After years of construction, John F. Kennedy International Airport has a brand-new front door: Terminal 6 opened its first gates in 2026. It is the first piece of a $4.2-billion rebuild on JFK's north side, and it is already changing which building your flight leaves from. If you're flying through JFK this year, here's what has actually opened, which airlines have moved in, and what it means for your trip.

What has opened at Terminal 6

The first phase of the new Terminal 6 brings about 10 modern gates — most of them wide-body capable — to the north side of the airport, physically connected to JetBlue's Terminal 5. The terminal is being built by JFK Millennium Partners in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on the site of the former Terminals 6 and 7. This first phase is the opening act: when fully complete, Terminal 6 will be a 1.2-million-square-foot facility, with the full build-out expected by 2028.

For passengers, the practical upshot is simple. There is now a bright, modern terminal with new gates, more lounge and dining space, and direct AirTrain access — and a group of airlines have started operating from it instead of their old homes.

Which airlines have moved to Terminal 6

Terminal 6 is taking over most of the airlines that used the old Terminal 7, which is now being retired. Carriers that have moved in or are moving into Terminal 6 include:

JetBlue, which co-leads the Terminal 6 project, uses the new terminal alongside its long-time home next door at Terminal 5. Because these moves are still rolling out through 2026, the golden rule applies: always confirm your terminal on your airline's app or boarding pass within 24 hours of departure. For the full picture of who flies from where, see our JFK terminals guide.

Where is Terminal 6 and how do you get there?

Terminal 6 sits on JFK's north side, next to (and connected with) Terminal 5. Like every terminal at JFK, it's on the free AirTrain loop, which runs 24/7 and links all terminals, the parking lots, and the subway and LIRR at Jamaica and Howard Beach. If you're connecting from another terminal, remember that JFK has no airside walkway between all terminals — you'll usually collect your bags, exit, and clear security again at Terminal 6, so leave yourself time. Our guides to getting to and from JFK and a layover at JFK cover the timing in detail.

How Terminal 6 fits JFK's bigger rebuild

Terminal 6 is one half of a historic transformation at JFK. The other half is the New Terminal One, a $9.5-billion international terminal on the airport's south side. That project has been pushed back — its first gates are now expected in November 2026 at the earliest, rather than the originally targeted June — and when fully built by 2030 it will be the largest terminal in the United States.

Meanwhile, the old Terminal 7 is being wound down and will be demolished to make room for the second phase of Terminal 6. And two terminals are already gone from the map: Terminal 2 closed in 2023, and Terminal 3 was demolished back in 2013. The result is a smaller set of bigger, more modern terminals — but also a year of moving parts. For the current airline-to-terminal breakdown, bookmark our terminals guide and check the airlines flying from JFK.

What's next for Terminal 6

This is only the first phase. Construction continues on the rest of the terminal, with additional gates and amenities due as the old Terminal 7 comes down. Full completion is targeted for 2028, adding more wide-body gates, retail, dining and lounges. In other words, if you like the new Terminal 6 now, there's more to come.

Frequently asked questions

Is Terminal 6 open at JFK?

Yes. The first phase of JFK's new Terminal 6 opened in 2026 with around 10 gates, connected to Terminal 5 on the airport's north side. More gates will follow as construction continues toward full completion in 2028.

Which airlines use Terminal 6 at JFK?

Airlines that have moved or are moving into Terminal 6 include Lufthansa, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Icelandair, Condor, Norse Atlantic, Frontier, Kuwait Airways and Avianca, plus JetBlue. Most of them relocated from the closing Terminal 7. Because moves are still happening, confirm your terminal before you fly.

Is JetBlue moving to Terminal 6?

JetBlue co-leads the Terminal 6 project and uses the new terminal, but its main home remains Terminal 5 next door — the two are connected. Check your boarding pass to see which building your specific JetBlue flight departs from.

What happened to Terminal 7?

Terminal 7, once operated by British Airways, is being retired in 2026. Its airlines are relocating to the new Terminal 6, and the old building will be demolished to make way for Terminal 6's second phase.

Has the New Terminal One opened too?

Not yet. JFK's other big project, the New Terminal One, has been delayed from June 2026 to November 2026 at the earliest. Until it opens, its international airlines continue to use the older Terminal 1.

Planning a trip through JFK? Compare your ride options in our JFK to Manhattan transport guide, see where to relax in our JFK lounges guide, and get the full terminal map in our JFK terminals guide.