JFK's $19B redevelopment: Terminal One set for June 2026 opening

Aument anticipates around 50 airlines will change their terminal locations at JFK in 2026. The projects are part of broader improvements aimed at transforming JFK into one of America's best airports.

JFK is currently the largest international air gateway to the U.S., having welcomed 17.5 million international travelers in 2024 according to U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics data.

Aument led a tour of the under-construction Terminal One following the announcement about China Airlines. She highlighted its design features inspired by a butterfly and reminiscent of a bowtie.

Terminal One will include extensive dining and retail spaces when complete. Six lounges are planned for travelers' convenience.

The third-floor ticketing lobby is described by Aument as a "very grand space." It aims to guide travelers intuitively through security to their gates.

Transparency is emphasized in the design to offer views from curbside through to aircraft aprons. However, future TSA checkpoints may obstruct some views.

An "Instagrammable" art piece will be installed post-security along with other artworks throughout the terminal space.

Arriving international travelers will experience an upper-level customs hall filled with natural light before proceeding to baggage claim located in the basement area.

"This is where we officially welcome people to New York," Aument stated regarding the customs hall setup without a basement CBP area.

Once phase A opens on former terminals 2 and 3 sites at JFK; work on demolishing existing Terminal 1 will commence for phase B's additional gates scheduled for completion by 2030.