Air India will shift its operations at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to the new Terminal 6 (T6) beginning in 2028, strengthening connectivity with fellow Star Alliance carriers while significantly enhancing the premium travel experience for passengers.
The announcement was made jointly by JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the developer and operator of the new Terminal 6, and Air India. The move makes Air India the 16th international airline to commit to the state-of-the-art terminal, which is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport.
Seamless Star Alliance connectivity
The relocation will place Air India alongside several Star Alliance member airlines, including Air Canada, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS and TAP Air Portugal.
The airline’s existing codeshare and interline partnerships with many of these carriers are expected to provide passengers with seamless same-terminal connections to destinations across North and South America.
Air India currently operates daily non-stop flights from JFK’s Terminal 4 to Delhi and Mumbai using its Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Operations will continue from Terminal 4 until the planned move to Terminal 6 in 2028.
Flagship Maharaja Lounge at JFK
As part of its expansion in North America, Air India will open its first flagship Maharaja Lounge at JFK Terminal 6.
Spread across 9,100 square feet, the post-security lounge will overlook the terminal’s commercial concourse and offer premium travellers Indian hospitality, enhanced comfort and world-class amenities. The facility follows the recent opening of Air India’s signature Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport.
Terminal 6 taking shape
Terminal 6 will open in two phases, with the first gates scheduled to become operational in 2026 and the entire terminal expected to be completed by 2028.
Developed by JFK Millennium Partners, led by Vantage Group, the terminal has been designed to offer a boutique passenger experience with shorter walking distances, intuitive wayfinding, modern amenities and a curated shopping and dining programme reflecting New York’s international character.
Partnership for the future
JFK Millennium Partners Chair, Vantage Group Chair and CEO George Casey said Air India’s decision to operate from Terminal 6 validates the partnership’s vision of creating a world-class international terminal through close collaboration with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
He said Air India would play a key role in helping Terminal 6 deliver an exceptional passenger experience while strengthening JFK’s position as a leading international gateway.
JFK Millennium Partners Chief Executive Officer Steve Thody said Air India is undergoing an ambitious transformation and Terminal 6 has been designed to support that vision through modern infrastructure, shorter walking distances and a passenger-focused environment.
Supporting Air India’s transformation
Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson said New York has been one of India’s most important international gateways for more than six decades.
He said relocating to Terminal 6 complements Air India’s deployment of its flagship aircraft and the “new Air India experience.” The terminal’s passenger-centric design, operational efficiency and proximity to Star Alliance partners will help deliver smoother and better-connected journeys from 2028.
Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has been executing a comprehensive transformation programme covering fleet modernisation, cabin upgrades, digital initiatives, operational improvements and customer experience enhancements. The airline has placed record orders for 600 aircraft while continuing to expand its global network and invest in technology-driven travel experiences.