Expanded JFK Terminal 8 Opens with New Lounges for American and British Airways Elites

Expanded JFK Terminal 8 Now Open

American Airlines and British Airways today announced the opening of a newly expanded Terminal 8, marking completion of the first phase of the JFK Vision Plan.

The $400 million, privately financed expansion and modernization will allow British Airways to move from its long-time home in Terminal 7 and co-locate with American Airlines in Terminal 8. The 60-year-old Terminal 7 will be demolished to clear space for a new Terminal 6 that will begin construction early next year.

Operational enhancements of Terminal 8 include five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions, and an expanded and upgraded baggage handling system that will together support additional transatlantic flights. The terminal has also been expanded with approximately 130,000 square feet of additional and refurbished space.

Terminal 8’s expansion is a critical component of the JFK Vision Plan that will improve customer experience and increase connectivity for travelers. The move by British Airways will bring the storied carrier closer to its partner airlines when Terminal 8 becomes home to eight oneworld® Alliance carriers. Iberia plans to move into Terminal 8 on Dec. 1, and Japan Airlines expects to move its operations to Terminal 8 in May 2023.

Premium customers traveling on both airlines will now be able to enjoy an elevated travel experience at Terminal 8. Upon arrival, premium customers will be greeted at the brand new co-branded premium check-in area, which will provide personalized, concierge-style service. Thoughtfully designed architectural elements also define an exclusive check-in space for eligible customers.

Soho Lounge

Once through security, three distinctive lounges; Chelsea, Soho and Greenwich, combine the best of both brands and provide a refined, welcoming pre-flight experience for eligible customers based on cabin of travel and loyalty program status. The two brand new lounges — Chelsea and Soho — have been designed with original high-end finishes, evoking a unique sense of space while elevating the experience and service offered to every guest. American’s Flagship Lounge will be rebranded as the Greenwich Lounge and will feature a premium wine table, expansive seating and chef-inspired meals.

Chelsea Lounge

Terminal 8 will also be undergoing a major concessions upgrade across the terminal over the next 18 months, including locally-inspired food and beverage options.

The co-location of American Airlines and British Airways at Terminal 8 supports the Port Authority’s mission to create greater connectivity for passengers at a transformed and more unified JFK.

The Terminal 8 project involved the work of more than 115 unique minority- and women-owned businesses that were awarded contracts totaling more than $161 million, exceeding the Port Authority’s commitment to at least 30 percent MWBE participation at the agency’s capital projects. Local businesses were awarded nearly $33 million in contracts at Terminal 8.

Transforming JFK Into a World-Class Global Gateway

In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform John F. Kennedy International Airport into the world-class airport that New Yorkers deserve. The Vision Plan provides a strategic framework for the Port Authority and its partners to completely redevelop, modify and expand existing facilities and infrastructure. The newly expanded Terminal 8 builds on the momentum of the other three major components of the airport’s transformation now underway.

• The $9.5 billion development of a state-of-the-art New Terminal One that will anchor the airport’s south side broke ground in September 2022.
• The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal, was approved in the spring of 2021, broke ground in the fall of 2021 and is now under construction with completion expected in the fall of next year.

The $4.2 billion development of a new Terminal 6, which will connect seamlessly to Terminal 5 to anchor the airport’s north side, achieved financial close earlier this month, securing full private financing for the project, and will begin construction in the next 90 days.

All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority’s roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent an $18 billion transformation of JFK International and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authority capital investment of $2.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of more than five to one when taking into account the full private investment of more than $15 billion that has been committed to the four projects comprising the full JFK redevelopment program.