Air India at JFK T6. Photo: Air India Air India has announced that it will move its operations at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to the new Terminal 6 beginning in 2028, becoming the latest international carrier to commit to the airport's massive redevelopment project.
The airline will join a growing list of carriers operating from Terminal 6, including several of its Star Alliance partners such as Air Canada, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and All Nippon Airways. The move is expected to improve connections for passengers traveling between India, North America, and destinations across the globe.
Campbell Wilson, Air India CEO and George Casey, JMP Chair. Photo: Air IndiaAs part of the transition, Air India will introduce its first flagship Maharaja Lounge at JFK. The 9,100-square-foot lounge will overlook the terminal's main commercial concourse and is designed to bring the airline's signature blend of Indian hospitality and premium amenities to travelers in New York.
The announcement marks another milestone in Air India's ongoing transformation, which has accelerated since the carrier's privatization in 2022. The airline has invested heavily in fleet renewal, cabin upgrades, digital services, and customer experience improvements, while placing orders for 600 new aircraft.
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.”
Steve Thody, JMP’s Chief Executive Officer: “Welcoming Air India to the new Terminal 6 is an exciting milestone for both T6 and JFK Airport. 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.”
Air India currently operates daily nonstop flights from JFK's Terminal 4 to Delhi and Mumbai using Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Those services will continue unchanged until the move to Terminal 6 is completed.
Terminal 6 is a key part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $19 billion overhaul of JFK Airport. The terminal is scheduled to open in two phases, with its first gates expected to enter service in 2026 and the full project completed by 2028.
Once finished, Terminal 6 will feature 10 gates, expansive airline lounges, a shared customs facility with Terminal 5, an automated baggage system, and more than 60 pieces of permanent artwork. It will also become North America's first airport terminal to use all-electric ground support equipment for aircraft handling.
For Air India, the move represents more than a terminal change. It signals the airline's ambition to strengthen its presence in one of its most important international markets while offering passengers a more seamless and premium experience at one of the world's busiest gateways.