Saudia to relocate to New Terminal One at JFK in 2026 - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Saudia will move its operations at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport to the New Terminal One when the facility opens in 2026. The relocation marks a new phase for the airline in the United States’ largest international gateway and strengthens travel connections between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The New Terminal One is a central element of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s 19-billion-dollar transformation of JFK Airport. The redevelopment includes two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center and a redesigned roadway system intended to simplify access across the airport.

Expanded capacity and modern facilities

Saudia currently operates from JFK’s existing Terminal 1 with nonstop flights to Jeddah and Riyadh. With the opening of the New Terminal One, the airline will relocate its operations to a larger and more modern facility designed to support future growth in the North American market.

The new terminal will offer an upgraded passenger experience with expanded retail and dining areas that combine international brands with local New York businesses.

With prime arrival and departure slots at JFK, Saudia plans to introduce new flight timings and increase frequencies on the Jeddah–New York route. Through its codeshare partnership with Delta Air Lines, the airline will also expand connections to 12 destinations across the United States.

Growing tourism links between Saudi Arabia and the U.S.

The strengthened air links come as Saudi Arabia continues to promote tourism and international travel. Visitors are increasingly drawn to destinations such as the UNESCO World Heritage sites in AlUla, the historic districts of Jeddah and the beaches along the Red Sea.

“We are honored to welcome Saudia to the New Terminal One,” said Jennifer Aument, Chief Executive Officer of The New Terminal One at JFK. “Our team is dedicated to creating an incredible travel experience that aligns with Saudia’s ambitious vision. We look forward to building a strong and lasting partnership with Saudia in New York – one of its most important global gateways.”

More than 20 international airlines join the project

Saudia will become part of a growing group of international airlines that have committed to operating from the New Terminal One. More than 20 carriers have already confirmed their participation, including Air France, KLM, Etihad Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, EGYPTAIR and Air China.

The terminal is being developed in phases on the site currently occupied by Terminal 1 and the former Terminals 2 and 3 on JFK’s south side. The first phase, including new arrivals and departures halls and 14 gates, is scheduled to open in 2026.

Once fully completed, the New Terminal One will offer 23 gates and a total area of around 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK Airport and comparable in size to the two new terminals recently built at LaGuardia Airport.

Major infrastructure project at JFK

The project is led by a consortium including Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico and Carlyle. Construction is being carried out by union labor and includes participation targets designed to support minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses.

The New Terminal One is intended to set a new benchmark for international airport design and service quality, with the goal of achieving a five-star rating from Skytrax.

Image Credit: © The New Terminal One at JFK