The airline Qatar Airways, which was recently named the best in the world for a record ninth time by the prestigious Skytrax organization for 2025, has announced a significant step forward in its operations on the American market. As their new home in New York, they have chosen the ultramodern The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This multi-award-winning carrier plans to move its operations to this state-of-the-art terminal during 2026, and this move will be crowned by the opening of an exclusive lounge of almost 1400 square meters. It will not be just an ordinary lounge, but the first dedicated Qatar Airways lounge in New York and also the first of its kind in the United States of America, setting new standards of luxury and comfort for passengers.

Revolution at JFK: A $19 billion project

Qatar Airways' decision to join The New Terminal One is part of a broader and more ambitious plan to transform the entire JFK airport. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has launched a project worth as much as $19 billion with the aim of turning JFK into a globally recognizable and top-tier entry point into the United States. This megaproject includes the construction of two completely new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing ones, the construction of a new ground transportation center, and a complete reorganization and simplification of the road network within the airport. The New Terminal One, which is being built on the site of the former terminals 1, 2, and 3, represents a key pillar and anchor of the airport's south side in this comprehensive renovation.

Construction is taking place in phases, and the first phase, which includes the new arrivals and departures hall and the first 14 gates for aircraft, is scheduled to open in 2026, coinciding with the planned relocation of Qatar Airways. Upon full completion in 2030, The New Terminal One will span an impressive 240,000 square meters and will have a total of 23 gates. This will make it the largest terminal at JFK, almost equal in size to the two new terminals at LaGuardia Airport combined. The consortium behind this project, led by the companies Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle, has a clear goal: to set new standards in design and service and to position itself among the top five terminals in the world according to Skytrax's ranking.

A premium experience from check-in to boarding

The move to the new terminal and the opening of the first proprietary lounge in the USA fits perfectly with Qatar Airways' long-standing commitment to providing an exceptional travel experience. The strategic importance of New York in the global network of this airline is thus further emphasized. The new lounge will be a true sanctuary for business class passengers, offering them seamless and efficient direct access to the boarding gates. Passengers will be able to enjoy a range of amenities designed to make their journey as pleasant as possible. This includes a premium food and beverage offering, VIP check-in services, specially designed relaxation zones, prayer rooms, children's play areas, top-tier gastronomic options, and the possibility of duty-free shopping.

The partnership between Qatar Airways and The New Terminal One promises an extraordinary experience for guests from the moment they arrive at the terminal until takeoff. The terminal's modern architecture, filled with natural light, along with advanced technology, will ensure passengers a fluid and relaxing journey that complements the world-renowned service that Qatar Airways provides in the air. The outstanding offer of retail shops and restaurants, which will combine globally known brands with icons of The City That Never Sleeps, will further enrich the experience and create lasting memories for passengers leaving this metropolis.

A strategic partnership for the future

The Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, expressed great satisfaction with this partnership. "At Qatar Airways, we eagerly await the start of our operations at JFK's new Terminal One and welcoming our business class passengers to our first exclusive lounge in the US. Our new, state-of-the-art lounge will provide an enhanced experience at every touchpoint and complement our leading business class travel experience. From dedicated airport transfers to VIP check-in and the finest retail and dining options, premium passengers will be offered the world's best service," noted Al-Meer. He added that this move demonstrates the evolution of Qatar Airways' long-standing commitment to connecting global travelers with New York and expanding services in a destination that is an integral part of their American network.

Jennifer Aument, Chief Executive Officer of The New Terminal One, also welcomed the collaboration: "We thank the Qatar Airways team for their trust as we embark on this exciting new chapter at JFK together. As an airline that has long been synonymous with excellence, Qatar Airways' decision to become our partner confirms the strong value we offer to international carriers looking to strengthen their presence in New York."

Global connectivity and undeniable prestige

Qatar Airways began operations in New York back in 2008, using Terminal 8 at JFK. Today, the company's network in the USA includes 11 destinations, serving more than 3 million passengers annually. With 18 weekly flights from JFK, Qatar Airways connects passengers from the United States to more than 170 destinations worldwide through its home hub – the award-winning Hamad International Airport in Doha.

The prestige of Qatar Airways is confirmed by numerous accolades. They have won the title 'World's Best Airline' nine times (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025). In addition, they regularly win awards for 'World's Best Business Class' and 'World's Best Business Class Lounge'. They have also been named 'Best Airline in the Middle East' for the 13th time. Their home hub, Hamad Airport in Doha, also achieves success, having been named 'World's Best Airport' in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and has held the title of 'Best Airport in the Middle East' for 11 consecutive years. Qatar Airways is also the first airline in the Middle East to be certified at the highest level of IATA's Environmental Assessment program (IEnvA), and as one of the first signatories of the Buckingham Palace Declaration, they also became the first airline in the world certified to the industry standard for preventing the illegal trade of wildlife in aviation. This new step in New York is just a confirmation of their continuous pursuit of excellence in all segments of their business.