Air India Chooses JFK Terminal 6 for 2028 Operations

Air India to Launch Operations from JFK Terminal 6 in 2028

Air India has announced that it will move its operations to Terminal 6 (T6) at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York from 2028. The announcement was made jointly with JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company responsible for developing and operating the new terminal.

The move will place Air India alongside several Star Alliance member airlines at Terminal 6, enabling easier connections for passengers travelling to destinations across North and South America. T6 has now been selected by 16 international airlines, including Air Canada, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, Aer Lingus, Cathay Pacific, Condor, JetBlue, Kuwait Airways, Icelandair and Norse Atlantic.

Air India’s existing codeshare and interline partnerships with several of these airlines are expected to provide smoother same-terminal transfers for connecting passengers.

As part of the move, Air India will open its first Maharaja Lounge at JFK, covering approximately 9,100 square feet in a post-security location within Terminal 6. The lounge will complement the airline’s recently opened Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport and expand its premium ground services in North America.

Terminal 6 is being developed in two phases, with the first gates scheduled to open in 2026 and the full terminal expected to be completed in 2028. The project forms part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s US$19 billion redevelopment programme at JFK Airport, which includes new terminals, upgraded facilities, a ground transportation centre and a redesigned road network.

Air India currently operates daily non-stop flights from JFK Terminal 4 to Delhi and Mumbai using its Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Operations from Terminal 4 will continue until the airline relocates to Terminal 6 in 2028.

Commenting on the announcement, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said:

“New York has long been one of India’s key international gateways. Our move to Terminal 6 will support the deployment of our latest aircraft and strengthen the travel experience for our customers. The terminal’s design, operational efficiency and proximity to Star Alliance partners will help provide more convenient connecting journeys through JFK from 2028.”

Since its privatization in 2022, Air India has continued its transformation through fleet renewal, cabin upgrades, digital initiatives, network expansion and investments in customer experience.

Once complete, Terminal 6 will feature 10 gates, an automated baggage handling system, direct connectivity with Terminal 5, airline lounges, retail and dining facilities, a new ground transportation centre, public art installations and sustainability-focused infrastructure, including rooftop solar power and all-electric ground support equipment.

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