Turkish Airlines Joins Qatar Airways, Air France, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, Air China, Ethiopian Airlines and Others in a Groundbreaking Expansion at JFK, Transforming the Airport into a Leading Global Aviation Hub with Unmatched Connectivity and Luxury Travel Experiences

Turkish Airlines, alongside other major international carriers like Qatar Airways, Air France, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, Air China, and Ethiopian Airlines, is marking a transformative moment in global aviation with its move to JFK’s New Terminal One. This groundbreaking expansion enhances the airport’s status as a premier global hub, offering unparalleled connectivity and luxury travel experiences. With over 20 world-class airlines now operating from this state-of-the-art terminal, JFK is set to offer travelers easier transfers, greater access to international destinations, and an elevated airport experience, solidifying its position as one of the world’s busiest and most advanced aviation gateways.

Saudia’s Move to the New Terminal One at JFK: A Milestone in Expansion and Connectivity

The aviation industry continues to evolve, and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), one of the world’s busiest hubs, is about to witness a transformative shift. In 2026, Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, will move into the New Terminal One, marking a significant milestone for the airline. This move not only enhances Saudia’s presence in North America but also highlights the ambitious transformation of JFK Airport, a vital international gateway to the United States.

A Strategic Move for Saudia and JFK Airport

The New Terminal One is set to become the future home of Saudia as part of a larger, multi-billion-dollar renovation plan at JFK. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has committed $19 billion to revamping the airport, aiming to modernize its facilities, improve passenger experience, and boost international connectivity. With the addition of the New Terminal One, JFK will see a blend of cutting-edge design and functionality, making it a more efficient and appealing airport for travelers.

Saudia’s decision to make the New Terminal One its base is part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the competitive North American market. Currently, Saudia operates out of JFK’s Terminal 1, providing direct flights to both Jeddah and Riyadh. However, with the move to the New Terminal One, Saudia will benefit from increased capacity, state-of-the-art facilities, and enhanced operational flexibility. This expansion comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is growing in prominence as a global travel destination.

The Ambitious $19 Billion Revamp of JFK Airport

The New Terminal One is just one part of a much broader $19 billion transformation of JFK, a project that includes:

• Two New Terminals: Designed to handle increased passenger traffic while improving overall comfort and amenities.
• Expansion and Modernization of Existing Terminals: Ensuring that older terminals are brought up to modern standards, enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
• Revamped Ground Transportation Center: A streamlined transportation hub to facilitate smoother arrivals and departures.
• Simplified Roadway System: New access roads and infrastructure to ease congestion and improve traffic flow at the airport.

This overhaul of JFK is a bold move aimed at enhancing the passenger experience and positioning the airport as one of the premier international hubs of the future.

Saudia’s Expanding North American Presence

Saudia’s relocation to the New Terminal One signals a new chapter in its expansion strategy for the North American market. With the move, Saudia will enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge infrastructure and larger capacity, giving it the ability to better serve its customers. The airline’s presence at JFK also supports its continued growth in the United States, where it already operates direct flights to Jeddah and Riyadh.

In addition to more spacious facilities, Saudia plans to introduce improved flight schedules, providing more convenient timings and more frequent services on its Jeddah–New York route. This expansion will enhance connectivity for travelers, enabling easier access to 12 U.S. cities through Saudia’s partnership with Delta Air Lines.

Saudia’s move also aligns with the increasing demand for travel to Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is quickly becoming a major global destination, drawing tourists for its blend of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern attractions. Saudia’s new operations at JFK aim to cater to this growing interest and facilitate smoother travel for passengers heading to Saudi Arabia, whether for business or leisure.

The Global Airlines Joining Saudia at the New Terminal One

The New Terminal One will host more than 20 international airlines, reflecting the growing importance of JFK as a global aviation hub. Saudia will join a prestigious group of carriers, with several other high-profile airlines also making the terminal their base. These include:

• Air France (France)
• KLM (Netherlands)
• Etihad Airways (United Arab Emirates)
• LOT Polish Airlines (Poland)
• Korean Air (South Korea)
• EVA Air (Taiwan)
• Air Serbia (Serbia)
• SAS (Sweden, Denmark, and Norway)
• Neos (Italy)
• Philippine Airlines (Philippines)
• Turkish Airlines (Turkey)
• Air New Zealand (New Zealand)
• Royal Air Maroc (Morocco)
• Air China (China)
• China Airlines (Taiwan)
• Gulf Air (Bahrain)
• Qatar Airways (Qatar)
• EgyptAir (Egypt)
• China Eastern Airlines (China)
• Azores Airlines (Portugal)
• Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia)
• Viva Aerobus (Mexico)

These airlines represent a diverse array of countries, further cementing JFK’s status as a hub for global travel. Travelers arriving or departing from JFK will benefit from this enhanced connectivity, enjoying easier transfers and better access to destinations worldwide.

“We are honored to welcome Saudia to the New Terminal One,” said Jennifer Aument, Chief Executive Officer, The New Terminal One at JFK. “Our team is dedicated to creating an incredible travel experience that aligns with Saudia’s ambitious vision. We look forward to building a strong and lasting partnership with Saudia in New York – one of its most important global gateways.”

Saudi Arabia: A Growing Travel Destination

Saudia’s expansion at JFK is tied to the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia as a key global destination. The kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy and promote tourism have yielded significant results, making it an increasingly attractive location for international travelers. Saudi Arabia boasts a range of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient archaeological wonder of AlUla and the historic charm of Jeddah’s Old Town. Additionally, the kingdom’s scenic beaches along the Red Sea offer a blend of natural beauty and luxury that appeals to tourists from around the world.

In response to this growing interest, Saudia is positioning itself as the primary airline to facilitate travel between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. By offering more flight frequencies and improved connectivity through its partnership with Delta, Saudia is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for travel to and from Saudi Arabia.

Turkish Airlines, alongside Qatar Airways, Air France, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, Air China, and Ethiopian Airlines, is part of a groundbreaking expansion at JFK’s New Terminal One. This move solidifies JFK as a leading global hub, offering unmatched connectivity and luxury travel experiences for international travelers.

A New Era for JFK and Saudia

The New Terminal One at JFK is set to revolutionize air travel, not only for Saudia but for passengers traveling to a variety of international destinations. The expansion of JFK Airport, combined with Saudia’s move to the new terminal, will offer a more seamless and efficient experience for travelers. As Saudia strengthens its position at one of the world’s most important airports, its expanded North American operations reflect the growing significance of Saudi Arabia as a global tourism and business hub.

With its state-of-the-art facilities, improved flight schedules, and enhanced connectivity, the New Terminal One promises to be a key player in shaping the future of international air travel, connecting travelers from the U.S. to destinations across the world.