Air India to Move Its New York JFK Flights to New Terminal 6 by 2028

Air India announced on 21 July 2026 that it has selected Terminal 6 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport for its future operations, with the airline's Delhi and Mumbai flights to New York eventually moving there from the current Terminal 4. The airline has said it plans a flagship Maharaja Lounge within the new terminal as part of the move.

What is changing, and when

Terminal 6 is being built in phases, with an initial set of gates opening in 2026 and the full terminal, including Air India's eventual space, expected to be complete by 2028. Air India's current Terminal 4 operations at JFK continue as normal in the interim; the airline has not announced an exact date for its own move within that 2026 to 2028 window. Air India joins a list of international carriers, now numbering 16, that have committed to operating from the new terminal, aligning it with fellow Star Alliance member airlines already based there.

Why it matters for Indian travellers

New York is one of Air India's key long-haul markets from India, and a shift to a newly built terminal typically brings improved lounge space, immigration and baggage facilities compared with the ageing Terminal 4. For travellers booking JFK flights well in advance for 2027 or 2028, it is worth noting that departure and arrival terminals could change before travel dates arrive.

Confirm before you fly

Terminal assignments and construction timelines at major airports can shift. Travellers with upcoming Air India JFK bookings, particularly for 2027 and beyond, should confirm the current terminal directly with Air India or check their e-ticket closer to the travel date.

Traveller tips

• For flights booked in the near term, Air India's JFK operations remain at Terminal 4 until an official move date is announced.
• Terminal 6 is being developed with several other international carriers already committed, so travellers connecting onward from JFK may find more airline options consolidated in one terminal over time.
• Keep an eye on Air India's official announcements for a firm move date rather than relying on the initial 2028 target, which covers full terminal completion rather than Air India's specific transition.
• As with any major airport transition, allow extra time for the first few months after any terminal change, while signage and connections settle in.