JFK’s New Terminal 1 Nears Completion,Set too revolutionize Passenger Experience
New York,NY – John F.Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the upcoming opening of its state-of-the-art Terminal 1. This ambitious project, a cornerstone of the airport’s broader revitalization efforts, aims to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer service, and bolster the airport’s resilience.
The Airport Council international-North America has highlighted the critical nature of these infrastructure investments,which are averaging nearly $35 billion annually. These upgrades are deemed essential for accommodating the growing demands of airlines and passengers, improving operational flow, and enriching the overall travel experience.
The new Terminal 1 is slated for a mid-2026 opening, strategically timed to coincide with the start of the 2026 World Cup. This major international sporting event will see some matches hosted at MetLife stadium in east Rutherford, New Jersey, approximately 30 miles from JFK.
The construction has necessitated a significant reshuffling of airlines across JFK, with more then half of the carriers at the airport changing terminals in the coming years.
A key design feature of the new terminal is its emphasis on natural light, a departure from conventional airport layouts that often feature basement customs areas.The departures hall, security lanes, and customs facilities will all be situated on the same level of the three-floor structure. The terminal’s design,spearheaded by architecture firm gensler,draws inspiration from a butterfly,with a central spine dividing the space.
the AirTrain, JFK’s vital transit link connecting terminals and parking lots to Queens train stations, is already operational through the construction zone and will provide direct service to the new terminal upon its opening. The airport’s overhaul also encompasses crucial roadway improvements designed to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion that has long plagued the region’s busiest airport.
The initial phase of Terminal 1’s opening in mid-2026 will feature the departure and arrival areas, along with the first 14 gates. All these gates will be equipped to handle wide-body aircraft, commonly used for long-haul international flights, and the terminal will have an initial capacity for 14 million passengers annually.
Upon the project’s full completion, currently scheduled for 2030, Terminal 1 will boast a total of 23 gates, including 22 capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft and one for narrow-body planes like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737. The final iteration of Terminal 1 will also offer over 300,000 square feet dedicated to dining, retail, lounge, and recreational spaces, with a substantial portion, 180,000 square feet, allocated exclusively to retail and dining options.
A notable innovation at the new terminal will be the introduction of a cash-and-carry duty-free shopping experience, a first for a U.S. airport. This format will allow passengers to purchase duty-free items and take them promptly, rather than having them returned before boarding.
Moreover, Terminal 1 will feature its own microgrid, complete with rooftop solar panels. This enduring energy infrastructure is designed to ensure the terminal’s full resiliency, enabling the maintenance of 100% of its operations even during power disruptions.