planned JFK terminal 6 for future operations

Air India announced it has chosen the planned Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International Airport for its operations beginning in 2028. The terminal is being developed by JFK Millennium Partners (JMP). The move aligns Air India with other Star Alliance member carriers in the new terminal and marks another major airline commitment to T6, which has now been selected by 16 leading  international carriers at JFK. Other airlines that have announced movements to T6 include Star Alliance members Air Canada, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, and TAP Air Portugal — in addition to Aer Lingus, Cathay Pacific, Condor, JetBlue, Kuwait Airways, Icelandair, and Norse Atlantic. Air India’s existing codeshare or interline partnerships with many of these carriers will offer customers seamless, same-terminal connections to onward destinations across the Americas. Building on the recent opening of its signature Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport, Air India will further expand its premium ground experience in North America with the launch of its first flagship Maharaja Lounge at JFK Terminal 6. Spanning 9,100 square feet in a prime post-security location overlooking the terminal’s vibrant commercial concourse, the lounge will bring Air India’s distinctive blend of Indian hospitality, comfort, and world-class amenities to customers on both coasts of the United States. Terminal 6 will open in two phases, with the first set of gates opening in 2026 and the remaining gates and terminal completion expected by 2028. T6 is a cornerstone of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK International Airport, aimed at creating a cohesive, modern, and world-class gateway with the construction of two new terminals, two expanded and modernised terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network. Air India currently operates daily nonstop services from JFK Terminal 4 to Delhi and Mumbai using its flagship Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring brand-new or upgraded cabin interiors. Its current operations at Terminal 4 will continue normally until the airline’s planned move to T6 in 2028. “At Vantage Group, we believe transformations are built through transparent, aligned partnerships and a shared vision for the future,” said George Casey, Chair of JMP and Chair and CEO, Vantage Group. “Air India’s decision to join Terminal 6 validates the innovative approach we have taken to create and manage a new world-class international terminal at JFK, in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Air India will be an important partner in helping Terminal 6 deliver an exceptional experience while strengthening JFK’s role as a premier international gateway.” Developed by JFK Millennium Partners, led by Vantage Group, T6 is designed to deliver a boutique, guest‑focused travel experience, featuring short walking distances from the security checkpoint to all gates, modern amenities, intuitive wayfinding and a curated shopping and dining program that reflects New York’s global character. “Welcoming Air India to the new Terminal 6 is an exciting milestone for both T6 and JFK Airport,” said Steve Thody, JMP’s Chief Executive Officer. “Air India is a globally recognized carrier undergoing a bold transformation, and T6 is built to support that vision. From shorter walks and modern design to an environment focused on comfort and efficiency, T6 will offer Air India passengers an entirely new and elevated guest experience,” Thody added. Once complete, T6 will feature over 60 pieces of permanent art, expansive airline lounges, NYC-inspired shopping and dining, sustainability‑driven design elements, and state-of-the-art technologies throughout. Additional features include: 10 gates, of which nine will accommodate widebody aircraft; Automated baggage handling system; Seamless connectivity to JFK Terminal 5; New shared customs/border control facility with Terminal 5; One of the longest departures curbs at JFK, with airline-branded passenger drop-off zones; A new ground transportation center; A curated collection of New York City-inspired artwork featuring local and international artists, curated by the Public Art Fund in partnership with JMP and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; Sustainably sourced building materials, rooftop solar power, and energy-efficient systems and operating practices throughout the terminal; North America’s first airport with common-use, all-electric ground support for aircraft handling, supporting significant emissions reduction; Sustainability certifications for LEED (silver or gold), Envision, and SITES underway. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]