Aer Lingus has announced that it will be one of the first airlines to use the new Terminal 6 complex currently being built at New York-JFK Airport (JFK) when it opens in 2026. Being constructed by JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) on behalf of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, the new $4.2 billion Terminal 6 is slated to open “in early 2026” and the Irish carrier will begin operation from the new facility the day it opens.
Currently under construction at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and part of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s $19 billion redevelopment of JFK airport, Terminal 6 is being developed in two phases, with the first five gates opening in early 2026 and construction completion expected by 2028. New York City-inspired retail, dining options, and amenities totaling nearly 100,000 square feet will “create a unique New York sense of place”, according to JMP.
Terminal 6 will offer ten new gates, of which nine will accommodate widebody aircraft and a five-minute average walking distance from the TSA security screening exit to the departure gates. It will also feature a state-of-the-art automated baggage system, customs/border control facilities, and the latest TSA screening technologies. Sustainably sourced building materials, rooftop solar power, and energy-efficient systems and operating practices will be employed throughout Terminal 6.
As part of the agreement, Aer Lingus will open a new signature lounge in Terminal 6 for its passengers, providing a modern state-of-the-art space with greater seating capacity, ensuring more comfort and space for its customers. Aer Lingus passengers can “look forward to the terminal’s boutique, state-of-the-art design, with short walking distances to gates”, said a company statement.
“We’ve enjoyed a close partnership with Aer Lingus since they moved to JFK Terminal 7 in April 2023, and we’re thrilled to continue this partnership at the new T6 and welcome their passengers on our very first day of operations in early 2026,” said Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners.
The new terminal will also feature unique curated artwork and 100,000 square feet of NYC-inspired shopping and dining. A new Aer Lingus check-in space will allow for an improved check-in experience with self-service bag drop options for greater convenience. Meanwhile, Aer Lingus customers will be able to benefit from improved connectivity with its connecting partner JetBlue within the same terminal.
Aer Lingus currently operates twice daily nonstop services from Dublin (DUB) to JFK Terminal 7, in addition to daily flights from Shannon in the west of Ireland and Manchester in the UK, using both Airbus A330 and A321LR aircraft.
”We are looking forward to our move to JFK Terminal 6 when construction is completed,” said Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer. ”The new terminal promises Aer Lingus customers a modern, light-filled, tech-enabled space, which will allow us to go above and beyond for our customers. The addition of a brand-new dedicated Aer Lingus lounge will further enhance our loyal customer’s experience providing them with a modern state-of-the-art lounge.”
