Doha, August 19 - Qatar Airways is set to elevate its presence in the United States by relocating its New York operations to the state-of-the-art New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in 2026. This move marks a significant milestone for the Doha-based carrier, which has operated out of JFK’s Terminal 8 since launching its New York services in 2008. The transition to the New Terminal One, a cornerstone of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion redevelopment of JFK, underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and solidifying New York’s role as a key hub in its global network. The new terminal, designed with modern architecture, light-filled spaces, and advanced technology, will feature 13 gates in its initial phase, expanding to 23 gates by 2030, and encompass 2.4 million square feet, including 300,000 square feet dedicated to retail, dining, and lounge spaces. This ambitious project aims to transform JFK into a world-class gateway, and Qatar Airways’ decision to anchor its operations there reflects its strategic focus on delivering unparalleled service.
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As part of this relocation, Qatar Airways will unveil its first-ever dedicated lounge in the United States, a 15,000-square-foot premium facility exclusive to its Business Class passengers. This lounge, a first for the airline in both New York City and the U.S., is designed to mirror the carrier’s renowned onboard experience, offering a seamless and luxurious pre-flight environment. Passengers will enjoy direct access to boarding gates from the lounge, a feature that enhances convenience and efficiency. The facility will include a range of high-end amenities, such as VIP check-in services, relaxation zones, prayer rooms, children’s play areas, premium dining options, and exclusive duty-free shopping. These offerings align with Qatar Airways’ reputation for excellence, as evidenced by its consistent accolades for World’s Best Business Class and World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge. The lounge is expected to set a new standard for premium travel at JFK, catering to the needs of discerning travelers with a focus on comfort, functionality, and sophistication.
The move to the New Terminal One represents a strategic investment in Qatar Airways’ U.S. operations, where it currently serves 11 destinations and transports over three million passengers annually. With 18 weekly flights from JFK, the airline connects travelers to more than 170 global destinations via its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport in Doha, which has been named the Best Airport in the Middle East for 11 consecutive years. The relocation, however, introduces a challenge for passengers connecting with American Airlines, a key partner in the oneworld alliance. Currently, Qatar Airways’ operations at Terminal 8 facilitate seamless connections with American Airlines, but the shift to Terminal One will require passengers to use the AirTrain for landside transfers, potentially adding complexity to the journey. Despite this, the move is poised to enhance the overall experience for passengers starting or ending their trips in New York, as the new terminal promises a modern, intuitive environment that complements Qatar Airways’ premium services.
Qatar Airways’ decision to establish its first U.S. lounge and relocate to the New Terminal One reflects its long-standing commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation industry. The airline’s investment in a proprietary lounge, rather than relying on shared or third-party facilities, underscores its intent to control every aspect of the passenger journey, particularly for its high-value Business Class travelers. The New Terminal One, backed by a consortium including Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle, is expected to create over 10,000 jobs and serve as a hub for numerous international carriers, including Air France, KLM, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines. Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized that the lounge and terminal move will provide an enhanced experience at every touchpoint, reinforcing the airline’s position as a leader in global aviation. As JFK undergoes its transformative overhaul, Qatar Airways’ presence in the New Terminal One will likely redefine premium travel in New York, offering passengers a sophisticated and seamless gateway to the world.