John F. Kennedy International Airport’s ambitious $9.5 billion Terminal 1 project is rapidly taking shape and is set to revolutionize the travel experience for international passengers. With its first phase expected to open in mid-2026, this massive redevelopment marks a significant step forward in modernizing one of the world’s busiest airports.
Replacing the outdated terminal that opened in 1998, the new Terminal 1 will become JFK’s largest, spanning a footprint nearly equal to the combined size of the two newly revamped terminals at LaGuardia Airport. Its design is tailored specifically for international travelers, focusing on efficiency, comfort, and elevated service. Passengers flying with airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Air New Zealand, Etihad Airways, Air China, and China Airlines will soon be welcomed in this sleek and modern facility.
The terminal is already weather-tight, with critical infrastructure like baggage conveyors and ticket counters taking shape. Developers have emphasized a customer-centric approach, aiming for a bright, open space filled with natural light eliminating the need for traditional basement customs lines. The departures hall, security, and customs processing will all be located on the same level, streamlining passenger flow and enhancing convenience.
Designed by global architecture firm Gensler, the terminal’s aesthetic was inspired by the form of a butterfly, with a central body and wing-like extensions. A wall of slanted glass windows will allow daylight to flood the interior, reinforcing a sense of openness and calm.
Terminal 1’s mid-2026 debut will include the departure and arrival areas, as well as 14 gates, all capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft used for long-haul international flights. Once completed in 2030, the terminal will feature 23 gates 22 for wide-body jets and one for narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The terminal will support an annual capacity of up to 14 million passengers.
Beyond its structural and operational upgrades, Terminal 1 will offer more than 300,000 square feet dedicated to dining, retail, lounges, and recreational areas. Notably, over 180,000 square feet will be devoted solely to shopping and food services. It will also introduce a first-of-its-kind “cash-and-carry” duty-free concept in the U.S., allowing travelers to take purchases with them immediately rather than retrieving them at the gate.
Another notable feature is the terminal’s microgrid system, complete with rooftop solar panels. This energy infrastructure is designed to ensure full operational functionality during power disruptions, contributing to the airport’s resilience and sustainability goals.
Terminal 1 is a centerpiece of a broader $19 billion transformation plan for JFK Airport, which also includes the demolition of Terminal 7 and the construction of a new Terminal 6. The airport’s roadways are also being reworked to reduce traffic congestion, and the AirTrain is already integrated into the new terminal layout for seamless connectivity.
