Korean Air’s premium customers and elite frequent flyers can look forward to a world-class lounge experience at The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport, soon to be the airline’s new home in the iconic city of New York.
Korean Air will open a 16,000-square-foot lounge at the New Terminal One, elevating its customer experience at one of the airline’s key global markets. The new lounge, which will be one of the largest in Korean Air’s global network outside its hub at Seoul Incheon, further strengthens the partnership between Korean Air and The New Terminal One, which was first announced in May 2023.
The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway. This transformation will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.
Located at the end of the New Terminal One’s east pier, the lounge can offer direct boarding access to aircraft, providing unparalleled convenience as part of a world-class experience for Korean Air customers departing New York City. Offering panoramic views of the airfield, the new Korean Air lounge will be an expansive, light-filled space featuring premium amenities for the airline’s First and Prestige Class customers and elite frequent flyers.
Among the lounge features that customers can look forward to is a show kitchen and bar, offering a diverse array of fresh culinary delights crafted in the on-site kitchen.
“We are delighted to announce our plans to launch a new lounge at The New Terminal One (NTO) at JFK. This premier facility, with panoramic airfield views, will offer our customers departing from New York an elevated experience featuring top-notch technology and service. We look forward to collaborating closely with NTO as we prepare for the unveiling of this state-of-the-art lounge in 2026,” said David Pacey, Executive Vice President and chief of In-flight Service and Lounges at Korean Air.
“Our team at The New Terminal One is committed to offering a world-class experience for our guests, and working closely with our partner airlines is key to that effort,” said The New Terminal One Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Aument. “We are pleased to expand our agreement with Korean Air, one of the world’s leading airlines, and look forward to working with their team to deliver an unmatched experience for Korean Air’s valued customers flying out of JFK Airport.”
One of only 10 Skytrax five-star airlines worldwide, Korean Air is recognized globally for its customer service and onboard products. The airline celebrated its 45th year of operations at JFK Airport in April 2024 and currently operates 14 times weekly from Seoul Incheon to JFK.
The Korean Air Lounge will be among the largest lounges at the New Terminal One, a dedicated international terminal that will offer premium amenities and cutting-edge technology. When complete, the New Terminal One is anticipated to handle almost three times the number of passengers at the existing Terminal 1, offering the capacity and certainty for international airlines planning to grow their service at JFK Airport.
The New Terminal One’s Phase A, scheduled to open in 2026, will include expansive departures and arrivals halls and the first 14 widebody aircraft gates. Scheduled for completion in 2030, the 2.6 million-square-foot terminal will offer 23 gates, of which 22 will be equipped for widebody aircraft. The New Terminal One will replace the existing Terminal 1 and the former Terminals 2 and 3, handling anticipated traffic of more than 16 million passengers in 2030.
